Chapter 5 Nina

As they door shut behind them, the tension in the room remained thick. Summer's eyes were practically bulging out of her head as she turned to face me slightly flushed. "Okay, WHAT was that?" she demanded, hands on her hips, her questioning eyes squinted. I flopped back onto the couch, my mind racing. "I don't know" I shrugged but avoided her gaze. I started packing up my things in a hurry when she stopped me. "Nina. Tell me the truth" she said in a stern voice I peeled my hands away from hers and flung my bag over my shoulder. "I am. I don't know what that was Summer" "I'll see you tomorrow.

My dad said he needed my help with some work back at the house" I lied as I literally ran out of the house. ***** After my altercation with the Alpha of the Moonlight pack and my supposed mate, I gave that dumb excuse to leave the house to avoid any more run-ins or questions from summer. I gave myself a pep talk in my room and was determined to actively stay away from the Alpha. I mean it wouldn't be that hard. He was the leader of the entire pack and I was a highschool student. I doubt we would have any reason to bump into each other like earlier. Not to question the moon goddess but this had to be a mistake right? For starters Zane already had a mate but she died. No one got a second mate, not even an alpha. Secondly, I was a delta, the match was just not heard of. I let out a frustrated sigh and slumped on my bed. The whole situation was awkward and I shuddered, then I remembered the elephant in the room. Summer. I was convinced she didn't fall for my half baked lie back there and she sure as hell won't just let it go. I had to prepare myself to tell her. Maybe she would have a solution to this mess. A knock on my door saved me from my thoughts "Hey kiddo. Dinner is ready" My stomach rumbled at the sound of food. His muffled steps retreated but stopped and came back "Oh and the Alpha is gracing us with his presence so wear something nice. Please" My stomach dropped and just like that my appetite disappeared and was replaced with anxiety. Great. Just great. I tried to weigh my options at the moment. I could just run away till dinner was over and deal with my dad's wrath later. No, no. My dad and I were in a good place right now. I didn't want to ruin it by doing something stupid. The best thing I could do right now was to tough it out. It'd just be a few minutes. I could do this. I could do this. I chanted to myself over and over again before running to the shower to freshen up. I stood in the mirror. I put my hair in a lazy bun with strands hanging around my face, my hands brushed over the strapless short blue dress I wore and I sighed satisfied with how I looked and made my way to the dining. The laughter of my dad and Zane echoed through the dining forming a knot in my stomach. I said a small prayer before stepping into the space and the sounds stopped. I sucked in a breath as his eyes fell on me. Zane's gaze was crushing and sent spirals of heat through my frame. He hungrily raked my body and clenched his jaw. My dad, being oblivious to the situation, stood up and ushered me to the seat closest to him. "Alpha Zane. This is my beautiful daughter. Nina" "Nina..." the way my name rolled off his tongue sent a signal to my core. His gaze was fixated on me till I sat down then reluctantly tore them to face my father. The weights of his presence was suffocating yet intoxicating. His piercing gaze lingered even when he looked away. My dumb heart raced, and I struggled to appear calm lightly touching my food. "So, Alpha," my dad began, breaking the silence "What are the plans for the expansion to the south" Zane shifted slightly in his seat "We've had a few challenges" his eyebrows knotted as he stared at his plate "The southern expansion is progressing well, though we've been encountering some... unexpected resistance." he replied, his voice deep and smooth. he tried not to be obvious but his eyes flicked back to me briefly, sending another wave of heat through my body. I barely touched the food on my plate, my nerves were too jumbled to work up an appetite. Every time I dared to glance at Zane, I found his gaze either on me or shifting away quickly, as if trying to be discreet. It wasn't working. "I'll go with some of my people to scout the area," my dad said, taking a huge bite of his steak. "You've always had a way of leading the pack with strength and precision. A true Alpha." Zane gave a polite nod, but his attention was clearly divided. I felt his energy pulling me towards him. "So, Nina," Zane suddenly said, his voice cutting through my thoughts. I froze with my fork halfway to my mouth. "How's school?" My dad beamed proudly, clearly thrilled that the Alpha was taking an interest in me. "Nina's doing great! Top of her class in all the subjects at her old school and she's got a sharp mind for strategy. Must've gotten that from me." He chuckled. I forced a small smile, feeling Zane's weighted gaze settle on me again. "School's... fine," I managed to say, keeping my voice steady. "Nothing too exciting." I mumbled The corner of Zane's mouth lifted slightly, as if he found my awkwardness amusing. "I'm sure you're life has been exciting Nina" he said, his tone hinted with amusement. I furrowed my brows before understanding what he meant by that. My cheeks flushed as my mind went back to the night I first saw him. My stomach flipped, and I quickly looked down at my plate. He chuckled then his expression grew serious turning to my father before he spoke again "I'm sure you aren't aware of this but your daughter is my mate" My eyes widened at the sudden declaration, all clattering stopped and my father almost choked on his steak, he grabbed a glass of water and gulped greedily. "I-I have to use the bathroom." I scraped my chair back and darted away from the chaos, my mind racing. I bolted for the corridors, barely walking in a straight line when I felt someone pass me quickly and a pair of hands pulled me into the bathroom. My eyes widened and I looked anywhere else from the gold haired man in front of me. I was a few inches away from Zane. His breath wafting around me, dulling my senses. His ragged breathing matched my drumming heart.