The Alpha Chose Me (Leah Wilson and Jake) novel Chapter 23

The Alpha Chose Me Chapter 23

“Everything okay honey?”. Charlotte asked as she began to clear the plates away. I felt rotten because I couldn’t finish my dinner. She had made so much.

“Yeah”.

“You finished? Would you like some coffee?”.

It was getting late I shouldn’t really have coffee but I didn’t want to be rude and it never stopped me before. “Yes please thank you”.

“You okay?”. Alanna whispered.

“Yeah are you?”.

“Want to car share tomorrow?”. She asked.

“Yes and we can stop for some coffee before we get to school. I have a feeling tonight is going to be a long night. I still have chemistry work to do”.

“How does he expect you to write down the answers?”. She frowned.

“Good question”. I laughed. Shrugging my shoulders her mom came back with my coffee.

“You girls okay?”. She asked. “Come into the living room it’s much warmer in there”. So we did we followed her through.

She was right it was toasty in here.

Alanna had her face buried in her phone and her mom wouldn’t stop staring at me.

“Leah?”.

“Yeah?”.

“I’m sorry about earlier”. She said catching Alanna’s attention. “I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that it’s just Jake-…”

“Mom”. Alanna warned.

“He needs a nice girl, a strong girl I’m sick of him bringing all them floozies home”.

“Mom”. Alanna groaned. “Stop it now please”.

“No bloody wonder. Did you see that girl he brought home last week. I had to chase her out of here because she wouldn’t leave”.

“I thought Jake had his own house?”. I questioned.

“Oh he does honey but he likes to treat mine like a whore house. He’s fly I don’t know they’re here until I get up in the morning”.

I didn’t know what to say.

My expectations of Jake were slipping every minute I was here. He seemed like a right charmer and his mom wasn’t holding back.

“The boy needs to reign it in before it’s to late. Heart of gold but he’s a slag”. I bit back a laugh.

“Okay mom I’m going to walk Leah home”. That sounded like a good idea.

“Don’t be a stranger Leah”.

“Night Mrs Taylor oh I mean Charlotte”.

It was chilly tonight. The temperature had definitely dropped.

“I’m sorry about my mom”. Alanna sighed. “She shouldn’t have said any of that”.

“What that your brothers a slag?” I laughed.

“He’s really not”.

“Hmm”. Reaching my house I turned to her. “Thanks for asking me over tonight it was fun”. I grinned. “See you tomorrow”.

“Leah?”.

“Yeah?”.

“He really isn’t a slag he just-…”

“It’s nothing to do with me”. Cutting her off I held my hands up. “Goodnight I’ll see you in the morning”. Closing the door behind me I fell against it.

“Leah is that you?”.

Slipping off my shoes I undid my jacket and hung it up. “I’ve got some goodies if you want some. They’re on the counter. How was your dinner?”. She asked. “Charlotte is lovely isn’t she”.

“It was good and yeah they’re both lovely. How was your day?”. She had brought home chocolate muffins but I was still stuffed from dinner.

“It was pleasant honey. I got seeds for the garden and I also got little lights to go around the fence”.

“Where is it you go?”. I asked. We needed to have this conversation.

“Excuse me?”.

“I never see you anymore. You’re away early doors and then you don’t come home till late. Where do you go?”.

“Leah Wilson”.

“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m going to head to bed for school. Night”.

“I have a friend out here”. I stopped in my tracks. She knew people out here? “I-I got back in contact with him a few years ago”.

“Okay”….

“I’m not getting any younger Leah and George has lived out here for years. Can you believe we were high school sweethearts?”. She smiled.

“Gran are you trying to tell me you have a boyfriend?”.

“Oh gosh no he’s just a friend”. She gushed cheeks going scarlet. “I enjoy his company”.

“I’m sure you do”. I grinned. “I’m going to head up stairs”. Bending down I kissed her cheek. “Night gran”.

“You’re not mad?”. She asked.

“If you’re happy then I’m happy”. Heading upstairs I turned the shower on letting the steam heat up the bathroom.

Tonight had been a very interesting night. Stripping out of my clothes I wrapped a plastic bag around my hand before going for a shower.

I was in bed for ten o’clock. I was currently watching greys anatomy and stuffing my face with flaming hot Cheetos, living my best life.

I had a look through the work Mr Robinson had gave me. He didn’t expect me to write anything he left a note asking me to have a look over what they went over that day.

It was pointless, I was going to fail chemistry. I just didn’t seem to get it. I had texted Ryan asking if he could also come over Friday as well. I needed all the help I could get.

