Chapter 143: Alpha's Companion

Amelia's POV

Several days had passed since that dinner when I'd staked my claim in Bella Notte. The memory still made me cringe and smile at the same time. Who was that bold woman who'd emerged from somewhere inside me? I hardly recognized myself in that moment of jealous possession.

To my surprise, Alexander had actually followed through on my request - his tone when speaking to me had softened considerably. It wasn't dramatic enough for others to notice, but I caught every subtle change.

The way his eyes would linger on mine a beat longer than necessary. How his usual sharp commands transformed into gentler requests when directed at me. Even the way he said my name had changed, carrying a warmth that hadn't been there before.

It was a change only I could detect; to everyone else, he remained the intimidating Alexander Westbrook, Head Alpha of Shadow Kingdom. I'd watched from the corner of my eye as interns scattered when he strode through the office corridors. The board members continued to speak with careful deference during meetings.

But with me? There was a gentleness that made my heart flutter. Yesterday, he'd actually brought me coffee without prompting. When our fingers brushed during the handoff, I'd felt that familiar electric current race up my arm. The look we'd exchanged afterward had left me breathless, and I'd spent the rest of the day replaying those few seconds in my mind.

I wasn't sure what to make of this evolution between us. Were we moving toward something real? Or was I setting myself up for heartbreak? Whatever this was, I couldn't deny the anticipation that bubbled inside me at the thought of spending several days together away from Shadow Kingdom.

Monday morning found me at the university coffee shop, absentmindedly stirring my latte while my mind wandered. Today I'd be accompanying Alexander to another pack for a meeting, and the thought sent equal parts excitement and nervousness through me.

"So how was your weekend?" Isabelle asked, dropping her bag on the chair beside our table.

"Busy," I replied, taking a sip. "I'm heading out with Alex today to attend some party at another pack, so I spent most of the weekend preparing."

Isabelle froze mid-motion, her eyebrows shooting up. "Wait, what did you just say?"

I looked at her, confused. "Attending a party?"

"No, the part before that: going with A... Alex to another pack," she mimicked my tone, emphasizing the nickname.

Heat rushed to my face as I realized my slip. "I meant Alexander."

Isabelle burst into laughter, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, well, well. Sounds like you and our big bad Head Alpha are getting quite cozy. Nicknames already?"

"It's not what you think," I protested, though I couldn't even convince myself.

"Really?" She leaned closer, grinning. "What exactly happened in that ladies' room the other night?"

I rolled my eyes but didn't deny the growing intimacy between us. "Nothing worth discussing in a public coffee shop."

"Sure, sure," Isabelle teased. "Just be careful about talking to other Alphas at this party. I bet our Head Alpha would get jealous."

I gave her a resigned smile, but inwardly acknowledged she had a point. "Where's Wesley today?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.

"Student council stuff," Isabelle explained, looking slightly disappointed. "You know, boring meetings and event planning..."

My phone rang suddenly, Alexander's name flashing on the screen. My pulse quickened instantly.

"Hello?"

"I'm waiting outside the campus," Alexander's deep voice came through, sending a small shiver down my spine.

"I'll be right there," I answered, ending the call.

"Let me guess, your Alpha is summoning you?" Isabelle wiggled her eyebrows.

"He's not my Alpha," I shot back without conviction. "I've got to go."

"Good luck! Don't forget to tell me everything when you get back!" she called after me.

I hurried across campus and spotted the familiar black SUV parked at the curb. Alexander sat in the back seat, looking devastatingly handsome in a charcoal gray suit. James got out from behind the wheel to open the door for me.

"Good morning," I said, sliding into the seat beside Alexander, immediately enveloped by his powerful presence.

"Morning," he replied, his voice softer than usual. "Are you ready?"

"I need to stop by my house first to grab my luggage," I explained. "And say goodbye to my mom."

Alexander nodded, instructing James: "To Amelia's house."

The atmosphere in the car felt charged with tension. I couldn't help stealing glances at Alexander's profile, admiring the perfect angles of his jaw and the way his dark hair fell across his forehead. He seemed to sense my gaze, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Something wrong?" he asked, still looking ahead.

"Nothing," I quickly averted my eyes, feeling my cheeks flush.

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up in front of my modest home. "I'll be quick," I promised Alexander, who gave a simple nod.

I pushed open the front door to find Mom sitting on the couch watching TV. She looked up, surprised to see me.

"Amelia? Shouldn't you be in class?"

"Mom, I'm going away for a few days," I said, heading straight for my bedroom. "I'm attending a meeting with the Head Alpha at another pack."

She immediately followed me, concern etched across her face. "What? You're going away alone with the Head Alpha?"

I pulled out a small suitcase and began tossing clothes inside. "Not exactly alone. There will be others there."

"Amelia," her voice turned serious, "as an Omega, you need to be especially careful. Particularly around such a powerful Alpha..."

"Mom, don't worry," I tried to reassure her. "Alexander will keep me safe."

She frowned, watching me pack. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"I'll take care of myself," I promised, zipping up my suitcase. "Don't forget to take your medication on time, okay?"

She sighed and nodded. "You know how much I worry about you."

"I know, Mom," I hugged her gently. "But this is important for my career."

My phone vibrated with a text from Alexander: We need to leave soon.

"My mate—" I nearly blurted out, catching myself just in time. "Head Alpha is waiting. I have to go."

Mom hugged me again. "Be careful and keep in touch."

"I will," I kissed her cheek and grabbed my suitcase. "Bye, Mom."

I hurried out the door to find Alexander leaning against the car, waiting for me. The sunlight cast shadows across his perfect features, making him look like he'd stepped off a magazine cover. And I was about to spend several days with him.

The thought made my stomach flip with both anticipation and anxiety.