Chapter 6 Avoiding The Alpha

• Chapter 6
• Avoiding Brandon is a task! Yes, what on earth is happening right now? I used to want to see him all the time and fail all the time.
• Back then, he felt so far away even if he was literally around. And now that I am trying my very best to avoid him, I see him everywhere. Every corner I take whether in the pack territory or in school he is there.
• I make my way in the crowd hoping to make it in the cafeteria without seeing him.
• At least there, I am not seen with his friends and Stephanie around.
• I smell him even before I sense him the moment I enter the cafeteria.
• There I felt his heavy stares right away. He is surrounded by his group, with Stephanie leaning so close to him.
• I averted my gaze to a long line of students before I met his gaze. I sigh and make it to the line and hereI feel a tap on my head again.
• To be honest, it could be just anyone from the pack, but I do not want to take chances. Not until I find the courage and perfect lie to give him.
• What's with him anyway? Does he care? Canhe just finally let it slide? That way it will get easier on my part?
• That way, maybe I will be a step closer in finally getting it that he and I will never gonna happen?
• "What's with these couple of days?" Alex suddenly appears in front of me in the line. She raised her brow waiting.
• "I will explain later." I answered without meeting her eyes. "Where are the others?"
• "The love birds decided to eat out on their own, but Vince is already on our spot." she averted her gaze on the food ahead mumbling what she'd get.
• I get salad and orange juice and make my way to our table with Alex.
• There is no way of getting there without passing their table. I hate to say, but his scent mixed with Steph's, the scent that is overpowering I get to sniff nearing them.
• I try my best not to look at any of them and look straight. I even felt my brother growling a bit by me , not even returning his wave.
• "Gemma."I halt as I pass by their table. His authoritative voice silenced their group and a couple of tables near them.
• I am about to continue walking when I hear my wolf say "I cannot believe I am saying this. But you might want to think again. He is still our Alpha. You wouldn't want to embarrass him in front of half of his people."
• "But.."I was cut off when I received a nudge from Alex.
• "He called you." she whispered.
• I sigh and pack up the courage left in me and turn.
• "Yes, Alpha?" I look at him briefly and gaze down to the food I am holding on my tray.
• "Sit, join us to lunch" I feel his calculated stares as if trying to study me.
• I feel my heart race by what he said. If he asked me to join them two days ago, I might have been on cloud nine wanting nothing else.
• The gasp and daggers of eyes from Steph were not unheard and noticed by me.
• "Right, Gem. here" Zach stands to get my tray, but I move it a bit in time before he holds it. His eyes were like saucers from shock.
• He straightens and acts as if nothing when he regains his composure.
• "I .. I can't today. I have something to discuss with my friends regarding a paper we need to turn in." I lied looking at Zach.
• "I am sure you can discuss it with them, Gemma. Go sit with..." I felt cold hearing Brandon but he was cut off.
• I suddenly felt a bit warm when I smelled a familiar scent. He rested his right arm on my right shoulder.
• "Here you are, precious Gem." I look on my shoulder where his hand rests and I look at a grinning Tyler.
• "I promised to meet you at lunch." he winked and looked at my pack at the table.
• Zach looks at his hand on my shoulders and looks at me with thousands of questions in his eyes that only he knows what.
• I unconsciously look at Brandon who like Zach is looking at Tyler's hand on my shoulder with unknown emotions in his eyes.
• "I believe you're on your way to your table. Let's go? I look again at Tyler and winks again.
• I nod with my silent thank you in my head from his other help again.
• He takes my tray and says, "after you." I walk silently with him following my tracks.
• The whole cafeteria fell silent with me walking with Tyler and Alex who is now so pale you'd think she's seeing a ghost.
• We reached our table with Vince looking at us like a puzzle.
• Tyler just nodded as he sat beside me.
• "Where are your other friends, Jax and Chelsea?" Tyler asks, putting my tray of food in front of me.
• "They are out on a date." I replied shyly. "You do not have your food, yet." I absent mindedly looked ahead to see the long line of students and my eyes landed on Brandon.
• He is watching and Steph is currently busy sending me daggers.
