True Love Or Just a Bet

Chapter 2 : Adventure or Danger?

Stevens POV (Alaina’s Father)

I had sent my wife away before I did something I regretted. Alaina’s six suitors were being fed by servants so they were taken care of too. All that was left to do was deal with Alaina.

My blood was still boiling in my veins. All werewolves have bad tempers. We’re part wolf after all. But typically the male werewolves have it worse, because were more dominant.

Also, I'm known to have the worst temper of all the male werewolves in the pack. But Alaina knows this and she knows what pushes my buttons (literally everything she had just done). Watching my daughter disobey me like that…. my blood boiled hotter.

It was time she stopped throwing her tantrum and got down here and acted like the adult she was ( according to her, anyway)

“ALAINA MARIE TATUM!” I yelled at the top of my lungs. Her six suitors jumped in their seats, a couple spilling their drinks a little. My wife came running into the room at the sound of my voice. “GET DOWN HERE RIGHT THIS SECOND!”

The suitors and my wife all looked from me to the doorway into the living room; we were all waiting for her to come in.

We waited for five minutes.

I know she heard me. I called to her again.

“ALAINA!”

When there was still no response, my wife spoke. “ Steven , dear, perhaps you should go up and talk to her. You know… Civilly.”

My eyes flicked to my wife’s. Her eyes were pleading with me.

I suppose it’s worth a try

“Fine,” I relent.

I storm out of the living room and go pounding up the stairs . I try to let out my remaining anger that way , so that my conversation with Alaina goes better.

When I get to her for and knock loudly (and I suppose rather forcefully.)

“Alaina? Open the door right now!” There was no reply; I tried the doorknob, but it wouldn’t budge. “Alaina! Don’t you dare lock me out of your room!” Still no reply. “If you don’t open this door right now , I’ll break it down myself!”

“Steven!” I hear my wife. I turn and see her at the base of the stairs. “I don’t think that-“

“Leave, Miranda! I have this under control!”

My wife backs away and I turn back to my daughter’s bedroom door.

She’s clearly not going to listen. “Fine,” I sat under my breath, “if that’s the way it has to be…”

I let out a loud door and transform into my 6’10 , Black and silver werewolf.

I back up and take a running lead towards the door and knock it off it’s hinges cleanly. I quickly transform back into my human self and sweep my eyes over Alaina’s room.

I let out a angry roar but I force myself to cool down.

She can’t out smart me.

I quickly go back down stairs. My wife and Alaina’s six suitors all look at me expectantly . “Well,” I say, forcing myself to sound pleasant (I know Miranda sees right through it). “ It appears that she has mad a run for it. Exactly as I suspected she would.”

“Made a run for it?” One of the suitors repeated.

“Yes. She thinks she can out smart me- out smart us- but she cannot.” I smirk evilly and all the suitors mirror my smirk. “ Now , I want the six of you to track her scent. Follow her, find her, and bring her back here. I don’t care how you do it.”

“Yes sir,” the same suitor said.

“Good. And when you get her, force her to mate with one of you.” A evil thought crossed my mind and I smiled and barked out a laugh . “ Heck, I don’t care if you make her mate with all of you! Just get the job done. Now GO!”

Alaina’s six suitors stood from their chairs. With a collective roar, they all transformed into their werewolf forms.

I stepped over and stood next to my wife as they all sniffed the air. Then suddenly , one of them raised their head and let out a loud howl. Then all six of them broke into a run and soon were gone. I couldn’t help laughing in excitement and power as I watched my plan be put into action.

I turn and look at Miranda, my eyes gleaming with excitement. “Don’t worry, dear. She will be mated soon and we will all be saved.” Laughing in pure evil that it sends my wife into pure shock and you can see the terror in her eyes.

Alaina’s POV

“Am I really doing this? Am I really on a flight to Paris, France?” I ask myself.

“ I mean, I can always turn around and go home… but why would I do that? My parents don’t care about what I want. Still… I mean, I’ve never been on a plane or away from home. Maybe I shouldn’t … oh snap out of it Alaina! YOUR GOING TO FRANCE.”

I nod once, firmly, then quickly look around. Hopefully nobody notices that I’ve been talking to myself for about five minutes now.

I look at my plane ticket and keep walking down the isle of the plane, looking for my seat: all the way in the back of the plane on the last row.

I throw my suitcase into the overhead baggage area and take my seat. Life I’ve said I have never been on a plane before. I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with baggage claim and all that; packing light paid off.

The pilot comes on over the speakers and tells all of the passengers still standing to quickly find their seats, as we will be taking off in ten minutes.

I feel my heart rate picking up speed and I close my eyes.

I’m terrier of heights. Absolutely terrified.

Forcing myself to act natural I open my eyes…. And I’m really glad I did.

As expected , I see people scrambling around trying to find their seats.

But what was unexpected was my eyes landing on this guy who had just entered the plane.

Even more unexpected, was when he raised his eyes from his plane ticket…. and locked his eyes with mine.

My heart rate sped up faster, only this time, it wasn’t from my fear of heights.

This guy is… beyond attractive to put it lightly. He could easily make any girl melt.

