My Love, My Mate, My Alpha

Chapter 3

Ryder parked his car in my driveway and we both sighed. I wasn't ready to be interrogated about who my mate was.

"I'll see you tomorrow." He said squeezing my hand. I smiled and nodded at him. I unbuckled and got out, hesitantly shutting the car door behind me. He waited until I opened the front door to start the car. I watched him pull out and went inside. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed an iced tea from the fridge as Jade came in.

"So did you get to chose your partners or were they assigned?" She asked casually. I rolled my eyes.

"We were paired up with who we sat next to." I said shrugging. She nodded and started doing the dishes.

"So you never did tell us who your mate is, we're all super excited for you." She said, changing the subject. I sighed and put my hands in my pockets.

"I appreciate the excitement, but I wasn't up for sharing, I just got put on the spot and I hate when you guys do that." I said shrugging. She nodded and started drying her hands off.

"Are you embarrassed of who it is?" She asked after a second. I hesitated. I wasn't embarrassed, I was scared. I didn't mind that he was a guy, or from another pack, but other people might, and that scared me because I didn't want to start drama or cause problems for me and him.

"No... I just feel like it'd would be better if we waited until we're sure that we can work through any complications if they arise." I said. She looked at me confused but nodded.

"I'm paranoid, you know this." I said with a forced chuckle, she nodded and gave me a sympathetic smile.

"Yea, unfortunately you got the short end of the stick when it comes to metal health." She said. I laughed and started up the steps, stopping half way up and groaning.

"Going through the window?" Jade asked amused as I walked back to the front door. I rolled my eyes and went outside, climbing the tree and jumping through the window. I landed on the floor harder than I thought I would, shoulder first. I grabbed my shoulder and groaned loudly, then I got up and shut my window, deciding that I would never use it as an exit again if I left my door locked. I turned my light on and plugged my phone in, then I changed into basketball shorts and a loose t-shirt. I ran a brush through my hair and unlocked the door, heading into the bathroom. I turned on the shower and stripped down as I waited for the water to get hot.

After I showered and got dressed again, I went back into my room and let myself fall onto my bed. I laid there for a second, feeling exhausted even though I'd napped earlier. I rolled over and checked my phone, I had two new text messages, one from Ryder and one from Will. I checked the one from Ryder first since it was the most recent.

"I miss you already, I was so comfy." I smiled at my phone and bit my lip.

"I was too, we'll have to hang out again soon. And don't forget about that project." I sent back. I got up and turned my light off, then laid back down and checked the message from Will.

"Congrats on finding your mate man! Sorry we put you on the spot like that, I remember you used to hate that, we all just got excited. I'm hoping you find yourself feeling happier than you have been lately. See you tomorrow." I sighed and stared at the screen for a couple minutes and shook my head.

"Thanks, and it's fine." I sent back finally. I turned my alarm on and put my phone down next to me, taking a deep breath and rolling onto my side. I smiled slightly, letting myself daydream about Ryder again as I fell asleep.

I woke up to my alarm and sighed, turning it off. I got up and got dressed, putting on basketball shorts and a fitted black t-shirt. I brushed my hair and my teeth, then grabbed my stuff and went downstairs. I started making my tea, humming as I did. Jade came in and smiled at me, then started her coffee.