Bound By Her Alpha

Rose Greyson.

Working and studying at the same time hasn't been easy. You barely have time for yourself. If you're not in school, you're at work. For the whole day. An exasperated breath left my lips as I dropped my bag lazily on the bed. My door was kicked open immediately after I threw myself on the bed.

I don't have to be told who the person is. We are the only two living in the house. "You're back early today," my mother's voice reached my ears.

"Yes, Mom," I answered lazily without looking up at her. I normally come home by 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. But today, I got on the good side of my boss. And even at that, he gave me a day off. Guess I deserve accolades for my hard work.

"I warmed the pasta not long ago. It's still warm," her voice sounded again. I planned to take a small nap first, but my stomach wasn't agreeing with me. It made a weird and hungry sound, making me snap my eyes open.

I muttered incoherent words proceeding to get myself off the bed. Mom was still standing. She looked not in focus. "Mom," I called, walking up to her.

"Eat first and let's talk." And with that, she turned and left the room. I knew something was off when Mom used that tone. I didn't put too much thought into what she said and followed suit.

Our living room is not that big and spacious. We moved back to the house a month ago, yet some of our belongings are still lying around covered. I don't know why Mom chose a quiet place. Upon all the houses in the city. But then, that's my mom for you. I made my way towards the dining area that consisted of three chairs. I uncovered the lid that was covering the plate.

My stomach immediately turned at the sight of the pasta. I wasted no time digging in. Mom spared me a glance from the sitting area and I flashed her a smile. I know what the look is about, though. She always warns me to compose myself and eat slowly. But who cares when I'm damn hungry.

I cleared everything on the plate, took it to the kitchen, and washed it. I came back to find Mom in the same position I left her. I cleared my throat as I sat beside her on the couch.

"So, Mom, I'm done eating. What do you want to talk about?" It might not show on my face, but I'm curious to know what she wanted to talk to me about.

"Here," my eyes shifted to the white envelope in her outstretched hands. With my brows raised, I collected the envelope.

"What is it for?"

"See for yourself." I peeled open the envelope and took out the content from it.

"Admission letter," I read out. "Admission letter for what, Mom?" I asked, shifting my attention back to her. Last time I checked, I started college last week, so what is it with another admission letter?

"Didn't you read what's stated there?"

"I did, Mom, but I don't understand."

She spared me a look which tells me something is indeed off. "You've gotten admission into another college." It took me a few seconds to register what she uttered.

"Why? I've already started. What do I need this for? It-"

"You're leaving that school and will start this one."

I didn't know when I rose to a standing position. I was completely confused about what was going on. Mom has a way of doing things her way without consulting me first. "What's the reason? I barely reached up to two weeks since I started the school and now I'm leaving? I seriously don't understand, Mom." I tried to stay as calm as I could.

"I've made the necessary preparations. You're starting tomorrow." She stood up and was about to leave.

"Mom! Why do you always try to control my life? For goodness sake, I'm not a small kid." My voice was in a high pitch.

"You might think I'm doing all this for my sake. But one day you will understand everything. And my decision is final. You're starting tomorrow. Goodnight." I watched as she sauntered her way out of the living room. I stayed in that standing position for more than two minutes trying to put the bits of what transpired in a span of ten minutes between me and my mother.

No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to understand why she's doing all what she's doing. First, it was the sudden moving from one city to another, then the changing of schools. I feel like she's hiding something from me. If not, then why all the sudden movement?

Now what? Does that mean I'm starting all over again? A new school and a new life? Just like that. It's not like I made friends in the school. But then again, what will people say if they don't see the new student again?

Many thoughts ran through my mind over the night. I could barely get enough sleep. I constantly kept thinking about what will happen the next day. Will I be able to adjust to the new environment? Will I be able to cope? I was in that thought when I fell into a deep slumber.

I heaved out a sigh for the tenth time as I glanced outside the window while Mom drove me to the said new school. We barely exchanged words during breakfast. Mom was giving me the cold treatment. She's my mother, but sometimes I can't understand the woman. Some days, she's all chatty and some days, she's all quiet. I wonder why.