His green eyes (that are seriously hypnotic, I literally can’t look away). His hair is brown and looks so incredibly soft. And his build looks like that of a god or something; he’s extremely muscular , to the point where you can easily notice that under his shirt and jacket, he’s tall ( has to be about six good I’d guess)

He finally breaks the eye contact and looks back at his ticket. He runs his fingers though his hair and I feel myself melt inside.

He had better be single.

The guy looks back up at me and starts walking over.

“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” He asked me, now stopped at my row and pointing to the seat next to mine.

Oh God. His voice.

It was very manly and deep, but sweet at the same time. And not to mention sexy.

He cleared his throat. “Uh, miss? Are you alright?”

My eyes widen and I fell myself blush. Oops. “Oh, oh! Yes, i’m fine . No one is sitting there, You can sit there if you want.”

I’m mentally kicking myself for stuttering so much. The one time I really wanted to look cool and I can’t even manage to do that.

“Oh thank you” He said

He flashes a perfectly white, smiles and I swear I felt my heart melt into a tiny puddle.

He reaches across me to put his luggage next to mine. As he’s doing this, I swear I didn’t meant to stare but I couldn’t help it. When he was done, he took his seat. He leaned back and let out a sigh.

He seemed totally comfortable around women. He flashes another smile and I blush.

He turns to look at me and our eyes meet again.

“ So,” he says. “ You’re going to Paris? Or some other part of France?”

Those eyes. Oh my god I could look at them forever. And his voice! He could read the phone book and make it sound good. And his body?! How much did he workout?!

I was so caught up in his look and voice that I didn’t realize he had spoken.

Until he cleared his throat. “Miss? are you sure you’re alright? You keep… zoning out.”

‘ Dang it ALAINA! He’s talking to you! Snap out of it and be cool!’ I think to myself.

“ Oh, yeas i’m fine sorry.” I smile shyly, “ I’m going to Paris and staying with a friend. Hopefully I can find a fresh start.”

He nods and smiles.

“ And maybe find someone special along the way.”

I don’t even realize I’ve said this out loud until he raises one eyebrow at me as a smirk plays at the corner of his lips. I just know I have come across weird to his but he doesn’t look embarrassed at all .

“ Paris is the perfect place to find love,” he says, not looking away from me once. “ At least that’s what I’ve heard”

A blush sweeps across my face as he still hasn’t broken eye contact. I want to keep staring into his eyes forever, but just then the pilot comes over the speakers and I instinctively look up.

“ Good afternoon passengers. Our flight to Paris is about to take flight. Please fasten your seatbelt as we might experience a small amount of turbulence. Thank you , and enjoy the flight.”

Turbulence? What even is that? I’m not taking changes: I fasten my seatbelt and tighten it until I almost can’t breathe. Then I grip the arms rests tightly and squeeze my eyes shut.

I feel his eyes on me again and I peak one eye open and look at him. When he sees this, he smiles and lets out a little chuckle. “ You’re not afraid by any chance are you?”

I blush and smile nervously. “ Terrified actually.”

He smiles fully now. “ I can tell. This is your first time on a plane, then?”

“Yes, but it’s not even that. I’ve always been afraid of heights. “

He laughs. “ Then why’d you pay for this?”

I laugh too and act defensive and cute. “ What else was I supposed to do? Do you know a better way to get to Paris?”

He just laughs again, but it doesn’t feel like he’s making fun of me.

I smile and as I feel the plane take off, I close my eyes tight again

ASHTON’S POV

I can’t help but smile at her cute expression when she’s scared. Actually, she has a cute expression all the time.

I know I shouldn’t I mean we just met but it feels like more than that.

I don’t know how to explain it.

I’ve met ton of girls. That’s what happens when your a king and a alpha.

But she’s …. She’s different. All the girls I’ve met met are stunning, with tons of makeup and all that crap. But this girl is beautiful, in her own unique way. I don’t think she’s wearing any makeup or anything and she’s just gorgeous.

I really can’t help myself.

I don’t know if she’s attracted to me, but if she knew how attracted to her I was, she probably wouldn’t like me. I mean, I gave up my first class seat to come sit with her, on the off chance we would hit it off. And we have.

How desperate can you get right?

So all this time, I’m trying to get close to her so to speak. I honestly just want to get to know her; I don’t like rushing into things, especially not potential relationships. And the more I talk to her, the more I like her.

I know I know . We’ve exchanged like twenty words each. Whatever.

The point is, she’s really incredible ( in more ways than just her looks). I want to figure out how to find out more about her, but I don’t want to seem like a creep.

I guess I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing. She seems to like it. At least, I'm hoping she does. Because everything she’s done to me, I’ve loved.

“ No, I don’t know a better way to get to Paris.”

About time I answered her. I would’ve answered sooner but it was like my tongue was stuck; the words just wouldn’t come out.

She looked at me, somewhat surprised ( probably because she figured that at the rate I wouldn’t be answering) before she smiled a little. “ Then you see my dilemma.”

I couldn’t help but smile back. Her smile was so contagious. “ That I do”

We sat in silence for a little bit , before I came to a decision: the only way to get closer to her ( without being a creep) was to ask questions and make small talk. So I did.

