Alpha's claim

It's s happening again, I can feel the stare of whoever is watching me .its been going on for weeks, and I tried to shake off that feeling but it's s like no matter how I try it leaches stronger. I try to ignore the feeling as I get my daily coffee from the coffee shop across from my bookstore.

The bookstore, compared to the tall buildings surrounding it, appeared old. It had a blue exterior and a brown interior, It was the only thing I remembered my parents owning before the accident.

It always felt like bits of my memory were missing, and I always seemed not to remember the littlest things like what I even had for breakfast but that's not weird right?

I open the bookstore and start the day it's slow but it's s my safe space surrounded by books I couldn't be happier. I get a text from Jeremy making me frown a little.

"Amy I miss us, please forgive me I didn't mean to hit you and break your phone I just wanted to correct you " I look at the unknown number and sigh while blocking him again.

Me and Jeremy dated while we were in college and we seemed like the perfect couple, he was wanted by almost everyone on campus and he was the perfect boyfriend until he suddenly changed.

He became controlling, and obsessive, I couldn't make calls any longer without his knowledge, he followed my every move and restricted my movement the last straw was him hitting me, for talking to his friends and breaking my phone saying I loved and wanted the attention.

It was hard to finally leave his grasp no way I am going back to that.

Suddenly a customer interrupts me from my thoughts, I attend to the customer all the while getting a call from Eva, Eva has been close to me for as long as I can remember ever since Arlo disappeared.

She is a little loud and sassy but she's kind at heart well sometimes. Immediately I concluded with the customer, and a call from Eva came in.

"Hey bitch!!!" Eva screams immediately I pick up the call

"Eva don't yell so loudly, my heart can't take those " I smile packing my hair into a messy bun

"yeah yeah whatever so there is this new guy I saw at the supermarket and he's so cute just a little nerdy "she groans loudly

I chuckled "So the great Eva couldn't get him?"

"Girl!!! Don't play with me course I got his number but he invited me to his bookclub tomorrow and I hate books so I need your help "

"my help?? Common you couldn't even read the grocery list without getting bored of the letter"I state in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Exactly!! That's why I need you to read it and tell me the story when I come over "She laughs excitedly like it's the greatest plan she could think of

"text me the name of the book come over by 8"I sigh and massage my temples

"omg, I love you!! She says into the phone and ends the call, as I pack up the last order for the day to send out for delivery and lock up,

Suddenly The bell rings I look up to see the most beautiful man I have ever seen. As our eyes met, I felt an inexplicable jolt, like a spark of electricity had arced through my entire body.

His hazel eyes, flecked with gold, seemed to hold me captive, drawing me in. I couldn't help but stare, my heart skipping a beat as I took in the chiseled lines of his face, the strong jaw, and the captivating smile.

He was gorgeous in a way that made my breath catch and my pulse flutter. It felt as if time itself had slowed, leaving only the two of us suspended in our world. I pinch myself to bring myself to reality an odd behavior I seem to like

"Umm, what do you want?"I manage to compose my thoughts and ask him

He looks at me like I said the most weirdest thing ever

"A book?" He said raising a brow and crossing his arms like my question was the most interesting thing he had heard

I refuse to let him think he has won, regaining my composure immediately I scoff

"I meant what kind of book," I said not backing down, but then why am I acting like it's a competition for Christ's sake he's a customer though looking insanely hot he's still a customer

"I could give you recommendations based on your interests, what are your interests?"

I blurted out almost immediately in a formal tone before he could say something else.

"romance and werewolf "

"Romance and werewolf?" I said almost too loudly than I wanted to

"Is there something wrong with my order ?"

"No, you just strike me as the type who reads

thriller and mystery books "

I say while going across the shelves to pick out werewolf romance. I could feel his stare at my back it was too intense it reminded me of my stalker, I shook my head putting that behind me no way I was letting that bother me right now.

"How many do you want? , want to make your pick ?"

"No, I trust your choice pack everything "

"Oh okay", I say a little startled, trust my choice yeah right

As I pack the books the silence in the store is deafening but not uncomfortable

"um, what name am I writing it under?" I say breaking the silence

"Liam "

"Liam, not a bad name" writing it down and giving it to him.

"Well I am glad you think so Amelia "

Before I could ask him how he knew my name he left the store in a flash

Well, that was weird did he run to the door?

And how the hell does he know my name!!.

Wait !! There is no way he's my stalker right? Well, he's hot and I wouldn't complain but there is probably no way, maybe I forgot I told him my name? Oh well.

I looked at the clock and gasped it was nine pm, I packed my things hurriedly as it was already way past my closing time, and I berated myself for daydreaming about someone to be my stalker. Hoping I could still see a cab I walked out but the surrounding buildings were all closed.

The occasional passing car or giggling couple on their way home is the only sound that breaks the stillness, i increase my pace and try to get to my street because it's busier even late at night. I could feel it and hear it the stare and footsteps of someone following me the sensation crawling under my skin like ants. I glance over my shoulder, but there's no one there. Or so it seems.

