The Princess and the Alpha

Chapter 9

James P.O.V.

A few days have passed since Melody appeared in town. I try to spend time with and around her but the more I try it seems the more distant she gets.

I talked to my parents about Melody and they were so excited to hear I found my mate. Then I told them she was a mortal which surprised them but my mom gave me advice. She suggested I try befriending her and when I feel ready asking her on a date and just ease her into the whole situation not letting her know what I am for a while. That has been tough since my wolf wants to be around her and protect her at all times.

I'm trying so hard to not freak her out but I'm determined to ask her out by the end of the day. I've been trying to talk to her all morning but she's hard to pin down and even possibly avoiding me.

Finally, our Marine bio class rolls around and since we have set lab partners the only reason I won't get to talk to her is if she doesn't show up.

I walk into class and she's already sitting there doodling in her notebook. She's so adorable when she's focused on one thing. Her zoning off in class is the only time I don't feel her guard up.

"Hey!" I say as I sit down next to her. She doesn't look up at me but I see her checks blush

"Hey there," she says casually.

"How has your day been?"

"It's been good."

"Then why have you been avoiding me, Princess?"

She looks up her beautiful eyes finally meeting mine.

"I haven't been avoiding you," she flusters.

I smirk "of course not. But you could make it up to me if you were."

"And what would that be?"

"Go on a date with me?"

Her eyes go wide and her face reddens as she quickly processes what I asked.

"Yes! I would love that," she responds

"Great!," I smile brightly. "How does Saturday night sound?"

"Sounds great!" She says quietly as the class starts.

I don't pay attention at all in class since all I can think about is how happy I am. I spend the rest of the day planning in my head what we will do on our date. I walk Melody to her car at the end of the day and head home myself.

I had a lot to do when I got back to the pack today. My mom wants me to help with the intro combat classes for the younger pack members today. I head straight to the training area after school. Working with the beginners is exhausting but nothing can bring my mood down today. I get there just in time as my mom starts the class. I'm here mainly to just help with bearding and managing the group of nine year old kids who are bored only learning the basics of combat.

As they work on a simple clapping exercise that helps with coordination. I feel the breath knocked out of me as I get an overwhelming feeling that Melody is in danger. I can sense her large amounts of panic briefly before shifting and sprinting as fast as I can to her.