Unwanted Alpha (Book 1 of Alpha Series)

Chapter 7

Sam didn't come down for lunch or dinner. She stayed in her room, and I had no idea if she would ever forgive me.

If I were in her shoes, then I wouldn't forgive myself either. I knew that it wasn't her fault that she couldn't help her parents because she was only five. She couldn't help them even if she wanted to because she hadn't been able to shift.

Her parents had wanted her to hide, and she did what she was told to do. If she didn't, then she would have been killed, and I would have been left without my best friend and Beta.

"Thomas, go to her," my father said, watching me play with my food. He set his fork down and looked at me. "You need to apologize."

I didn't respond and shrugged while I kept playing with my food. I didn't want to go see her, not knowing what she'd if she saw my face. I knew that she'd be mad if I went up there, even if I did try to do something.

"Grab a plate of food for her to eat and go up there," Mommy said. Her voice was soft and gentle, and I hesitantly nodded and got up from my spot. "Will you need help?"

I shook my head, no. "No, Ma'am," I said. "I got it." I didn't wait for any other words and walked to the kitchen. I knew that Mommy had set a plate of food to the side for her, so I was going to bring that one.

I was silent when I made my way into the kitchen and grabbed the plate and fork for her. My stomach clenched in fear, and I prayed that she'd accept this, but I had no idea if she would. I had no idea if she would open the door for me.

Sighing, I started to walk to her room; my head bent while I walked. I didn't pay attention to my surroundings, even though I knew I should have. I should have been paying attention because sometimes the bullying at school did happen at home.

And today was no different when I ended up face planting into the food because someone had tripped me a few doors away from hers. I whined in pain and closed my eyes because I didn't want to see who had tripped me.

"Awwww, look at this," one of my tormentors said. "The baby Alpha is bringing some food to his bestie," he cooed. "You should let her starve. She deserves it."

"No, she doesn't," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Leave me alone." I kept my face where it was, not wanting them to see my tearstained face.

"Awww is the baby Alpha crying?" my tormentor cooed. "Are you going to call your dad? I don't know why he will help you." He spat at my feet, a sign of disrespect, and he and his cronies walked away laughing.

I didn't say a word and laid there. I had no idea what I had done to deserve this treatment and wondered if there was some way to stop it.

If you are mean to her and make her feel like crap... the voice whispered.

No, I whispered back. Tears pricked my eyes, and my throat felt as if it closed. I can't do that. I need her just as much as she needs me...

No, you need the respect of your pack. You don't need her. You can fit in, not her. You are the Alpha, so act like it.

I am... I whispered because I was. I am helping a pack member stay in the pack.

Who shouldn't be in the pack, to begin with. Stop letting her in. Push her away and make her feel like shit. Then, you will be accepted.

I don't want to be accepted if I have to push her away from me.

A door opened, and the voice became silent. There was some sniffling, and I had a feeling that it was Sam. "Tommy?" she asked with a sniffle. "What are you doing here?"

I didn't respond and kept my face on the plate. I felt ashamed and was humiliated, especially since I couldn't do the simple task of getting her a plate of food so that she could eat.

She sniffled again and wiped her nose on her sleeve before she padded over to me. Sam knelt down and grabbed some of my hair before she lifted my face from the plate of food. Her eyes were bright with concern, and there were still tears in her eyes.

I didn't say a word and stared at her. My heart pounded hard in my chest, and I had no idea if she could hear it or not.

She narrowed her eyes and frowned while she studied me. "You have potatoes all over your face," she said, and all I did was roll my eyes. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up." She set my head back into the plate of food and tried to push me into a sitting position.

"No," I said, my voice muffled. "Leave me alone. I hurt you."

"Well, I am about to sock you if you don't move, you dimwitted ninny," she retorted. "So move your butt and get your face out of the food."

I huffed but relented and sat up. I stared at her, making sure that she was able to see the guilt and sadness in my eyes. "I'm sorry," I whispered. "I'm sorry for ruining Christmas for you."

She shrugged and didn't comment about me being sorry. All she did was grab my hand and tried to pull me into a standing position. "Come on and let's get you cleaned up," she said, brushing off my apology.

I didn't move. "Sam..." I trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

"I know, Tommy," she said and still tried to pull me to stand. "It's in the past. You're still my best friend." She paused and stared at me with suspicious eyes. "Right?"

No, the voice whispered. Tell her no.

I nodded and stayed silent, too afraid to speak. I didn't want to accidentally tell her no like the voice had said. I stood and bit my lip, praying that it wouldn't accidentally slip out.

Sam smiled and nodded. "Good," she said. "Because I need Robin for my Batman."

I rolled my eyes and scowled.

"The Bonnie to my Clyde?" She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. Her eyes brightened and filled with mischief while she waited for me to say something.

Again, I didn't reply, and she huffed and started to pull me to my room, the plate of food forgotten.

"What about Ernie to my Bert?" she asked and raised an eyebrow.

A small smile flickered onto my lips, and I shook my head. "Very funny, Sam," I said finally. I squeezed her hand, and she squeezed mine back.

"I know," she said and shrugged. "I try to be."

And with that, we walked the rest of the way to my room in silence.