• "Trixie is getting and will just bring here." he says, getting a handful of my salad from his hand and grins when I look at him.
• I shake my head lightly and smile. It's odd to find it kinda cute, but considering what he just did for me a few times now, I cannot complain anymore.
• "You two should eat. Don't mind me." he states to Alex and Vince who judt nods and start eating with unsaid questions in their eyes.
• Soon after, Trixie, his Gamma approaches our table with a burger, fries and a bottle of water on a tray.
• "Here you go Alpha." She says politely and puts the gray in front of Tyler.
• "Thanks Trix!" he says.
• "Gem, Alex, Vince." She greets and walks back to their table where the Beta and Deltas are having lunch.
• They nodded at us in acknowledgement and went back to their lunch.
• "Thanks, Tyler." I whisper and start eating, trying my best to avoid everyone's eyes who are watching us from time to time, especially when Tyler is not looking.
• "Just act normal, do not pay him attention. He's bothered, the way I see it. Laugh after though I said the most hilarious thing on earth." he whispers in my ear.
• He scooted back after and looked me in the eye. I stare back at him trying to understand what he meant when I receive a nudge from him under the table.
• I laughed when I realized he was telling me to, then he all of a sudden patted my hair and smiled.
• For a moment, I forgot where we were and was just mesmerized by the beauty of his ocean blue eyes.
• He does have big beautiful blue eyes, though his smile is not his eyes completely.
• They look happy, but sad at the same time. What is that? Is that possible?
• "Go ask him" my wolf palms in my head.
• I halted in surprise when I suddenly heard a noise. Looking up, it waa Brandon's tray that slammed on the floor.
• "Are you okay, babe?" I will get you new food." Steph sounds both concerned and scared at the same time.
• Did something happen to them? "Don't bother. I am done anyways. Zach.. let's go" he says and leaves the cafeteria with my brother following him.
• Steph looks at me with anger in her eyes. She growls lowly and walks out followed by her minions.
• What's their problem?
• "My work here is done, see you later Gem." Tyler finishes his food with a smirk on his face.
• "What do you mean?" looking at him, satisfaction is all over his face.
• "Nothing, precious Gem. See you later." he winks and walks off. He also signalled to his Beta, Gamma and Deltas and they all followed him out.
• "What was that?" Alex questions the moment Alpha Tyler is out of the cafe.
• "He was just helping me avoid Brandon." whispering to make sure none of the other students hear me.
• "Why are you avoiding him?" Vince scooted over near me. "You've been weird since yesterday. Were you really sick?"
• "This was hurting so badly. If that counts." I pointed to my heart.
• "Do tell." Alex in her so curious face. I guess there is no running from these questions now.
• I sigh and pack up my courage. I started my story when I decided to take the forest to let my wolf run and so on and so on and told them I saw Brandon and Steph making out.
• I told them everything, not realizing a couple of tears made their way escaping my eyes.
• I instantly wipe them. Good thing most of the students left already and none had seen it.
• ***
• Another day of avoiding passed successfully. If that's what you call getting tossed non stop on the mat by one of the high ranking warriors in the pack during the training.
• I happen to be at least getting faster and faster everyday.
• I get back to the post back in no time compared to the others once we start running. But the combat training is definitely another story.
• I get to dodge at first with my fast movements, but once I get tired, the body aches start from getting hit and tossed.
• The only good thing that happened from training yesterday is that I didn't have to partner with any of the meanest girls I know from the pack and her minions.
• Zach and Brandon were also not seen during the training attending to some other pack activities to report for the Alpha and our Dad is coming back this afternoon from their trip.
• That was a relief making the training way more peaceful for me except the sore muscles and bruises that are now showing the moment I wake up.
• I put my unscented muscle patch and put in my shoulder blades and put on my hoodie and black leggings.
• I am at least wearing something comfortable in case I have to go straight to training this afternoon as today is also my first day patrolling.
• I am happy to know I am partnered with Alex, and Vince. And to my surprise, Drake is also part of our group.
• We are not going alone and will be accompanied by the senior warriors guarding the borders until the next group for their shift.