My heart starts racing as I pick up my pace, my hand clutching my bag tightly. I can feel the person closing in, the distance between us shrinking.

Is my stalker trying to make his move today? No way in hell am I going down without a fight My mind is racing with worst-case scenarios. I just need to make it home, to the safety of my apartment.

I reached for the pepper spray in my bag trying to clutch it.

Suddenly, my bag was knocked out of my hands, and I was shoved to the ground.

"What the hell.." my sentence is cut short by

An attack from behind. Strong hands grabbed my arms from behind, pulling me into the darkness of a nearby alley.

Two figures emerged from the shadows as my attacker held me in place despite my struggles

One of them snickered, "How can a pretty girl like you be working this late?" He was lanky and had tattoos and piercings all over his face

The short one with red hair chimed in, "We've been watching you. You closed late today, and now you're all alone."

I look to where my pepper spray fell wondering if I was ever going to reach it my heart pounding so hard against my rib cage

Redhead followed my gaze and sneered "You're going to feel far worse than thinking about a little pepper spray." I struggled to resist, trying to appear braver than I felt.

"I'm not scared of you," I said, attempting to sound fierce despite the trembling in my voice.

"Oh? Then why are you shaking?" the one holding me said, I never got a chance to see his face

I forced a laugh, trying to maintain my bravado. "I'm just...amused. You think you can intimidate me?"

Redhead raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that."

Just as he took a step closer, my belongings scattered across the alley seemed to fade into the background,

But before he could touch me, Mr. Redhead crumpled to the ground, silent and still. It was fast and no one saw what happened

The others froze, staring at the lifeless body. I followed their gaze, confused, did he faint? Wait why was his neck snapped as I was still trying to process what was going on

The second one fell, his neck snapped at an unnatural angle.

"What is going on "!

The air was thick with tension, the only sound was the heavy breathing of the remaining attacker. Who had weakened his grip on me as his comrades were dead, my heart pounded in my chest, and my mind raced with questions. What was happening? Who was saving me?

The attacker behind me suddenly gripped my neck, screaming into the darkness, "Take one step closer, and I'll slash her throat!" He pressed a knife against my skin. As if he was so convinced I was being saved.

"Umm hey I am pretty sure whatever that was will kill us both why not let me go"

I tried to negotiate as he tightened the knife against my throat

"Shut up bitch!" he yelled, but suddenly, Liam emerged from the shadows. The attacker's eyes widened as Liam's gaze locked onto him.

"Who are you.." he stammered

The man's grip on my neck loosened, I elbowed him trying to get free before he used me as hostage again and suddenly he dropped to the ground, dead.

Did I kill him? Oh my goodness

I spin around immediately, shocked to see another person behind me, the dead man's neck twisted at an unnatural angle.

Shivering, I struggled to compose myself. And tried to reach for my bag, but one of Liam's friends handed it to me instead. "Thank you," I said in a low tone

Trying to get away from him he's a killer he was used to it I could see it. What the hell? Why did he save me? Does he want to play with me and kill me later? My train of thought was interrupted by Liam approaching me, his eyes locked onto mine. "Let me walk you home," he said gently.

. What? I fucking knew it he's a serial killer "I...I can make it," I stammered.

His expression softened. "Please, let me. I promise I won't harm you. and I will tell you everything "

I looked around and saw his friends all far away like they were scared to join the conversation, what the hell, I am even outnumbered might as well play it safe.

I reluctantly agreed and we walked together but suddenly he touched my arm and said "You are safe now you can relax "

I look at him confused "What are you talking about ?"

And he looks at my hands I follow his gaze to find them trembling. Fuck, I clench it and try to take another step but I lose my balance and stagger a bit he Catches me by my waist, and heat spread to all the wrong places making me gasp, I shift from his grasp immediately

" let's take a break here we are on your street," he says

I look up to see my street and my body relaxes

We sit down and I notice his three friends sit

At another table, they act more like bodyguards than friends

"Aren't they going to join us"?

"No"

Okay ", I say feeling awkward

I tried to ask him what he wanted to explain but he beat me to it

"You are mine, Amelia"

Huh? What?

What do you mean I'm yours?" I asked, trying to sound braver than I felt.

Liam's gaze didn't waver. "You're my woman"

I swallowed hard, still trying to process the ease with which he killed my attackers than what he was saying about claiming me ."How did you...how did you do that?" I stuttered. Surely no one can snap a person's neck that hard

Liam's expression remained stoic. "My kind has been doing this for centuries."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "Your kind?" I repeated my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's eyes seemed to bore into mine. "I'm a shifter, Amelia. A werewolf."

I stared at Liam, my mind racing. "You're a... Werewolf?" I repeated, trying to sound calm

Liam nodded, his expression serious.