And sometimes I take it as maybe because she missed Dad. I do too. It's been a year already without him. Yet, it felt like yesterday. I remembered my last day with him. He promised to take us all out for dinner. And the dinner didn't happen. That was the end.

The moment the car came to a halt, I turned to Mom. I can't tolerate her giving me the silent treatment. She's the only one I've got in my life. One of the things I should always do is make her happy, not do the opposite.

"Mom," I commenced. And just like that, she focused her attention on me. "I know you're doing this for my best interests. It's not that I don't want to listen to you. I only want to know the reason why we're doing things in a rush, as if we're on the run," I voiced out.

She reached for my hands that were gently resting on my lap and took a sharp breath. "Everything I'm doing is for your sake, dear. Trust your mother. Come on. We've arrived at your school." It was when the words left her lips that I glanced around the new surroundings.

We got out of the car and walked our way inside the big gate. I was only following her lead while on the accord accessing the school. It's way bigger than my former school. Maybe it won't be that bad. We stopped in front of an office and Mom knocked on the door. "Come in," a female voice resonated from inside.

Mom spared me a glance and slightly nodded her head. Her way of telling me to behave. A middle-aged woman welcomed us with a smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Greyson," the woman greeted my Mom.

"Good morning to you too, Mrs. Elizabeth. I'm finally here," Mom replied, shaking the woman's hand. They seemed to know each other. I was standing, my eyes darting from left to right. They had totally forgotten about me.

"Oh... Sorry, I haven't introduced my daughter. Rose," Mom said with a sense of pride.

"Good morning, Ma'am," I also threw my greeting.

"Morning, dear. It's good to see you. Your mother finally brought you to my school." I turned to Mom and she flashed me a smile. So this is where it started.

"I've already made all the necessary preparations. Department of Human Resources, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Alright. Your first lecture is starting in the next fifteen minutes or so. You can go for the lectures. Your Mom and I will finish the rest of the process."

"Here." She handed me a leaflet. "This will help you in getting to the department. It consists of all the departments. And if you're lost, you can ask anyone. It won't be that hard to locate."

"Thank you, Ma'am. So, I will get going."

"Take care, dear. Remember what I told you," she said. I only forced out a smile before walking out of the office. I released a sigh as soon as I was outside, checking the leaflet the woman gave me. From which direction will I start looking for the Department of Human Resources? I'm not that good with location. Might get lost on the way. However, it's not bad to try.

I followed my instinct and went towards the right side. I was surprised to see the surroundings quiet. Maybe everyone is in class. As I walked a few miles, I began seeing the department in view. A sigh left my lips.

"You made it, Rose!" I muttered to myself, letting out a grin.

"You new here?" I literally flinched at the unfamiliar female voice behind me.

I would say she looked around my height. Her blonde hair was done in two buns by the side. She blew out her bubble gum as she stared at me. "Um... Yeah," I let out, composing myself.

"I'm Nora, by the way." She offered her hand. I was undoubtedly surprised at her action. My eyes lingered on her outstretched hand for a while, then back to her. She raised her brows, ushering me.

"I'm Rose. Rose Greyson." I don't even know why I told her my full name. I bet I'm used to it. Whenever someone asks my name, I tell them the full name.

She shook my hand, which lasted for a few seconds. "Heading to that department?" she asked, gesturing to the department a few miles away from us.

"Yes. I was actually on my way there."

"I'm also heading there."

As we made our way towards the said department, Nora began gisting me about the school, the department, and also about her life. She literally told me everything about her in less than ten minutes. I'm not usually the talkative one, especially in a new environment.

Nora pushed the door to the entrance open, and we almost bumped into someone. She didn't even look to check what she'd done. She continued on her never-ending story to me. I managed to apologize to the person, forming my lips into a thin line.

"So, as I was saying, you will enjoy this school. Our department is known for intelligent and brilliant students. And you look like an intelligent person to me," she pronounced. She kept walking while I followed her lead.

