Unexpected

GRADS

It was the day of my graduation. After the ceremony, all the graduates met their families outside of the school.

It was really pretty outside with a lot of smiling faces ready for the summer break.

"Say cheese." Mrs. Bowman said before taking Noah and I's picture together.

I was so excited to see Noah and his mom there. She really has accepted me being with her son.

"I have a dinner reservation for us." Noah held my hand.

"Really?"

He smiled. "Of course."

I'm thankful I didn't meet Noah until recently. I wouldn't have survived the rest of high school with everyone judging and picking me apart.

Word spread really fast about the Alpha finding his mate. No one knew it was me, but the gossip and opinions I heard about it were crazy.

"Why is he hiding her?"

"She's probably from another country."

"Maybe his mate's not a she."

"Nah, she's probably ugly as fuck."

"Yeah, that would be embarrassing."

"Ooh, so he'll probably reject her soon, right?"

I was trying to keep a low profile, but since Noah and his mom showed up to the graduation my cover was blown.

We got a bunch of stares and whispers then eventually everyone figured out who I was. Noah's PDA towards me gave it away. I did my best to focus on my inner circle and ignore the onlookers.

"Thanks for coming to Nova's graduation."

"I'm happy to support my daughter-in-law."

My dad looked surprised. "Excuse me?"

"I'm just teasing...you really are protective like she said."

Dad chuckled in relief.

"We have a few more years before all of that." Mrs. Bowman smiled.

"Good. I'm glad we're all on the same page.

After I got that text from Chanel, I showed my dad. He had no choice but to report it to Noah and let him take over as my mate and protector.

I knew she would be upset but didn't know the extent of her anger. Her text message was heartbreaking but not really surprising.

Honestly, I expected her to attack when Noah announced us as mates. But I'm confused at her still claiming she's pregnant by him. That girl is really determined.

"Are you ready to go?" Noah pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Yup."

"Wait, I wanna get a picture."

Chanel's voice made me turn in her direction while my father intervened.

"No, we're leaving."

"Oh, well, congratulations, bestie."

The smile on her face was her way of intimidating me, but she failed to remember that I knew all her tricks. I've watched how she manipulated situations with other students being fake kind.

"Same to you." I smiled in return, and I could tell she didn't like that.

"So, can I at least get a picture with my baby daddy?"

Mrs. Bowman was already on her phone as she stared at her. I wasn't afraid of Chanel, just cautious. Noah completely ignored her.

"Mom, I'll see you later...Mr. Marshall, Nova will call you."