• Since we are still on training, we are to patrol up to three hours only and will be relieved by the warriors after.
• I just hope theday will be peaceful and quiet to prepare for tonight's patrol duties.
• I go downstairs expecting my mom not being around considering howbusy she is with the Luna.
• But to my surprise, my brothers are already seated eating breakfast.
• Thought they'd be out too by now.
• "Good luck, Gem." my wolf says and shut or connection. She always cowars with these two.
• I sigh and sit on my seat. "Good morning bros." I greet not meeting their eyes and took the milk and box of cereals.
• "So.. what's with you and Alpha Tyler?" Charlie inquires eating his pan cakes.
• "Huh?" I dumbly asked.
• "I have ears and eyes, Gem. Plus, a lot of people are talking." he just looks into his phone with his brows raised waiting.
• I look at Zach who is intently looking at me. "Answer him, Gem. I am curious myself."
• "Nothing. We're kind of friends.. I guess." I look down to my cereal not able to match their intense stare.
• "Is that it? Zach stands up to put his plate in the dishwasher.
• "Yes." I eat my cereal trying to look anywhere but them.
• I don't know. It is not as if I am hiding anything. But still, their brother vibes bring me goosebumps. Guess I should have thought these times would come soon enough.
• "Just know that the both of you are from two ranking families." Zach pats me in the shoulder.
• "Alpha or not, you're my sister, he better knows that." With that he exited the dining room.
• Is that a threat toTyler? What for?
• "Zach thinks the Alpha of Crescent Moon likes us." my wolf wiggles her tail.
• No way. That can't be.
• I just stared at the door where Zach exits thinking of what he said. Tyler? Like me? Not in a million possibilities.
• "Are you done dreaming, princess? You're riding with us. You can tell Alpha Routh better luck next time." Charlie snaps his fingers in front of me getting me out of reverie.
• "He is not driving me, brother." I stand to put my plate to the dishwasher and exit with Charlie.
• "Yeah?" he raised his brow playfully.
• "Yes" I say and get on the passenger, not paying them extra attention than needed. This protective brothers' stance over boys is so new to me and it's awkward to be honest.
• The ride was fast and silent with my brothers talking about their pack duties from time to time.
• I got out of the car when we arrived and bid my bye to my brothers who are now on their separate ways.
• "At least they didn't roast you." my wolf growled lowly in my head.
• "I wouldn't be so sure of that if I were you. Maybe they are only letting me off the hook this once.'' I sigh.
• "That's at least better than asking me about two days ago." I state and make my way to the lockers.
• "What's your plan about that, anyway?" she scratches her ear with her paw.
• "Nothing. They'd forget about it soon." I take my stuff that I'll be needing today and close the locker.
• "Good luck to that, then." She cuts the connection.
• I just noticed now. There is no murmuring from the wolves around. They still stare funny, but at least they are not murmuring non sense.
• This is weird, but better.
• "I told you to stay away from my man, bitch!" I suddenly felt a grip on my hand.
• I didn't sense her right away because of my thoughts.
• I look at the fury eyes of Steph, turning darker than usual.
• What does she want this time? Do I need to tell her word for word that I am trying my best to do the opposite of what she thinks is happening?
• "I do not have time for your nonsense Stephanie" I brush off her hand staring at her.
• "I am not doing anything, so stop. And stay away from me." I look her in the eyes, then her minions. They gasp and I stare back at Steph.
• For a second her eyes show she was scared then it's gone back to her smug face.
• I sling my bag properly and walk away bumping her shoulders.
• I am so annoyed and do not have time for her boredom. I just hope she stops and gets on with her life.
• "I love the attitude, girl." my wolf wiggles her tail in excitement.
• "The body aches, I guess," I shrug.
• "And the broken heart." she shrugs back to which I did not respond to.
• The day passed by so fast and peacefully to which I am thankful for.
• I also did not see Brandon the whole day. That definitely somehow made my day and ironically made me miss him most at the same time.
• "We are indeed going crazy, aren't we?" My wolf hides her eyes with her paws.
• "Yeah, I think you are right. What a loser we are." I sigh welcoming the soft breeze of the wind exiting Triton.
