Page 20 of My Shy Alpha

But it just doesn’t feel right.

Although, I do believe Amy’s wide, petrified stare. Even if her explanation sounds like an irrational, imaginary tale, it’s her truth.

“You smell too much like a human for Lycans to not see you as a serious threat to their safety. I have no idea what they could do to you, and there was no reason to risk it and find out.” Amy winces as tears brim. “But I should’ve given you a choice somehow. I’m so sorry, Aliya. I fucked up. You don’t have to forgive me, but please know I just wanted to keep you alive and by my side.”

I never understood why my parents appeared so torn the first day I clung to Amy’s side after school, but it’s sinking in now. She was a wolf. A ticking bomb if she spilled the truth.

But she’s always been the only friend who understood my heart. Why even back then, the disapproval in my parents’ eyes gutted me, lapsing me into horrific, ear-piercing wails when I thought they’d never let me see her again.

They let me have her, and I never let go.

But neither did Amy. She kept this a secret: choosing to stay by my side too.

“I couldn’t risk losing you, even if there was only a chance,” Amy whispers.

I grip Amy’s hand to pull her closer, part of me still afraid to lose her. “I’m still hurt, but I love you.”

Amy dissolves into tears. “I love you too.”

We huddle together, a mess of soft sniffles as my overwhelming body heat boils us both. After a silent minute, Amy pulls back, testing my forehead with worry straining her eyes.

Tears scrape my throat when I try to speak. “Did my mom die thinking he was shot by mistake too?”

“No, but... Your poor mom...” Amy’s voice shakes as much as mine. “You’ve always been right by saying she died of heartbreak. It’s unlivable to lose a mate. Wolves are tied down to the soul.”

I swallow hard, graphic memories of Mom’s rapid decline searing my heart. “I’ve always thought it was like my dad’s death took her soul with him.”

“See? You’re so damn smart, girl. You knew this stuff all along, just in different words.” Amy squeezes my hand as I finally let myself crumble.

“But does that mean my mom...? Was she also a... Lycan?”

“No, she was a human. But she was your dad’s fated mate. It’s so rare that the wolves didn’t accept her at first. Or maybe they never truly did. I can only assume your parents lived outside of pack territory due to speciesism.”

My eyes widen, a glimpse of last night flashing past my eyes. “Just like Noah said might happen...”

Amy’s eyes bulge. “Did you just say Noah?”

“Yes? He’s– um... The guy I’m hoping comes back. My... Alpha.”

Amy gapes, sending a fresh wave of numbing anxiety down my limbs. “Oh, girl... Noah’s not just your Alpha. He’s the Alpha.”

My heart leaps into my throat. “What do you mean?”

“I knew whoever dumped his scent all over this place was powerful, but no wonder I couldn’t recognize him; he’s swamped with pack problems and supposedly super shy, so it’s rare to catch a glimpse of him. I’ve never met him up close. He’s the Greenfield territory’s pack leader. My pack leader. Kira’s pack leader...” Amy throws her head back, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Thank the Goddess! If he’s your mate, this changes everything. You’ll be safe if you’re with our top Alpha.”

My eyes widen with Amy’s every word. Amy winces, giving me a moment to process, but I can’t get over what she just said.

“He really was the pack leader? He told me Alphas weren’t necessarily leaders, so it wasn’t what this was between us...”

Amy breaks into a soft smile. “Oh, that’s Alpha Noah, alright. He wanted you to know he sees you as his equal when, historically, Alphas like to believe they’re destined for dominance, even over mates. It’s a bit patriarchal if you ask me.”

Just before I freak out at the thought of Noah domineering like Steven, Amy smirks.

“Not your Alpha, though. He’s pretty outspoken in hating Alpha domination, actually.”

My heart flips. Everything Amy is saying rings true to Noah’s words. “But it sounds like he still happened to be the pack leader?”

“He’s strong. No one here can dethrone him, so he’s the natural leader. But I think it’s a Greenfield family thing to be powerful as hell.” Amy’s smile fades. “Noah took over the pack after his dad passed... Ritchie Greenfield.”

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