The Forbidden Alpha

Gabe

My alarm went off and I sat up in bed instantly. I went to bed with thoughts of her and woke with thoughts of her. The hole in my heart was still there and I was thankful for a reason to get up today. It had been a while since I’d gotten up early for anything. I grunted as I got to my feet and stretched lazily.

Today was my first day as my bestie’s guard and the same day she would become Luna. I made my way to my closet and sifted through my clothes in search of something appropriate. Remembering the suit she had made for me, I grabbed it out of the closet and put it on.

Odis stood in my doorway, his shoulder leaning against the frame. His eyes lingered on me and a small smirk pulled at the corner of his lip.

“Morning, Beta,” I greeted. He remained silent as he continued to watch me. “Oh-kay,” I said. I looked at how I could squeeze through the frame with his massive body filling the doorway. My eyes dropped down, the only surefire way was through his legs and I wasn’t doing that. “Can I help you with something?” I asked.

His eyes darkened as his smirk disappeared. My heart began beating twice as fast but he shook his head.

“No. I’m here to escort you to the meeting,” he said.

That’s weird.

“Are we going to get the other one, too?” I asked.

“Sure,” Odis said. He took a step back and I was able to move into the hallway. I followed him to a door that was previously unoccupied. He knocked on the door and a few minutes later it opened. We were greeted by a shirtless, wet Leo. His dirty blonde hair was pushed back revealing a scar on his forehead I hadn’t noticed when we fought. He stared at me with a flirtatious look on his face before turning. I realized he was in nothing but a towel.

“Morning,” he called over his shoulder, his voice low. He picked up a towel and started drying his back. My eyes trailed down his muscular back as he pulled the towel across his body. “Come in, I’m almost ready.”

Beta walked in first and I cautiously followed.

“We can meet you there if you need more time,” I started.

“No, I’ll be five minutes,” Leo said dismissively. Odis took a seat at his table as if he was comfortable.

Maybe he’s been here already.

I dismissed the thought as soon as it flashed in my mind. I made my way over and sat next to Beta at the other table. I forced my eyes to the table as the sound of a towel dropped to the floor. The silence was loud and I wondered if I should say something. I looked up to find Beta watching me.

“All set,” Leo said. I sighed in relief. Thank Fuck for that. I looked away from Beta but then wondered why I was avoiding his gaze. So I looked back and held his gaze. He flashed me a smile before standing up and loosening his tie. Leo was already by the door and I followed Odis out.

The walk to the meeting room was just as awkward. I tried and failed to find a joke to break the ice. I didn’t think we were close enough to make jokes and I sure as shit didn’t know Leo. Yesterday, we were competitors and today we were supposed to work together. I’d barely spoken to him either.

Shit. I hate awkward silences. I’ve been in a few and was able to break it but this… this shit took the cake. I let out a second breath of relief today as we neared Alpha’s office. Beta Odis stepped forward and opened the door for us.

“We’ve arrived, Alpha,” Beta Odis said.

Alpha sat behind his desk, he wore sweats and a hoodie, his hair still wet from sweating. He must have worked out. I eyed his muscles that poked through the fabric. My bestie was mated with one fine specimen. A painting hung behind him on the wall of a battle.

“Morning,” Alpha greeted. “Take a seat anywhere.”

Leo and I found seats across from him and Beta remained standing off to the side with his back to the wall. Ethan put down the paper he’d been reading and looked between us. He folded his hands in front of him and leaned forward; his muscular shoulders looking twice as big.

“Congrats on your achievement,” Alpha said.

“Thank you, Alpha,” I said with a small nod. Leo remained silent next to me.

“Do we get to decide on shifts or will be working together?” Leo asked.

“Today, you will both be on duty. Tonight, I will have her and I won’t need anyone watching her. Tomorrow, I’d like for you two to rotate shifts. One will be by her side during breakfast and at lunch, the other will take over after and will be by her side until dinner. She will only need guarding at night when I am away,” Alpha said.

“Do any of you have a preference?” Alpha asked.

“I would like to take the second shift,” Leo said.

“I’m fine with that,” I said. “I’m more than okay with taking the first shift. Leo will be guarding her for a few minutes when I escort her down the aisle.” Alpha’s eyes lighten for a second before disappearing. Leo nods in understanding.

We spent the next half hour talking about Alpha’s expectations for today and for the rest of the week. We were to meet with him once every two weeks to go over any issues, questions, or updates. After the meeting, Odis lead us outside and I couldn’t help but check out his ass as he walked. The sun was high in the sky as we passed a window.

“I think we should head to Luna’s room and wait outside,” Leo said.

“I think she’s still asleep,” I told him.

“I agree with Leo,” Odis started, “The two of you start today. I’ll walk over with you guys and explain that you two are starting. That way she isn’t surprised.”

“She knows we start today. Alpha announced it yesterday,” Leo said.

“True, but I think with Beta there, it’ll go over easier,” I said. I knew she wasn’t happy about having to have guards but I knew with Beta there, she wouldn’t go ape shit on us.. I smiled at that.