Chapter 4: Strange Feelings

BRAD PIERSON

I frowned as I walked down the academy hallway, feeling the weight of yet another boring day ahead. It had been two weeks since my father, Alpha Carlo, had forced me to leave the Mystic Shadow Pack and train at the Westoria Academy. He said it was to prepare me for when I would take over the pack, but honestly, I didn’t need to be here to prove I was worthy of the throne.

I sighed, glancing at the group of students running down the hall, laughing and joking like they had no care in the world. They were fools. They had no idea what it really meant to be an alpha. If their packs could see them now, they’d be disgraced.

As I walked, I tried to push all the frustration aside, but it was hard not to feel annoyed by the constant noise around me. I had my own path to walk, and this academy full of spoiled brats wasn’t helping.

Suddenly, I felt a soft body collide with mine, and before I could react, I was on the ground, staring up at someone who had crashed into me. I didn’t even have time to register what happened before I realized that our lips were… pressed together.

I froze.

Was this really happening?

It only lasted a second, but it was long enough for my heart to skip a beat. Her lips—wait, no, his lips—were so soft, like cotton. I could’ve sworn I was kissing a woman.

I pushed the body off me in irritation, almost angry at myself for feeling that strange warmth spreading through me. What the hell?

This academy is all male right?

I looked down at the guy who had somehow ended up on top of me. He was… cute. Too cute for a guy. He had this soft face, smooth skin, and messy hair. Was he really a man? He looked more like someone I’d see walking around a fashion show than a training academy for alphas.

Before I could think much more about it, he quickly wiped his lips, his eyes wide with embarrassment, and scrambled to his feet, practically running away.

I stared after him, still trying to figure out what had just happened. Was he really a guy? I couldn’t be sure, but there was something about him that didn’t add up. The kiss had felt… different.

Jerome, my wolf, burst into laughter in my mind. So, what’s the deal, Brad? Liking to kiss men now?

I groaned, shaking my head. “Shut up, Jerome.”

Jerome didn’t let up. You sure about that? Seems like someone’s got a little crush.

I clenched my jaw, trying to push the thoughts away. I wasn’t interested in whatever that had been. He was probably just some weird guy. Nothing more.

The group of students who had been running past me were now standing at a distance, looking uncomfortable. They must have seen what happened, and I could feel their nervous energy. They all quickly apologized, but I didn’t say a word to them. Instead, I just kept walking, not bothering to acknowledge them.

I didn’t care what they thought.

As I entered the dormitory building, Jerome couldn’t stop teasing me. Come on, man. You’ve got to admit it. He’s cute. Can’t say you didn’t like the kiss.

I sighed and rubbed my temples, my irritation growing. “I’m not gay, Jerome. So shut it.”

But Jerome wasn’t done. Whatever you say. I’m just saying, I saw how you looked at him.

I ignored him as I walked down the hall toward my room. The last thing I wanted was to keep thinking about the guy who had kissed me.

I was just about to open the door when I stopped in my tracks. My heart skipped a beat when I saw who was sitting on the bed in the room.

It was him.

The same guy. The one who had kissed me. He was sitting there, casually looking through something in his hands.

I froze. My mouth went dry, and I could feel my face heat up. Was this some sort of sick joke? Of course, he was in my room.

Jerome snickered in my mind. Looks like the universe has a funny way of bringing people together, huh?

I couldn’t help but glare at the guy as I stepped into the room, trying to keep my composure. There was no way I was going to let him know how freaked out I felt.

He looked up at me, eyes widening for a moment before he quickly averted his gaze, clearly just as uncomfortable as I was.

“So,” I muttered, breaking the silence. “Guess we’re roommates now.”

The guy nodded awkwardly, not saying anything. I could see him trying to hide his embarrassment. But the more I looked at him, the more I realized how different he was from the others at the academy. There was something about him. Something… not right.

But what the hell did it matter? He was just another guy at the academy. Just another student. And I wasn’t going to let whatever happened earlier mess with my focus.

I didn’t care who he was.

I had my own problems to deal with.

I would survive this academy, no matter who my roommate was.

I stared at the guy sitting across from me, still trying to make sense of the situation. His presence felt out of place, like he didn't belong here, and yet he was sitting in the same room as me. Something about him felt… off, but in a way I couldn't quite understand.

"So," I said, breaking the silence. "What’s your name?"

He hesitated, as if thinking about it, before finally replying, "Shane Bolton." He didn’t look at me when he spoke, his eyes darting around the room.

I raised an eyebrow. "And what pack are you from?"

He stiffened, glancing to the side. "Actually… I’m not part of any pack. I’m homeless now."

That caught me off guard. I frowned, crossing my arms. "So, you're an omega?"

He shook his head quickly, his eyes avoiding mine. "No, I’m not. I just… I plan to build my own pack soon."

Build her own pack? What the hell?