The Unknown Alpha

Chapter twenty-four

The thing about magic?

It often reacted to emotions. Sure, magic developed in mid-to-late childhood, but as the supernatural reached late teen-years, controlling that magic was much easier. There was a lot of discipline in mastering magic. A lot of patience and time and energy.

Thankfully, it wasn't often that emotional outburst caused a lot of wild magic. Otherwise, the world would be doomed with every tantrum. Every grounding or teen yelling with their parents could be catastrophic.

Most supernaturals don't have enough magic to do much damage when they're emotional. Not without intentional thought, that is.

But Bailey . . .

Bailey wasn't like any other supernatural. Emily get's into a screaming match with her sister, and nothing. Bailey in the middle of a panic attack? That was more problematic, as she soon learned.

Bailey could feel it. Magic creeping along her skin. It wasn't the usual sensation she had every time she shifted. This magic felt different. Not bad different, just unusual. Her stomach twisted painfully, a groan escaping her lips as she stagged further into the dark bathroom.

It wasn't until she backed into something hard, something she discovered was the basin, that she realised she should have switched on the light. Now, she would have to take a few calculated steps over to the light switch, but she doubted her mobility right now.

Besides, the light would be more for comfort than anything else. Scare away the shadows. Even without a single source of light, everything was in focus. She needed to get the handle of her enhanced senses. She wasn't used to always feeling this way. In wolf-form, sure. It was normal, but in human form? Her mind had a hard time trying to adjust.

God, she hated her newfound powers.

Bailey heard pounding, and for a moment, she thought the sound came from inside her head. Another headache about to split her head open. Until a voice came from the other side of the door.

It was Ariana.

She kinda expected her parents to make the first step but considering that locked inside the bathroom was a possibly out of control alpha, it was probably wise for other alphas to take the lead. And Ariana was certainly better than the other two options. She could still hear Andrew and Daniel arguing downstairs.

Bailey moved away from the basin until her back collided with a wall. Even though Ariana didn't seem that bad, she didn't want anyone near right now. A decorative mirror nearby caught that flash of wide silver eyes. Goddamn alpha genes.

Apart from the silver eyes, it was hard to focus on the rest of the reflection. Before she could even begin to worry about it, the doorhandle rattled again. Followed by a crunch.

Alpha strength beats lock every time.

Feeling defeated and utterly drained, Bailey's knees wobbled as she slid down the wall. Pulling her knees to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs. As the door creaked opened, Bailey turned her face away, her tear-stained cheek resting against her kneecap.

The floors creaked as Ariana stepped inside. "Bailey?"

Bailey remained silent, hopeful the older alpha would just go away. She sighed heavily when Ariana remained in the doorway, looking defiant. Still better than the other alphas, she reckoned. Andrew and Dainel would probably belittle her by now.

At least Ariana seemed to care.

No, Bailey decided. Ariana's concern was legit. She could feel it.