Chapter 9

Alexa pov

As the first rays of morning light streamed through my window the following day, I could barely contain my excitement. With a heart full of hope and a dash of trepidation, I leaped out of bed, nearly tripping over my own feet in my eagerness. I dashed across the room, making a beeline for my laptop, my fingers fumbling with the trackpad in a frenzy. I opened my email, holding my breath in anticipation, scanning through the messages that seemed to hang in the air like the aroma of fresh coffee.

And then, there it was—the notification that would change everything. I couldn't help it; a loud scream of joy erupted from my lips, echoing off the walls like a triumphant victory cry. I found myself jumping up and down, lost in a whirlpool of ecstatic disbelief. But my exuberance was quickly interrupted as my dad burst into the room, wielding a gun—yes, a gun! It was as if he was ready to confront an invisible threat, his eyes darting around the room. When he finally locked onto me, a puzzled expression crossed his face.

"What's wrong? Why were you screaming like that?" he asked, confusion etched in his brow.

"I just got my results!" I gushed, unable to contain my excitement. "I passed! And not just passed—I got a full scholarship! Isn't that amazing?" My voice climbed an octave, a melody of pure delight.

His face softened, and for a moment, the gun seemed to fade into the background. "That's great, honey! I'm so proud of you! I always knew you could do it." He enveloped me in a bear hug, and for a fleeting moment, everything felt right in the world.

"But when are you going?" he questioned, shifting back to the practicalities of the situation.

"They said I could resume today! I just need to set up my room, and then I can start lectures tomorrow!" My smile was unstoppable.

"Alright, dear. Why don't you pack up and meet me downstairs? I need to prepare some... weapons and supplies you'll need," he said, almost matter-of-factly.

"Dad, I'm not going to war; I'm going to school! I don't need weapons!" I replied, trying to suppress a chuckle at his over-the-top concerns.

"Oh, you'll need them! With all those wolves at that school, you can't be too careful. And don't forget, the principal is a wolf too—he'd let them run amok and cover up anything that happens," he said, clearly worried and frowning, his concern palpable.

"Okay, Dad, if it makes you feel better, you can pack whatever you want. But trust me, I can take care of myself," I reassured him, standing tall. "I might not want to hurt anyone, but if it comes down to my safety, I wouldn't hesitate. Plus, I am unbeatable!" I said, a hint of pride escaping my lips.

"I know you are, but that doesn't change the fact that I'll always worry as your father. It's my job," he muttered, shaking his head as he walked out of my room.

After packing my belongings and taking a long, refreshing bath, I dressed quickly and made my way downstairs. Upon reaching the kitchen, I found my mom cheerfully setting the table, her movements light and joyful. It was almost surreal. When our eyes met, she flashed me a smile and said, "Are you all set? Your dad told me you got a full scholarship! I am so proud of you! Come and eat something before you head out."

Her enthusiasm felt a little misplaced, but I pushed aside the niggling doubts. Maybe just this once, her pride was genuine. I sat down as she served me breakfast, and soon my dad joined us, lugging a heavy bag that I assumed was filled with all the "weapons" he thought I might need. Watching us all eat together felt strange; it was the first time I could remember having a family meal around this table. I savored the moment, even if it felt a little bittersweet.

Once breakfast concluded, my dad and I made our way to the school. Upon arriving, he helped me unpack and set up my room. His face displayed a mix of concern and disapproval when he realized my roommate was a wolf, but there was little he could do about it now. We finished organizing my belongings, and as we stepped outside, I walked him to his car.

"Here, this is your ATM card. Buy anything you need, and if you run out of money, just call me," he said, firmly handing me the card. I accepted it gratefully and thanked him for his support.

"If anything goes wrong, just call me. I'll always pick up, and if I can't, call your mother, okay?" he urged, his tone shifting into something more serious.

"Dad, don't worry! Nothing can happen; I can take care of myself. Plus, I'm not the only human here. If anything goes wrong and I can't handle it, I promise I will call you," I reassured him, feeling the weight of his concern.

"I love you, sweetheart," he said as he climbed into the car, his expression softening slightly.

"I love you too, Dad," I called out as he drove off, a wave of mixed emotions washing over me.

I stood there for a moment, watching him leave, and then turned back toward my new life, ready to step into the unknown, feeling a strange mix of excitement and apprehension as I walked back into my dorm.