THE ALPHA'S PRESENCE

The next day, Bella walked into school with Naomi and Dylan, chatting about their weekend plans. As they turned the corner, Bella's eyes scanned the hallway, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw Asher standing by her locker, looking effortlessly handsome in his black leather jacket.

"What the...?" Naomi trailed off, her eyes wide with surprise.

Dylan's jaw dropped. "Is that...the Alpha?"

Bella's face grew warm as she nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She hadn't expected Asher to show up at school, well a part of her did especially after their conversation yesterday.

Amanda, the pack's beta's daughter, looked like she had seen a ghost. Her eyes were fixed on Asher, her face pale. She seemed to be frozen in place, her books clutched tightly to her chest.

The whole school was buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Students were whispering to each other, pointing at Asher and trying to get a glimpse of the Alpha as they were surprised to see him not only once but twice now.

Asher's eyes met Bella's, and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Bella felt a flutter in her chest as she walkedaway from her friends and walked towards her locker where he was standing looking all dashing with his piercing blue eyes.

"Good morning, Bella," Asher said, his voice low and smooth. "Naomi, Dylan."

Naomi and Dylan nodded, still looking stunned. Amanda, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling to find her voice as she was looking at them from across her locker.

Bella smiled, feeling a sense of pride and happiness. "Good morning, Asher," she replied, her voice soft.

Asher's eyes locked onto hers, and Bella felt like she was drowning in their depths. She knew that everyone was watching them, but she didn't care. She was happy to be with Asher, and she didn't care who knew it.

"So, Alpha," Amanda said,walking towards them, her voice hesitant. "What brings you to school today?"

Asher's expression turned serious. "I'm here to make a statement," he said, his voice firm. "Bella is my mate, and I won't hide it. I'll make sure everyone knows that she's under my protection."

The hallway fell silent, with all eyes on Asher and Bella. Bella felt a surge of emotions, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that this would change everything, that Asher's presence would make her a target for those who didn't approve of their relationship.

But with Asher by her side, Bella felt like she could face anything. She knew that he would protect her, that he would always be there for her.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, Asher nodded at Bella. "I'll walk you to your class," he said, his voice low.

Bella smiled, feeling a sense of happiness. "Okay," she replied, her voice soft.

Together, they walked to class, with Naomi and Dylan following closely behind. Amanda trailed behind them, her eyes fixed on Asher with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

As they walked to class, the students parted to let them through, their eyes fixed on Asher with a mix of awe and fear. Some of them whispered to each other, their voices barely audible, while others stared openly, trying to get a glimpse of the Alpha.

Bella felt a sense of pride and happiness as Asher walked beside her, his hand brushing against hers. She knew that she was the envy of many girls in school, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

When they reached Bella's classroom, Asher stopped outside the door, his eyes locked onto hers. "I'll pick you up after school," he said, his voice low. "We need to talk about our plans for the future."

Bella nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. She knew that being mated to the Alpha would come with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, but she was ready to face them head-on.

As Asher turned to leave, Bella caught a glimpse of Amanda's face, her eyes narrowed in anger and resentment. Bella felt a shiver run down her spine as Amanda's gaze met hers, but she didn't let it intimidate her. She knew that she had Asher's protection, and that gave her the confidence to stand up to anyone.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Naomi wss over the moon with excitement, while dylan was kind of confused, others were more cautious, waiting to see how things would play out.

"Why didn't you tell me that Asher was your mate" Dylan asked as soon as they sat down

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I wanted to tell you, not for you to find out like this"

"Why didn't you tell me yesterday, you thought I wouldn't be happy for you, is that it" he asked anger clear in his voice.

"No Dylan, I don't know why I didn't tell you or just let Naomi tell you yest..." Bella was saying when he cut her short

"Wait, you knew?" He asked facing Naomi

"I did, but I promise I wanted to..." she was trying to explain when he stopped her

"Just forget, it's clear where I stand in both your lives" he said as he stood up and went to sit in another sit.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Bella gathered her things and tried to settle things with Dylan but she didn't see him so she just waited for Asher to pick her up. She felt a sense of anticipation and excitement, knowing that their lives were about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.

And although she was ready, she couldn't help but think she lost her best friend Dylan

When Asher arrived, he smiled and took her hand, leading her out of the school building. "Let's get out of here," he said, his voice low. "We have a lot to discuss."

Bella nodded, feeling a sense of adventure and uncertainty. She knew that being mated to the Alpha would be a wild ride, but she was ready to buckle up and see where the journey would take her.