I had decided I wasn’t going out with Jake on Friday. I hadn’t plucked up the courage to let him know just yet but I would. I wasn’t interested in becoming another notch on his bed post. Besides I had to focus on graduating not going out on dates. There was plenty of time for that after school finished.

I was scrolling through Facebook when he texted.

‘You okay princess?’

If I didn’t text him back he’ll think there’s something wrong. He hadn’t done anything wrong he wasn’t my boyfriend I didn’t have a say in what he did or more to the point who he did.

‘Yes! Just heading to bed. Night’

After sending him a message back I turned my phone onto silent and put it under my pillow. It vibrated.

‘You sleep with your light on?’

Making a face I looked at my lamp. Was he watching my house?

‘You’re creepy. Goodnight Jake!!’

….

I was up and ready a good hour before I needed to leave. I had ate my breakfast and took my first set of antibiotics for the day.

“I have something to ask you”. My gran said as she filled my cup up.

“Okay”. “Would you be okay with George coming to dinner tonight? He’s dying to meet you”. Why did she look so nervous?

“Of course”. I smiled. “I do have a friend from school coming over. He’s tutoring me in chemistry so I don’t fail”.

“That’s okay honey ask him if he wants to stay for dinner. I’m making steak and potatoes with pepper sauce”.

“I will”. She seemed to be in a great mood, she was happy.

“Have a good day sweetheart and I’ll see you when you’re home”. Kissing my cheek she grabbed her keys. “You need me to drop you off?”.

“No it’s fine Alanna is giving me a lift”. “Okay honey I’ll see you later”. Hearing the door close I went about fixing my bag. Adding some snacks and some water I washed my cup and placed it on the draining board. Hearing the toot from her horn I grabbed my jacket and my bag and beaded outside.

She had the music blaring.

Little mix and Jason Derulo – secret love song.

“Kane has a new girlfriend”. Turning the volume down she pouted. “I’m sad”.

“I think that’s for the best”. Jake almost killed the poor boy. If he liked to live its best he stay clear of Alanna.

“I love him Leah and he’s done this to me. Why would he hurt me like that?”.

“I thought you weren’t allowed to date him?”. I asked. Apparently there were rules that she had to follow.

“I’m not”. She sighed.

“Then maybe it’s best you let Kane do this. He’s maybe realised he likes to live. Let him move on Alanna it’s not fair”.

“You’re right but it’s hard. He meant the world to me and now well now I’m sad, single and lonely”. Pulling into the school parking lot she parked her car.

“Well we can be sad, single and lonely together”. I grinned taking off my seatbelt and getting out. “But not tonight because I have Ryan coming over to tutor me”.

“Ryan’s coming to your house?”. She asked frowning. “Is that a good idea?”. And here we go again.

“Hey girls”. Lacey grinned. “How are we doing today?”. She always seemed so cheerful. I wasn’t a morning person.

“She’s sad because Kane had a new girlfriend”. “Yo shorty”. Ryan yelled from across the lot gaining a lot of attention. “Come over here”. He grinned.

“Guys I’ll see you later”.

Grabbing a hold of my good hand she stopped me. “Hanging out with Ryan isn’t a good idea”. Alanna sighed. “It’ll get you into-…”

“Alanna”. Lacey warned. “We’ll see you at lunch Leah. Have a good morning”.

That’s was weird.

“Hey you”. I smiled coming to a stop next to his car. “How are you?”. I didn’t care what Alanna said. Ryan was my friend and I wasn’t going to stop talking to him.

“I’m good shorty, how’s the hand?”. He wasn’t looking at me but over me. Following his gaze I smiled when I realised he was staring at the girl who sat in front of me in English.

“Someone got a little crush?”. I laughed knocking him out of his trance.

“What no” he huffed.

“Then why’s your face red?”. Nudging him I laughed as he threw his arm around my shoulder. “She’s beautiful Leah”. He groaned. “But I can’t talk to her”.

Eh? Ryan was confident, good looking and a football player.

“Why?”. I asked.

“I get all nervous around her and every time I try to talk to her I mumble and stutter”.

“That’s cute”. I grinned.

“Shut up”. Walking into chemistry I noticed Alanna hadn’t arrived yet. Maybe she had decided to skip or maybe seeing Kane was too much for her.

“My gran wants to know if you’re staying for dinner tonight. She’s cooking steak and potatoes”.

“I’m there”. He grinned.

“And you’re still okay to come over tomorrow too?”. I was starting to panic because I really was failing and I couldn’t afford to not graduate.

