Page 66 of Freeing My Alpha

His phrasing churns my stomach, warning sirens alarming in my head.

Many of our students have various disabilities or are neurodivergent. I’ve worked all year to coax Kelsi out of hiding from what must be educational trauma, and her being nonverbal has never been the problem: it’s how clearly traumatized she is by the force and shame placed on her to speak. Mr. Turner should know better by now.

My fears are confirmed when Kelsi immediately tries to stick a painted thumb in her mouth to self-soothe.

I stop her from accidentally eating the paint just in time, then shoot Mr. Turner a pointed stare. “She’s communicating clearly, words or not. We can discuss this privately.”

He raises an eyebrow as I guide Kelsi to the sink to wash her hands.

Dammit, that just slipped out. I shouldn’t have corrected him so harshly in front of a student.

But I can’t help it. I feel protective over my little ones, especially now that I’m hoping to carry one.

I do a goofy little dance behind her, rocking us as I scrub her hands beneath the water, and Kelsi erupts into giggles. My heart melts.

Thankfully, Kelsi’s aunt arrives just in time to break the tension. We head to the parking lot. The only other occupants are a couple of teachers’ sedans, Mr. Turner’s empty convertible, and my sweet, patient mate waiting for me in his black SUV. Noah and I give each other a quick smile. It’s only as Kelsi’s aunt pops Kelsi into her car seat, freeing me of my duties, that I realize Mr. Turner still hasn’t left.

My heart drops. It wasn’t just me. Something feels off.

Everything okay? Noah asks.

I’m not sure. I’ll have to see what my boss wants. Sorry I’m taking so long today.

No worries, sweet Omega. I’m enjoying some quiet time.

My heart stings just as much as I’m relieved. Poor Noah hasn’t had a single moment to rest all week.

And I’m getting the feeling I’m about to disrupt his peace if I’m predicting the future correctly. When Mr. Turner follows me back to my classroom in silence, I’m certain I’m right, and he has something else to say. Something important.

And that’s almost never a good thing.

I smile, fighting the dread looming in my gut. “Please, come sit.”

Mr. Turner obliges, following me to the quiet reading area. We sit on child-sized bean bags with our knees scrunched to our chests—only moderately more comfortable than my toddler chairs.

“Well, I’m afraid there’s no easy way to say this, Luna.” Mr. Turner produces a letter envelope from his jacket.

It contains a pink slip. My heart drops.

“This will be your last year here at the school. I wanted to warn you a week early, almost as soon as I found out. It’s the best I can do.”

That completely blindsided me. I’m so shocked that I dig my nails into the beanbag beneath my thighs, clinging on for life. “Did I do something wrong? I thought you were done issuing these.”

Mr. Turner sighs, avoiding my eyes by wringing his hands. “The district sprung this on us at the last minute due to a vote on budget cuts. It was a surprise to me too.” He clenches his jaw, massaging his thumb joint. “And unfortunately, you’re the youngest teacher with the least experience here.”

I can’t help it; I physically deflate, fighting the rising burn in my chest.

But Mr. Turner isn’t done. “Although, I do admit your teaching style is also unconventional. That makes it a hard case to defend with the board.”

My shoulders sink, betting Mrs. Jacobs, the kindergarten teacher next door, had something to say about it.

Mr. Turner swallows hard. “I see it as wonderful, of course! I hope you and the Alpha understand.”

My abdomen cramps. So he’s only fighting for my job because I’m the future Luna? Or is it not even that, and it’s just because I’m mated to the top Alpha?

I manage to keep my composure until Mr. Turner leaves. Gritting my teeth, I power walk to the teacher’s lounge, darting for the bathroom. Mustering up all the willpower I can find, I smile at another teacher as she exits. The second I’m sure I’m alone, I burst into tears.

Aliya, what’s going on? Noah's mindlink appears as I shut the stall door behind me.

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