The Alpha's Human Mate

|Chapter 1|

"Jackie, did you get your spare key? I might be at work when you come home," Mom tells me in the car, while she drives.

"Yeah," I mumble, dejectedly.

She frowns, glancing at the passenger side, where I'm sitting. "Aren't you excited? It's your first day at your new high school!"

"I'm thrilled," I sarcastically drone. I glance at my little brother, Ivan, who's starting sixth grade. He's getting dropped off first, and then it's me.

I drum my fingers on my thigh. It's gonna be so mortifying, getting dropped off to a new high school, with your mom dropping you off. You'd think that a senior would be able to drive now, but my mom's not getting me a car until I'm eighteen. It's a miracle she even let me get a driver's license.

Mom sighs. "Jackie, I know that you're upset that we moved in the middle of your senior year, but just think of it from my perspective. I understand you're upset, but please, just try to be happy."

"I'm trying," I tell her with clenched teeth. She rolls her eyes, obviously not believing me. But can you blame me?

***

Imagine this; it's the beginning of November. You're living in Orlando, Florida, so it's not really that cold. You're happy, with your three best friends, and your crush finally noticing you, even though you're the 'nerd' of the school. Even though your older brother, who you're closest with, is in his second year in college, and your dad left you and your family when you were ten years old. Your college acceptance to Stanford already came in and you're practically walking on the moon. You're having lunch with your little brother and your mom.

Suddenly your mom pops up with a random question. "How would you like it if I told you that we're moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?"

You pause for a second, meet your brother's eyes, and you both burst out laughing. "Good one, Mom!" you tell her, between laughs.

She shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "Uh, actually, I'm not joking."

You and your brother immediately stop laughing. "What?" your brother blurts out.

"We're moving. To Pittsburgh. In two weeks."

***

After dropping Ivan off, before we know it, we reach my high school. Mom pulls up in front of the school, and turns to me.

"Bye, Jackie," she tells me.

"Bye," I mutter, grabbing my backpack and getting out of the car, while slinging it over my shoulder. I slam the door behind me, and walk through the main entrance.

I look around and see the front office. I walk over there and ring the bell, causing a middle-aged lady to look up at me.

She smiles warmly. "Hello, how may I help you?"

I shift uncomfortably. I'm not good at talking to adults. "Uh, I'm new here, and I was wondering if I can get my schedule?"

She nods. "Yes, what's your name?"

"Jackie Terrell."

The lady nods and types something into her computer and scrolls through. She frowns. "I don't see any Jackie Terrell's here. Is that your full name?"

I feel myself turn red and shake my head. "Jacqueline Terrell," I mumble.

She nods and smiles at her computer. "Yes, I found you. Here, let me print out your schedule and a map of your school. I also have your Student I.D. Also, you'll need to see the principal before you go to class. He'll give you an excuse note."