Page 65 of My Shy Alpha

Our bond sparks with a shred of comfort. But when Noah lets out a soft, pained whine, I feel sick.

“I’m so sorry,” I say.

Noah’s huff blasts my legs with hot air. Then I’m in the air, laying on his snout.

“Noah!?”

My yelp becomes a laugh as Noah’s limp tail gives a soft wag. When he places me back on my feet, he nudges my hand to get me to follow him.

Guiding me through the forest, Noah pads alongside me with rotating ears, capturing every minor sound. To my ears, it’s remained silent since he appeared.

But that was freaky earlier. I felt so threatened that everything was so much louder. Was that adrenaline, or was that really my wolf?

Noah side-eyes me, and I give him a sad smile. When he side-eyes me again only five seconds later, trying to pretend like he’s not staring, I laugh.

He tilts his head like a perplexed puppy, his big ears perking up, and I laugh harder.

“You’re so cute, Noah.”

His ears slink back, but the giddiness in our bond tells me he’s pleased to be seen no matter how shy he feels. But as we continue to walk in silence, his ears droop all the way down again.

He’s still hurting. I want him to know why I’d never blame him like his mom does; it doesn’t even make sense, considering what I was told about Ritchie’s death.

“Noah, I know our situations aren’t exactly the same, but I used to find a way to blame myself for their deaths too. Until I realized it just didn’t make sense. I didn’t pull the trigger, so...”

Noah’s paws slow, his chin lowering in alarm as he stands straighter.

I study his hulking wolf, struggling to figure out what I said to make him look so confused. Then I suck in a horrified breath.

Noah doesn’t know who my father is. If Amy didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t have known who Noah’s dad was either. I’ve only called my parents “Mom and Dad,” and every photo I own of them is tucked away from when it was too raw to see them smiling on the walls.

Noah’s wolf stare makes my heart race more than usual, but it’s even worse when he’s so intent on my next words. If I don’t explain this in a sensitive way, he might blame himself for my dad’s death too.

“Our dads were close. Which I knew, but I never knew Ritchie had a son, or that he was a Lycan.” I swallow, bracing myself for what I’m about to say. “My dad was shot and killed too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to act like I understood how you feel.”

Noah’s ears stiffen higher than I’ve ever seen them. My heart rate spikes.

I grip my arm, afraid I haven’t said enough. “I can explain better once we get to where we’re supposed to be going. I’m a little anxious out here after almost getting attacked.”

He nuzzles my palm in reassurance before guiding me between two massive boulders. Once we dip to greet the other side of the rock formations, the trees grow tighter and thicker, blanketing the hilly forest for miles like evergreen snow.

I hike in antsy silence, replicating Noah’s footsteps. Everywhere else is overgrown and wild, but he’s left a small trail in the ground. I wonder how often he visits.

The trees part, revealing one of three forest rivers. I’m mesmerized by the river’s serenity in this section.

“Noah, this entire place is so gorgeous.”

I turn back to where he last was to realize I’ve lost sight of him - which feels impossible, considering he’s massive. Just before I call out his name, his sulking, black head pops out from between a small inlet of rock, patiently waiting for me. I round the inlet to find a wide, dark den, tucked into the hillside.

I gasp. Is this a pack den? No, it’s too empty.

A gust of wind scoops out a familiar wash of scent to greet me: a sweet, contemplative smell that sends goosebumps from my neck to my thighs. This is Noah’s den, and his rising nervousness tells me this is a deeply personal gesture.

24

Noah peeks at me with only his eyes, keeping his head bowed. This is my den. No one else is allowed. His tail softly wags as his eyes dart to the ground and back to me. Except for the little wolves. I can’t seem to get mad at them.

My heart pounds as I trace the rocky entrance’s cool surface with my eyes alone, unsure if I should enter.

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