Page 58 of My Shy Alpha

But then he freezes, his lips still pressed to mine. It looks like he heard something.

After a tense silence, Noah growls.

I mindlink him with our lips still locked. What is it?

Noah sighs, kissing me deeper. My mom wants to meet you. She’s telling me off for not wanting her to.

I break our kiss, my heart sinking. “What’s so bad about meeting me?”

Noah sits up off me, his shoulders deflating. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. She’s just–” He sighs, scraping his fingers through his bedhead until it’s captivatingly messy. “She’s not very warm. I don’t want you to have to be around that just yet.”

Dropping my stare, I hug my chest, hiding my boring, old bra. “Is it because I was raised as a human?”

Noah scratches the back of his neck, dropping his head. “Well, unfortunately, she’s speciesist, so yes, that’s part of it. We fight about it constantly.” My heart pounds, but Noah meets my eyes with a shy smile. “I also just want to keep you to myself a bit longer. Without the stress of outside input.”

I try to smile, but I feel too sick from his words.

Noah deflates. His shaky fingers sort out my tangled hair this time. “I-I’m sorry. This is part of what I meant last night. I hate putting you through this.”

I need to get my head straight. This is Noah. Unless he says otherwise, he’s not embarrassed by me like my ex. He’s concerned for me like my mate.

Grasping his hand to my chest, I look into his eyes. “Noah, I’m your mate, and I want to be. There will always be something to compromise on or share the load with during a long-term relationship. If this is what comes with ours, that’s okay.”

My heart throbs faster, debating on whether or not to share the rest of what I want to say. The full truth. But Noah gazes at me with such hope and relief that I can’t help myself.

“There’s something else.” I give his knuckles a kiss, waiting for a response. He’s frozen, but wrapped up in my every breath - teal eyes tracing my stare with full trust.

And just like when I discussed it with Amy, I know this is exactly what I want.

“Noah, I want to be your Luna.”

He sucks in a sharp breath, and I flush down my neck.

“I know that’s a lot to say and that I’m clueless, but my wolf is certain, and I’m certain about you, and–” I trail off in a sputtering, red-cheeked mess, but I’m too afraid of what’s behind Noah’s eager stare to hear it just yet, so I prattle on. “I’m sure all sorts of uncomfortable situations will happen often as Luna. I want you to see that you can trust me to handle it.”

After a heavy swallow, Noah’s voice comes out soft and steady. “It’s not you I don’t trust. I don’t want anyone to be hurtful to you. Especially not my own mother.”

“How she treats me is up to her, and not about our relationship. As long as you and I treat each other with kindness, I’ll be happy.”

Noah grasps my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. But when I finally look at him, I’m surprised to find he’s not smiling. “I just don’t want to put you in situations I know will suck if there’s still a chance I could do anything about it.”

I give him a playful smile. “Sounds like you’re still taking on this protection thing all by yourself.”

He leans over me, kissing my cheek. “It’s in my instincts to protect you, sweet Omega. I care about you too much to not follow them.”

His deep whisper makes me shiver. My core aches with desire, and I chase Noah’s lips before he pulls away. He settles in to kiss me, heavy, longing drags of our lips curling my toes off the bed.

But after kneading his lips a few times, I can tell he’s distracted.

“Is she still linking you?”

He sighs, sweet puppy-dog eyes dropping to my collarbone. “Y-yeah...”

“How bad will she react to me, honestly?”

Noah groans, scrubbing his forehead on my stomach. It tickles so much that I burst into giggles. He pops back up with a smile.

“I don’t know.” His smile fades. “I haven’t been able to predict her behavior since my dad died.”

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