Alpha's Human Mate

New best friend to the rescue

The lesson concluded quicker than Gulf had anticipated. He stretched his limbs before rising from his seat, leaning in to whisper to Kokliang in a hushed tone that only he could hear.

"My boy, I'm off to relieve myself before our date. I'll wait for you outside the washroom."

With that, Gulf made his way to the lavatory to empty his bladder before indulging in the notoriously delicious cafeteria grub. After fulfilling his promise, he stood outside the washroom near their classroom, keeping an eye out for Kokliang.

Minutes ticked by, yet Kokliang remained elusive. Boredom crept in, prompting Gulf to wander the vicinity, all while the washroom remained in his line of sight as he began to mutter to himself.

"Where the hell is Kokliang?"

"I told him to wait for me. Wait! Did he ditch me?!"

"Do you know what? Stuff it; if he's bailed on me, it's his loss. I don't need anyone to show me around; I'll manage on my own."

With that resolute declaration, he strode away from the area, veering down an unfamiliar corridor in search of his beloved cafeteria, his stomach growling like a grumpy bear.

Gulf ambled along from a buzz of busy bees' hall to an eerie silence, still on the hunt for the cafeteria—directionally challenged as ever. As he continued down the corridor, a sudden yelp and the sound of something smashing drew his attention.

He hurried toward the noise, only to stumble upon that insufferable tall, handsome brat pinning Kokliang against the wall, just as he had done to Gulf when their paths had crossed.

Fury ignited within Gulf at the sight. He couldn't bear the injustice of the stranger bullying someone smaller. Without a second thought, he marched over to the imposing figure and stood beside them.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, you brat?" Gulf snapped, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Move. Mind your own business, newbie. This mutt needs to be taught a lesson," the tall, handsome bloke growled menacingly.

Calmly, while continuing to tap his foot in annoyance, Gulf retorted, "The only one who needs a lesson is you, brat." The tall guy growled again, and Gulf added with a fierce glint in his eye, "Listen here, you wanker. If you lay a hand on him, I'll kick your sorry arse."

In a swift motion, Gulf punched the stranger's jaw, causing him to involuntarily release Kokliang, who now hugged his own jaw in shock. The tall man glared at Gulf, his eyes wide with annoyance.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Gulf, filled with a sense of triumph, pulled Kokliang behind him and stepped face-to-face with the stranger, their noses almost touching. With a cheeky smirk, he backed away, throwing the guy a wink as he walked off with Kokliang, leaving the stunned bully flabbergasted.

Once they felt they were far enough away, Gulf turned slightly to Kokliang and asked, "You alright, my boy?"

"Is he even human?" Kokliang whispered to himself, but Gulf caught the sound and burst out laughing.

"That brat's just a bully; I've dealt with their sort all my life."

"Yeah, but... seriously, how did you do that? I mean, I get if it's some normal human bully, but San? You do know he's a werewolf, right?" Kokliang said, a glimmer of concern in his eyes. Gulf tensed at this revelation, prompting Kokliang to slap his mouth in realisation.

"Sorry! I think I'm still in shock, so just ignore what I just said," he added, hastening his steps.

Gulf regarded Kokliang with suspicion, pondering, 'How on earth does he know about werewolves? There must be more to this than meets the eye.' He then caught up with Kokliang.

Quick as a flash, Gulf wrapped his arm around Kokliang's shoulder, pulling him close. "Kokliang, my boy, how do you know about werewolves?"

Kokliang's nerves were palpable as he tried to squirm away, but Gulf held him firm.

"Oh, relax. I've known they existed since my stepfather is a werewolf himself."

Kokliang stopped dead in his tracks and turned to Gulf, his jaw-dropping in disbelief. Gulf merely smiled in response.

"Well, my family and I—and not to mention thousands of others—are werewolves too, here in Bangkok," Kokliang whispered conspiratorially.

"So, San is?" Gulf asked, seeking confirmation, and Kokliang nodded.

"Still, this doesn't clear anything up. You're a human, and you just punched a werewolf. Seriously, how?"

"Okay, fine. I've had my scrapes with werewolves before, but only the weaker ones, so nothing riveting to recount. I did once get my arse handed to me by an alpha, though," Gulf replied nonchalantly.

"Still... it doesn't make sense, like you, a human, fighting a werewolf. You do realise they can hurt you really badly?" Kokliang queried with genuine curiosity.

"I'm just strong, I suppose; probably on a werewolf's level. But let me ask you first: why was San trying to kick your arse just now?" Gulf said, locking his gaze on Kokliang.

"Well, San is erm... my best friend—or should I say, my ex-best friend..." Kokliang confessed, scratching his head with the guilt of a cat caught in a room full of rocking chairs.

"Alright, he's your ex-best friend, but why does he act that way towards you if he's your ex?" Gulf inquired, curiosity painted across his face like an artist's fevered brush strokes.

"Well, erm... he sort of caught me in a compromising position with his little sister after he explicitly told me to steer clear of her."

"Is that all? That's so childish! And I suspect there's more to this tale, wouldn't you agree, Kokliang? I can see right through you, like a cheap theatre curtain!" Gulf said, arching an eyebrow with the finesse of a seasoned interrogator.

"Fine, fine... It isn't the entire story, but just a smidgen of it," Kokliang conceded, a reluctant spark of intrigue igniting in his eyes.

"I'll spill the beans tomorrow after school—let's rendezvous at the café a stone's throw from our university. For now, let's head to our beloved cafeteria."

"Blimey! Our marvellous cafeteria—how could we possibly forsake that? Let's get a move on! Damn, that insufferable San for distracting us from our culinary date!" Gulf declared, striding dramatically in the opposite direction of the cafeteria.

"But—"

"What but? Your 'but' can wait until after our delectable cafeteria adventure. Now, skedaddle!" he urged, urgency lacing his words.

"The cafeteria is the other way, though," Kokliang stifled a laugh, eyeing Gulf with bemusement.

"Really? I was merely teasing! Now, let's make haste, my boy!" Gulf replied, grabbing Kokliang by the arm as they turned towards the right path to the cafeteria.