We stopped in front of a door with "Lecture Hall" written at the top. Nora turned to me. "Are you ready to start your new journey in the Human Resources department?" she said.

Whether I'm ready or not, there's no going back. I'm destined to be part of it.

"Yes," was the only thing I let out of my mouth.

Nora pushed the door open, and my eyes were graced with a hefty number of people in the hall. It was quiet. Everyone was literally concentrating on the lectures going on. No one seemed to notice us. But then, that changed when the lecturer's voice resonated out of the microphone and all eyes turned to us.

"You are late again, Nora." His voice echoed all over. I was nervous as hell to look around. My face was looking straight ahead.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Andrew. It won't happen again," I heard Nora say.

"Of course, that's what you always say. Very soon, I will suspend you from coming to my class."

"I'm—"

"I don't want to hear any more apologies from you. Go get a seat." I didn't know when Nora pulled me by the wrist, and we grabbed the empty seat that was at the farther end. Thank God for the projector and the microphone the lecturer was using. If not for that, I wouldn't be able to see or grab a thing.

The lectures ended in a not-so-pleasant way. Nora wouldn't allow me to concentrate, whispering to me every now and then. She literally knew half of the guys in the class. I don't know whether I woke up on the bad side this morning. Why must she be the one that I meet first?

"We have twenty minutes before our next class. Do you want to go grab a coffee?" Nora uttered as we exited the lecture hall. I will be doomed if I allow her to take me to another place.

"Actually, I'm heading to the Dean's office. I have to sign some papers," I lied.

"It's alright then. See you later." Before I could reply, she sprinted away. I heaved out a sigh of relief as I watched her disappear.

"God saved you, Rose," I muttered, finding my way out. I needed to get some fresh air. Just a few hours into school yet, I felt like I spent ten hours.

I fished out my phone while I descended the three-block stairs outside the entrance. My mom messaged me earlier, and I didn't get to answer. I did that while walking.

"Ouch!" A hiss left my lips when a light pain shot through my chest. I rubbed the area smoothly. I barely took two more steps when the pain came again. This time around, I felt as if a knife had been pierced into my heart. I tried to walk my way towards the bench, yet my legs were too weak to move.

"Argh!" I muffled out a not-so-loud shout when something struck in my head. Like a lightning bolt. My hand was still secured on my heart area as I went down on my knees.

"Hello."

"Are you okay?" I heard the unknown faint voices above my head. However, I was in too much pain to look around my surroundings. My vision began turning blurry, and before I knew it, darkness engulfed me.

I opened my eyes to a blank white ceiling, which was unfamiliar to me. I shifted my eyes to the side. "You're finally awake," an unfamiliar male voice uttered. He let out a smile.

"Where am I? Who are you?" I bombarded him with questions all at once, trying to stand up.

"No, don't. Your body is still weak," he said, pushing me back gently. And like he said, I was still feeling weak and a little bit of pain down my heart.

"Who are you?" I repeated, assessing him. He looked so calm and composed, yet alarming to me.

"You don't have to worry about who I am. Just get some rest, Miss Rose Greyson McCarthy."

Rose.

Like someone whose mind is being controlled, I listened to the stranger as he gave me instructions and closed my eyes. Falling into yet another darkness of mine.

I unwind my eyes to a familiar surrounding. Our house. "Oh my God, Rose. You're finally awake," I heard my mom's shaky voice. Just by the expression in her eyes, you could tell how worried she was.

She helped me up to a sitting position. "How long have I been sleeping? And where is he?"

"Who? Who is he?" Mom asked.

"The guy that was here earlier."

"No one is here. You were brought back home after you fainted. Are you okay, dear?" I held onto my head as I tried to recall all the events. Was it a dream? I remembered him soothing me, calming me down with his melodic voice. Was that all a dream? Surprisingly, I didn't feel any more pain. I felt strong as before.