“Sure thing but it’ll be later because I’ve got football practice”.

“Thanks again for helping me. I could talk to Abby for you if you want?”. “No I’m scared she doesn’t like me like that. Don’t want to make an arse of myself”. Getting his books out I did the same.

“I could put the feels out just to see if she’s available?”. I shrugged.

“Okay everyone settle down”. Mr Robinson yelled as he closed the door. “It’s not long until we do a practice run for the grade that most of you need to graduate”. His eyes landed on me. “I want you all to pass with flying colors so open your books and get studying. Take this serious guys the test is a hard one”.

I may as well quit just now.

“Could you maybe just put some feels out there then, maybe see what she likes?”. He asked.

“I’ve got English after lunch I’ll do my best. Now let me see your notes”.

“He said he’ll speak to you personally tomorrow”. My stomach dropped. Of course he did. I wasn’t looking forward to that. “Whatever that means. So are you seeing him again?”.

“Have you got plans for dinner?”. I asked changing the subject. I didn’t want to order takeout for one.

“Moms cooking”. She sighed. “Family dinners so I have to go. Do you want to come?”.

“Oh it’s okay you-…”

“You’re not eating alone. Go get changed I’ll text my mom and tell her you’re coming. She’ll be thrilled when she hears about you and Jake”. She winked.

“Alanna”. I warned getting to my feet. “We only had coffee stop making a big deal out of something when it’s nothing”.

“Yet”. She replied as I went to get ready.

I pulled on some clean jeans and a jumper. Brushing out my hair I pulled it back into a messy bun. That would do, I was only going across the street. Reaching the bottom of the stairs I slipped my feet into my UGG boots.

“How come I didn’t know you wore glasses?”. She asked handing me my coat.

“Because I don’t wear them all the time”. Putting my jacket on I went about making sure I had switched everything off. “But I really should”.

“Good to go?”.

“Yes”. Turning off the living room light I followed her outside. Making sure I locked the door and it was secure. “Will Jake be here?”. I asked as we walked the short distance to her moms house.

“Missing him already?”. She smirked.

“No, he didn’t seem in a good mood when he left earlier”. I shrugged “And I haven’t heard from him since”. “He might be I’m not sure”. Crossing the street I froze when I heard it. “What was that?”. I panicked. It sounded like the mournful howl or a cry.

“It’ll be nothing”. She brushed me off and pulled on my arm. “Come on”. That was definitely not nothing and then I remembered the conversation I had when Kane found me in the woods.

Surely there wasn’t any wolfs around here right? Something was off I noticed that the day I moved here. Shaking it off I followed Alanna inside.

“Leah”. Her mom grinned. “How are you sweetheart?”. She pulled me in for a hug and I was not expecting it. She was so nice and welcoming.

“Hi Mrs Taylor I’m good thank you. I hope you’re well”.

“Call me Charlotte honey. Take a seat, would you like a drink?”. She was the mom of all moms and she was stunning. “Yes please water is fine”. Taking off my jacket I hung it on the back of my seat.

I still couldn’t get over how beautiful their house was. Their kitchen was massive you could fit mine inside it. Tall ceilings and lots of open space. I loved it. “So are you settling in okay?”. Placing my water in front of me she went about the kitchen preparing dinner. I had no idea where Alanna had disappeared too.

“I’m getting there”. It really wasn’t that bad, yes I still missed Florida but I was getting used to it here. Day three and it was slightly better

“Everyone treating you okay?”. She asked. I had a feeling she also knew I was struggling a little. “Alanna was saying some of the girls around here haven’t been that welcoming”.

Alanna needed to learn to keep her mouth shut.

“Sorry to pry honey. Alanna has a big heart she just wants to make sure you’re okay”.

“Girls can be mean”. I shrugged. I wasn’t going to let it bother me anymore or at least I was going to try. It wasn’t worth it and if I wanted to hang out with Jake then I would.

“They can be little bitches”. Charlotte stated. “But you’re a strong one I can tell”. She winked just as Alanna finally graced us with her presence. “Alanna set the table your dad and brother will be home soon”.

My heart rate spiked a little. I was excited to see him.

“I’ll help”. I offered. “No honey you sit there I need to talk to you. Alanna”. She gave her a knowing look. “Set the table”.

She wanted to talk to me? Talk to me about what? I was nervous, worried even.

“Do you like my son Leah?”.

I didn’t know what to say. This was his mom, she came across as the mother that would kill for her family. She was fierce.

“We had coffee”. I blurted out. My nerves were getting the better of me. I was so lame, I felt put on the spot. “He took me for a burger”. I added. Was it getting hot in here?