• "Gemma" I almost fell on the stairs when he calls me. He is standing by his jeep right in front of the school.
• I look around and noticed most of students have already left and there are only a few cars parked.
• I walk slowly thinking a way to get away inspite knowing there is no running away from this left, anymore.
• "Hello" I stop on the last step of the stairs giving me access to look at him on eye level, even though he is still way taller with me standing on the step.
• "Stop running. There's no use to that. I can make your paths narrow if I have to." He looks me in the eye without humor in them.
• "I am standing right here." I look away finding the busy road suddenly fascinating.
• "You know what I mean." he opens the door in his shotgun seat and raised his hand telling me to get in.
• "Wh--what?" I raised my brow trying to act cool with my heart racing.
• "There is something your brothers had to finish and I told them I will just drive you home. Lets go. You don't want to be late for your patrol." he states.
• He looks so serious right now. But there is still something in his eyes that I cannot fathom.
• Should I be worried? It isn't like as if I did something wrong. But why do I feel that underneath his calm facade, he's angry?
• "No, it's okay. My wolf needs stretching, anyway. I will run." I turn to leave but was stop by his grip on my elbow.
• "What's the matter Gemma? I see you do not mind riding with Routh." he turns me to face him.
• His eyes turning darker than their usual bluish-greenish color.
• My heart starts thumbing from fear. This is the first time I see him getting angry towards me.
• "No, it's just that I told my friends---"
• "Another lie, Gemma. Fine, you either get in the car or we'll run together. Your choice, Gemma.
• Your choice. His eyes turned bigger, staring at me, I felt and smelt it too. My scent radiates fear. He sighs and his eyes turn back to their normal color.
• "Gemma, listen." he starts but I shake my head and just get in the car. I did not wait for him and closed the door.
• "Good call. We do not want to be on the bad side of the Alpha." my wolf takes a peek through my eyes.
• Brandon lets out another long sigh and walks to the driver's side.
• He gets in and leans to put my seatbelt on but I stopped him midair and put it on myself.
• "Feisty. I am loving the new side of you since this morning" my wolf blurted out to which I didn't respond to trying my best to focus on the task at hand.
• Brandon shakes his head lightly and puts his seatbelt on. He looks at me and I simply look away trying to look anywhere but him.
• "Why are you avoiding me Gemma?" I was surprised with this straight forward question with his eyes focused on the road.
• "I .. I am not " I lied looking back at the scenery after I looked at him for a moment.
• He is looking on the road, but is definitely aware of my movements. His eyes are focused, and calm. But they are somewhat dark.
• "When can I do this whole day, Gemma." he calmly takes turns nearing our pack entrance.
• There is no running now. I pack up the courage to give an answer.
• "I am not avoiding, it's just that I am embarrassed to have seen you. " I still look out the window not wanting him to see the hurt all over my face.
• "Was it your first time seeing a couple kissing?" There's a mixture of horror and uncertainty in his voice.
• It looks more than just kissing. It looks like it's going somewhere more. That's what it looks like.
• "No and yes." is all that I am able to say.
• "What's that supposed to mean?" his voice getting deeper and deeper by the moment.
• "Uhm. . I've seen students in Triton, but this is my first time to have seen someone close to me." I close my eyes stating it. "I mean, we're family friends.. I practically grew up with you, that's all."
• "Is that it?"he stops right in front of our house.
• "Yes, that's all. Thanks for the ride." I take the door handle to open.
• "Where's your bracelet? I haven't seen you wear it for a couple of days." he tilts his head and looks to my hand with his hands still on the steering wheel.
• I consciously hid my arm. "I had it cleaned and forgot this morning.
• "Uh-huh." he looks right to my necklace that I got from Zach.
• "My birthday's next week. The invitations are coming in a few days.
• "I know. I remember." I nod goodbye and exit walking straight to our home without looking back.
• I close the door and slide behind it as my tears start falling. The tears I did not I am holding.
• Only if you knew how painful it was to see you with Steph. It has always been. But I was kinda hoping for a long time.
• But seeing you that intimate with her was a different story. The pain became more real. It was and is still like my heart is being torn apart.