The Forbidden Alpha

Leo narrowed his eyes on me as he dropped his hold on my arm and folded his arms across his chest. His eyes dropped to my mark for a split second before growling.

“Whenever you want a rematch let me know. I won’t shy away from a challenge but don’t come at me like some third-grader at recess. This is immature of you.”

Before he could respond, I turned on my heel and turned my back on him. As I shifted my gaze forward I locked eyes with Odis. The look on his face was murderous as he stalked forward. I knew this wouldn’t end well and decided to distract him with a smile.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Leo straighten and did not want to be caught in the middle of a fight right now.

“I’m sorry. I was running late,” Odis bit out, his eyes never leaving Leo. My heart was pounding and my throat felt dry.

“Would you like to introduce me to your friend?” Odis asked.

I looked back at Leo. I know how this looked but that’s not what was happening. Odis was my Beta and he was assessing the situation. He wanted to make sure Leo wasn’t a threat. He wanted to make sure Leo knew his place.

Leo took two steps closer and from behind me, Odis snarled. My stomach dropped and I needed to come up with a way to calm these two down.

“We were in the middle of a conversation,” Leo said with a scary smile on his face. He took a step closer and reached out a hand for me.

Fingers curled around my wrist and pulled me back against Odis. Damn it. This isn’t how I want to introduce the new recruits to their Beta.

I scowled at Leo’s hand and him. Why was he doing this? He clearly knew I was mated and still had the audacity to request an audience with me after what he just did?

Leo smirked at Odis.

“Consider the conversation dropped,” Odis seethed through clenched teeth.

“And on what authority do you have to decide any of this?” Leo taunted as he flexed.

“On the authority as your Beta. I think I can decide who you do and don’t speak to,” Odis growled.

Leo’s smile dropped as he took in Odis with a new gaze. His eyes widened as he looked back and forth between Odis and me. Confusion melted into suspicion as he stared at me. He might be on to me now.

I turned around and looked up at Odis.

Let’s leave now. I mouthed.

His eyes dropped to my lips.

Let us leave. I repeated.

Clenching his jaw his eyes darted to Leo before looking back to me.

So help me.

Odis hesitated for a moment, his expression flickered between anger and the need to obey. His arm wrapped around me and he pushed me behind him while he looked at Leo.

“You’re dismissed,” he said, his voice low.

I looked over my shoulder to see Leo drop his head a fraction of an inch in the poorest attempt of a bow I’ve ever seen. Odis turned and stayed behind me, keeping himself between the two of us.

“You’re being dramatic,” I whispered to Odis.

He followed behind me in silence.

“He isn’t a threat. He’s just an unmated male with a damaged ego. He lost to me at the last training and was placed in Tier 3. He wants to challenge me and gain a spot in Tier 1,” I said. I think I was rambling now.

“Does Alpha know about this?” He demanded. “Does he know this unmated male is cornering you after training?”

“He didn’t corner me,” I started.

“Yes, he did.”

“No,” I snapped. “And Ethan was there.”

“I don’t think Alpha would be okay with what just happened,” he said.

“I’ll handle it,” I snapped.

“I won’t let you handle it yourself,” he said dismissively. “I’m your Beta and I was late today but I won’t be late again.”

“Goddess, Odis,” I sighed.

We made it to the lobby and Odis followed me to the elevator.

“Are you seriously going to follow me upstairs?” I ask him. I grab out my phone and check the time.

Damn it.

“Yes,” he said, not bothering to hide his enthusiasm.

“Damn you, Odis,” I breathe.

He laughs. Actually laughs! I could hit him if I wasn’t so freaking sore. I don’t have the time to fight with him. I’ve only got 10 minutes left until the cake sampling and every minute under the hot water is precious. So I press the up button and glared up at him before looking forward refusing to look at him anymore.

The elevator door opens and I step on with him shortly following behind. I press the button for my floor and let out an angry breath.

“I know you’re not happy with me right now, Luna,” he says quietly beside me. “But I just lost someone very important to me.” I bite my lip and stare at the elevator door in front of me. Of course.

Sigh.

That explains his overly protective reaction.

“They’re a part of our pack,” I tell him. “They won’t do anything to me and this weekend every one of them will know who I am.”

“I won’t fail again,” he murmurs.

“What if I don’t need protecting?” I asked.

He shakes his head. “You’re Luna, you need protection.” I turn my head in his direction and look at him. I swear I can see the gears turning and internally groan. I don’t want to bother asking what he’s thinking.

“Damn you, Odis!” I explain and let out a heavy sigh.

The doors open and I quickly step off. I swiftly stalked the hallway to my room. I couldn’t get in the shower fast enough. Odis remained quiet behind me.

I threw the door open and stepped inside. I couldn’t slam the door in his face as much as I wanted to.

“I’m sorry for the frustration Odis,” I said. “I’m not angry at you and I understand why you did that. I’m tired and need a shower.”

“I understand Luna. Please excuse me for my behavior. As it only comes naturally, I only meant to protect you,” he said with a low bow.

“I’ll see you later,” I said.

“Do you need an escort to the cake sampling?” He asked, keeping his eyes low.

“No,” I said through clenched teeth. “I do not.”

With another bow, he turned and left. I closed the door and went into the bathroom.. More than ready for the heat on my sore muscles.