"Dear, why didn't you tell me you were not feeling too well? We could've postponed it. Why do you have to fall sick on your first day in school?" My mom's voice snapped me back to reality. She was rubbing my hand in a soothing manner.

"Mom, how did I come back home?" I asked. I needed to be sure it wasn't a dream.

"Of course, you were brought back from the school."

"I mean the person that brought me back."

"I don't know. It was some guy and a girl. Though they came with the school car."

Some guy and a girl? I repeated in my head. What could that possibly mean? Was it a dream or reality? I can't seem to wrap my head around it. However, the main question is, why did I faint? Last time I checked, I was fine when we left the house. Then what happened?

"Enough of the questions. Don't think too much. What matters is you're fine now. I've made some soup for you. Eat and take your drugs," Mom ushered much like commanded.

I was only forcing myself to eat, but my mind wasn't together with my body. I can't seem to get the thought of the strange man out of my head. It felt too real to be a dream. Could it be he was the 'some guy' Mom was talking about? "If you're not going to finish that soup, allow it to rest. You've been drawing circles on it for how many minutes," Mom spared me a deathly glance.

Initially, I wasn't that hungry. I only decided to eat for the sake of the drugs. I can't take drugs on an empty stomach. The best thing is to cut the soup some slack. And I did that. Stored the leftover in the refrigerator. "Don't forget to take the drugs," Mom ushered as I was making my way to the room.

"Okay, Mom," I said almost to myself. I grabbed a bottle of water and then proceeded to my room. The drugs were already sitting by my bedside. I took them as per the instructions and lay back on the bed to rest so that everything would digest.

Rose! Rose!! Come, Rose You belong to me, Rose! Rose!

I jolted up, snapping my eyes open. I held onto my racing heart, panting hard. I reached for the bottle of water beside me and gulped down the remaining. What did I just dream of? Someone calling my name. Who? Why?

At first, I wanted to go talk to Mom about it, but then it would only make her more worried than she already was. I don't want to add more to her. It's just a dream, not something for me to worry about. With that thought, I adjusted myself on the bed and switched off the lamp light.

Morning came faster than I anticipated. "Morning, Mom," I said in a not-so-clear voice as I sat myself on the chair.

"Morning, dear. How was your night? Hope you're feeling better. If you can't go-"

"I'm fine, Mom. I'm not feeling any pain anywhere," I assured her, squeezing her hand from the table.

"Alright then. Eat your breakfast, and I will drop you off. Since I'm going out also."

"Alright, Mom." I pushed forward my breakfast.

"By the way, this letter is for you. I forgot to give it to you last night." She passed me the small white envelope.

"Thank you, Mom." I finished my food first before giving my attention to the white envelope.

Get ready; your mate is coming for you.

I read and read it over again to make sure I'm seeing correctly. I burst into a fit of laughter. What a joke. Who is trying to play a prank on me? Mate, my foot! Let's see how someone will come and claim me as their mate. I folded the paper and dumped it inside my bag.

"What's making you laugh?" Mom asked as she made her way towards the entrance door.

"Nothing, Mom. Just some rubbish jokes."

Mate or no mate, I don't believe in that. Another laughter escaped me, making Mom look at me weirdly. "I'm fine, Mom. I'm fine," I said, forming my lips into a thin line.

We shall see.

Like yesterday, Mom dropped me at school and went on her way to her workplace. From a distance, I sighted Nora making her way inside too. Before I could look for a way to hide, she had already seen me. "Shit!" I muttered.

"Hi, Rose," she said when she approached me.

"Hi, Nora," I ushered back with a smile.

"Hope you're all better now. You looked like shit yesterday." Okay, if Nora doesn't know about it, who will?

"Yeah. I'm all better. Thanks for the care."

She formed her lips into a thin line. "It's okay. All thanks to Rob. He was of great help."

"Rob? Was he the one that took me back home?" I asked. For the first time, getting interested in Nora's stories. I won't be surprised if she knows everything about the school, the gossips.