I couldn't help it. I laughed nervously. "Well, I guess I've read too many paranormal romances. I didn't know they were recruiting from the pages of Twilight. Is that why you bought those books?"

Liam's expression didn't change. He didn't even crack a smile.

I trailed off, feeling awkward. "Wait, you're not kidding, are you?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.

His eyes locked onto mine. "I'm not kidding, Amelia. Shifters are real. "

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "What? No, that's not possible. You're just messing with me."

My mind went blank. I couldn't process what he was telling me.

"So what does that mean for me" I asked squirming in my seat

"You are my mate"

I look at him to keep going but he doesn't

I stared at him, trying to process what he was telling me. "You're saying I'm your...mate?" I repeated, feeling a little silly.

He nodded, his eyes burning with intensity. "Yes, Amelia. You're my mate."

I shook my head, feeling a little overwhelmed. "I don't understand. What does that even mean?"

Liam's expression softened slightly. "As a human, you don't know much about our world, so allow me to guide you?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I shook my head again.

Liam took a deep breath. "Mates are...special. They're the ones we're meant to be with. And when we find them, we do everything to keep them safe."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. "And what does that mean for me?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

Liam's eyes locked onto mine. "It means you're mine now, Amelia. And I'll do everything to protect you but I need you to come with me."

I swallowed hard, feeling a little scared. "And what if I don't want to be yours?" I asked, trying to sound brave.

Liam's expression turned dominant. "You don't have a choice, Amelia. You're mine. And I'll wait for your decision to come with me, you have three days"

I felt a surge of fear mixed with something else...something that felt almost like excitement. "I...I don't know," I stammered.

Liam's eyes narrowed. "Don't make me come looking for you, Amelia. You won't like it, settle your issues within that time "

The finality in his tone left me speechless.

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. But then I remembered my friend's calls and texts. "I need to go home," I said firmly. "It's late, and my friend has been trying to reach me."

I showed him my phone, the screen filled with missed calls and texts from Eva. Liam's expression softened, and he nodded. "Fine. Go home. But think about what I said, Amelia. I'll be waiting to hear from you."

I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. "Okay... I'll think about it."

I stood up to leave and he called my name "Amelia?" goddammit why does his voice affect me so much

I turned to look at him. "Yes?"

His eyes locked onto mine. "You are mine now. Don't forget that."

I hurry home as if it will give me the most protection and comfort, I walk in and see my door unlocked. Fuck common!! This is enough drama for one day. Another intruder?

I bring out my pepper spray and stealthily open the door planning to spray whoever the intruder was

But instead of a burglar, I was greeted by the sight of Eva, standing in my kitchen clad, wearing nothing but an apron, holding a pancake in her mouth and a glass of wine in her hand.

I dropped the pepper spray, relieved. "Eva, seriously? Why is the door unlocked?"

Eva pulled the pancake out of her mouth, grinning. "Oh, I waited for you! We were supposed to discuss the book club stuff, and I got bored, so I let myself in."

I raised an eyebrow. "You let yourself in?"

Eva shrugged. "Why not? Your house is my house, anyway."

I rolled my eyes. "Not really, Eva."

Eva pouted. "Fine, but I'm sleeping over tonight. I dumped that nerd, and I need some excitement in my life."

I sighed, too tired to argue. "Eva, I'm exhausted. Can we talk about this in the morning?"

Eva's expression changed from playful to concerned. "Girl, what's up? You don't look good at all."

I collapsed onto the couch, and Eva sat down beside me. "It's just been a really weird day," I said, taking a deep breath.

And then I told her everything - the attack, Liam, the whole wolf shifter thing. Eva listened, wide-eyed, as I spilled out the entire story.

When I finished, Eva looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "Girl, you need a drink." Eva offered me her signature cocktail but I refused

Eva's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Girl, you're telling me he's saying you should come with him in three days? That's some deep, dark romance right there. Follow him ASAP!"

I rolled my eyes, trying to be cautious. "Eva, don't say that. I don't even know him. How am I supposed to just follow a stranger?"

Eva chuckled. "Oh, come on. You're not going to let a little thing like caution hold you back, are you?"

I sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "Eva, this is serious. And what if I don't go with him? It feels like he's going to come and get me anyway."

Eva's grin faltered for a moment, but then she recovered. "Girl, you're so dramatic. If you don't want him, can I have him? I could use some spice in my life."

I threw a pillow at her. "Eva, you're not helping."

She laughed. "Sorry, sorry. Get some sleep, girl. We'll think about this tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling exhausted. As I walked to my room, I noticed a black rose on my bed. I frowned, wondering who could have put it there.

I picked up my phone and saw a text from an unknown number. I opened it, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Hey, Amelia. It's Arlo. I'm back in the country, and it's time we catch up. It's been far too long. Let's schedule a meet-up soon"I've missed you."

There was something about the text that felt...off. , the exhaustion is getting to me, I collapse on my bed and pass out deciding to reply to Arlo tomorrow.