“So you’ve been hanging out together?”.

“Yes”. Taking a sip of my water I wiped my forehead. I was sweating. I had no idea what she was trying to do.

“So you must like him then?”.

“Mom”.

He was here.

“What, I’m just making conversation”. She grinned. “Go get cleaned up for dinner it’ll be ready soon”.

“Could I use your bathroom?”. I asked needing a few minutes to myself.

“Of course you can honey, Jake show Leah where the bathroom is”. Following behind him I couldn’t stop my heart from racing.

“I’ll take you up stairs. My mom doesn’t like anyone using the down stairs one”. Rolling his eyes he stopped at the top of the stairs. “Straight ahead I’m just going to get freshened up”.

Closing the door behind me I took a deep breath. Turning on the cold tap I splashed some water on my face in hopes I’d calm down. His mom really did put me on the spot. Rubbing some cold water on the back of my neck I pulled the lid down on the toilet and took a seat.

I didn’t want them to get the wrong idea about Jake and I. I liked him, he seemed like a nice guy but I wasn’t going to rush into something I wasn’t ready for. Today was fun I enjoyed his company but it was just coffee.

“Leah?”. Alanna knocked on the door. “Are you okay?”. Flushing the toilet I washed my hands. “Just coming”. It was just dinner, I’m sure I could get through it.

“I heard about my mom” She whispered. “I’m sorry, when she got wind about Jake taking you for a burger she lost it. She’s just excited. Jakes never had a girlfriend”.

Wait what? How was that possible? He was beautiful.

“Never?”. I asked.

“Nope he just fucks them and chucks them”. She laughed. That screamed player to me and I wasn’t about to become his flavour of the month. “But they all seem to become obsessed with him. I swear he brings a girl home and we have to force them to leave”.

She wasn’t doing a good job at selling him to me.

“Girls dinner is ready”. Charlotte was plating up some food. Jake was already sat at the table his head buried in his phone. I took the seat furthest away from him. I couldn’t be angry at him for bringing girls home and I wasn’t I just didn’t think he was that type of guy. Then again what did I expect when he looked like a fucking model.

“I hope roast chicken is okay for you Leah”. Charlotte placed a plate fit for a king into from of me. Did Alanna also tell her mom I liked to eat. I couldn’t wait to dig in.

“Looks delicious thank you”. I didn’t know where to start. I had a mountain of food on my plate.

“How is your gran liking the new kitchen Leah?”. Jacob asked.

“She loves it we both do. You’ve done a great job and I can’t wait to see what it’s like when it’s finished”. It was more modern now and my gran went with the colour blue. “I’m glad”. He grinned. “We’re hoping to get it finished tomorrow. I’m just waiting for a few more parts to come”.

“She mentioned that”. I smiled. “Thank you for helping us out I appreciate it”. We wouldn’t have been able to afford it if he wasn’t doing it for free.

“It’s no problem at all. We’re happy to help and once we finish the kitchen we’ll start on the bathroom. I think your gran has that all picked out too”.

I didn’t know they were doing our bathroom too. “I’m sure she has”. Taking a sip of my water I started to dig into my dinner before it got cold.

“Jake you know my rule”. His mom sighed shaking her head. “Phone away when we’re at the table and that goes for you too Alanna”.

Alanna slipped hers into her pocket but Jake was still glued to his. I wonder what he was looking at. It was vibrating every few minutes.

“Jacob”. She snapped.

Sighing he put his phone away and began to eat his dinner. I was feeling a little uncomfortable. He hadn’t said two words since I sat down. Something was obviously on his mind.

My phone started to ring. It could only be one person. “Sorry I have to take this it’s my gran”. Getting up from the table I made my way outside.

“Hey gran”.

“Hi honey where are you?”. I knew she was driving, I could hear the interference in the back ground. She had been out all day.

“I’m having dinner with Alanna and her family. Are you okay?”.

“Oh that sounds lovely. I’m okay Leah I’m on my way home just now. Will you be home before I get there I’m half an hour out”.

“Not sure don’t think so but I won’t be late”. I wasn’t going to rush my dinner away. I didn’t want to be rude.

“Okay honey well I’ll see you when you get in. I love you sweetheart”. “I love”.. the line went dead. “You too”. I sighed. I think we needed to have a conversation. I wanted to know where she was going all the time. She didn’t do this back home so why was she doing it now. Looking up into the sky I noticed it was a full moon tonight, the sky was so clear. Heading back inside I noticed Jake and his dad were no longer at the table.