"Yeah. Kind of. He came out of nowhere and volunteered to take you home. And we took you home. Girl, your mom was damn worried." Could he be the same guy? The melodic voice? I wasn't able to make out his face since I wasn't in my right state of mind.

"Is the Rob guy in our department? I need to thank him," I asked as we walked through the hallway.

"Yes and no."

"Yes and no?" I repeated. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"He's in the department, but he barely attends any classes. Same goes with his gang. They are like lightning bolts. They come and go whenever they like," I listened as Nora narrated to me.

"By the way, don't bother yourself thanking him. They don't accept thanking or apology. In fact, if by chance you meet him anywhere, don't look his way." She patted my shoulder for a mere second before sliding the door to the lecture room open.

Wow. What a story. How can someone go to the extent of paying all the school fees, the procedure, and not attend classes? Do their parents know about it? And much to say, does the school know about it?

"Excuse me." I was snapped back to reality by someone's voice. I didn't miss the look she passed me.

"Sorry." I flashed her a smile, giving her way. Then followed suit as she entered. Nora was busy talking with some guys. So, I didn't even bother to go her way. I grabbed an empty seat at the back. I have a thing for sitting at the back when in class. Most especially by the window. So that whenever the lecture is getting boring, I will look through the window and get my mind off things.

I stared out of the window as the wind cascaded through it, sending chills down my spine. I love a mood like that. How it calms my nerves down. The mood didn't last when silence prevailed as the professor entered.

Nora passed me a wink from where she was sitting amidst boys. I've known her for only a day, but I would say, she's the kind of person that doesn't care about what others think of her. She does her thing in her own way.

The first lectures ended normally, and we proceeded to the lecture theater for the second class. This time around, Nora and I sat in the same direction. Surprisingly, she was calm. And I couldn't help but ask, "Are you okay, Nora?" Wonder what's making her that quiet.

Her brows creased in question. "For?"

"You seem quiet. And earlier you were on top of the mood," I said, my eyes darting from left to right.

"You will find out the reason for me being quiet. It—Ehem..." She cleared her voice when the door was slid open and the professor entered. For a moment, my mind went blank. Like totally blank. From the very first step he took, an aura was lurking around him. It has been a while since my hormones rose at the sight of a handsome man. I don't know how it happened, yet our eyes met. And I could swear something clenched in my heart as my eyes fixed on him. All of a sudden, those strange voices began ringing in my head.

Rose Come to me, Rose. You belong to me.

I don't know why, but I feel like there's some connection between us. Like I know him from before. How my body completely went numb at the sight of him. And how the beating of my heart increased when he stared at me.

"Who is he?" I found my lips muttering out without control.

"The English literature professor. And the reason behind my calmness."

Wow. He looked young to be a lecturer. And I will have to admit, he's undoubtedly handsome. Like, he screams rich.

The whole class took its silence as the professor began his lecture. No noise. Just total concentration. I didn't know when a laugh escaped me looking at how focused Nora was on the professor. She was literally staring him down.

"Hey," his deep accent voice blared through the speaker. His eyes darted toward our direction. I glanced back to check who he was referring to.

"You turning back. Get out of my class."

"Me?" I asked, confused.

"I don't tolerate noise-making in my class. Especially laughing. So get your dumb head out of my class." It took me some seconds to take in what he said. All eyes were on me then.

"Shit, Rose. You got yourself in trouble," Nora whispered beside me.

"What trouble? Did I do anything?" I asked.

"Before you get yourself in more trouble, dear, I advise you to leave the class. Mr. Hunter isn't a forgiving man," someone said behind me. Up to that moment, I was confused as hell. I know I didn't make any noise. And talking of laughing, it wasn't intentional, and I can't call that laughing since I didn't make any sound.

"Just go, Rose. We'll figure it out later." And just like that, I grabbed my bag and made my way to the door. Just when I was about to open it, his voice echoed all over, adding to my already embarrassed self.

"You're banned from attending my class for the next month." Gasps followed all through. I bit my bottom lip and made my way out. I didn't stop until I reached the nearest bench outside. I placed my palms over my racing heart.