The Alpha's Witch

Chapter One

edited
• • •

ADELINE

I release a sigh under my breath as I watch the mother and daughter walk around the store. I'm pulled into my thoughts, consumed with memories of my own mother.

Her death was a shock and at sixteen years old, it had uprooted my entire life. The High Coven Council had learned of the forbidden spells she would practice in the attempt of bringing my father back to life, but in the end it only came at the cost of her own.

It's a thought that comes unbidden. And I shake it away, grounding myself back into reality as the woman and her daughter approach the counter.

"We're all ready," the mother smiles politely, setting a few things down on the space between us.

I force a smile back and take the payment. When the two of them leave, I busy myself with cleaning up, realizing the time. The store closes at eight, so I fix a few pieces of clothing that had fallen off the hangers and sweep the floor.

When I catch a glimpse of myself in one of the mirrors, I stop. My waist length hair falls past my shoulders in light red waves. And my green eyes shine back at me, resembling my mother's all too much.

It's a blessing and curse. I'm thankful for the similarity, but it's also serves as a painful reminder of what I've lost.

The more I think of her, the more I long for the comfort and stability of family I once had back when my parents were alive and we lived happily in our coven. But things were different now, so I didn't typically allow myself to dwell on the past.

I quickly put the broom up, count the till and turn off the open sign. Then I grab my purse and head out the back door to finally lock up.

I had been working here at this boutique 'Northern Apparel' for a little over four weeks now since moving to Bellingham, Washington.

Living a life constantly on the run isn't ideal in any sense, but I've found it best to hide amongst humans in larger cities to mask my scent from other supernatural beings. Every wolf and vampire I've encountered has made sure to display their lack of fondness for my kind.

So, I find it best to be alone. Hidden from those who hunt me.

After locking the back door, I start down the long, dark alleyway. I wrap my black jacket a little tighter around myself as the chill of the cold autumn air hits me. My leggings hardly do anything to keep the lower half of my body warm, but I mentally thank myself for wearing my uggs.

The alleyway lacked any light, and the only source could be found at the sidewalk once you near the street. Even though I've closed up the store several times over the past few weeks, I haven't been afraid of this consuming darkness.

Until now.

The feeling washes over me, prickling my skin with an urgency to move faster. Only, then comes the sound of an unfamiliar male voice from behind me. "Well you look lonely, don't you."

My heartbeat quickens and I try to swallow that fear. My legs move faster on their own accord as I try to convince myself I'm simply being paranoid.

He's not talking to me. I repeat it over and over in my mind as the road gets closer and closer.

Only, that dreadful feeling creeps back in, sending me into a panic as a hand grabs my waist. The strength of it pushes my back against the brick wall and I wince at the feeling of colliding with the hard surface.