“ But why couldn’t you have taken someone with you?” She looked at me, confused . “ I mean, if you’re so scared of heights, why didn’t you bring someone with you on this trip?”

She looked down at her lap, avoiding eye contact. “ It’s like I said: I needed a fresh start.”

That didn’t really answer my question, but I could tell this wasn’t the topic to press.

On the bright side, she seemed to be more comfortable around me.

I just nod-even though she isn’t looking at me-and try to focus my mind elsewhere.

Which lasts about five seconds. Then i’m back staring at the beautiful woman next to me.

Honestly , I don’t know whats wrong with me. Usually I can talk with women just fine ( I have to as the king and an alpha, so its second nature to me now).

But for some reason I can’t talk to her easily. She’s not like anyone I’ve ever met; just by looking at her, my heart starts racing and my brain gets so muddled I can’t think straight.

And did I mention she’s beautiful? Her eyes are endless, like no matter how many times I look into them, I don’t think I’d ever get enough of her eyes.

And her smile makes me smile and her laugh makes me want to laugh, and her voice is probably one of the prettiest sounds I’ve ever heard.

And , to be honest, I think it’s very attractive that she’s scared. It means I can protect her and comfort her.

That’s it! I’ve got a plan.

I clear my throat to get her attention. She looks up at me and I almost lose my nerve, “ Um, my name is Ashton.”

I hold out my hand, hoping she will take it.

She smiles shyly. “ I’m Alaina.”

And then she puts her small , soft hand into mine.

If I died right now, I’d be satisfied with life.

I manage to smile at her. I can tell she expects me to let go of her hand, but I don’t.

This is my master plan, by the way. Now she’s stuck holding my hand and I can give her comfort during our flight.

Okay , maybe it’s not as smooth as I think it is, but that’s all I’ve got! I’m trying to be smooth, but genuine and not come off as a creep all at the same time! It’s not as easy as it sounds, you know.

She blushes and looks at me, confused still. I just smile back and settle in my seat comfortably. After a moment, she does the same.

I’m so proud of myself, not gonna lie.

We don’t talk and I force myself not to look at her or the hand i’m holding. So, I look around at the other passengers.

I see the usual couples off to their honeymoon, the occasional small family, the businessman, and all the people traveling alone, whose purpose is completely unknown.

But them, I catch a whiff of something unpleasant.

The rogue pack. They’re near. And that means trouble, lots of it.

I glance out of the corner of my eye at Alaina, but she doesn’t notice.

I don’t want to blow my cover as a werewolf ( I’ve done so good so far), but at the same time, there’s enemies nearby.

I don’t know why the rogue pack is here. They only go after enemy packs or enemies and i’m pretty sure that’s not me. I’m pretty sure they can smell me, which means they know i’m a king, but they probably don’t know i’m an alpha. Either way, it shouldn’t be me they are after.

So who is it? I should be able to smell another werewolf, just like I smelled these guys. Then again, I have been a bit distracted…

Wait. What if it’s Alaina they are after?

No.It can’t be. That would mean that she’s-?! NO WAY!.

I look over at her with a dumbfounded look, about to just flat out ask her.

But then I stop myself . Nobody’s just gonna admit point blank that they are a werewolf. You just don’t do it. Besides, the would lead to a whole lot of awkward questions for me to answer and I really don’t feel like going into all of that.

Especially with those rogue werewolves near by. I look away from Alaina and catch sight of the flight attendant , walking down the aisle, assisting the passengers.

Perfect.

Female werewolves get really quick if another woman flirts with their mate (or in this case potential mate… hopefully). So if Alaina’s a werewolf she will get jealous if another woman, say the flight attendant, starts talking with me or - I don’t know flirting with me. And if she does then I’ll know she's a werewolf and that those guys are after her and not me.

And if she does, that means she likes me which would be absolutely awesome.

And also I can protect her from the bad guys.

Because that’s totally what this is all about.

Right?.

ALAINA’S POV

He’s holding my hand.

He’s HOLDING my hand.

He’s actually holding my hand!!!!!!!!

I really hope I don’t look as excited as I feel, that’s be totally embarrassing.

I can’t believe this is happening. I came on this trip to get away from suitors and two hours in, I’m holding hands with a hot guy!.

I’m really starting to like him, why is this happening?

His hand is so warm and big and calloused but soft. How can someone’s hand be all these things at once? And he’s so much easier to talk to than I thought!

Once I calmed my nerves, talking to him is like talking to Stacey my best friend …. but different… and maybe even better.

I don’t know how to explain it and to be honest i’m not really trying too. So I just lean back in my chair, content and happy.

Then I notice him waving someone over. I look to see who it is and realize it's the flight attendant.

“ Hello,” the attendant says with a big flirtatious smile. “ What can I get for you, sir?”

Ashton takes his hand out of mine ( much to my disappointment, not gonna lie)

And gives his full attention to the attendant. “ What kind of drinks do you have?”

I can’t see his face, but her cheeks turn pink. What is he doing?

“Well, what would you like? I can get anything for a passenger like you?” She smiles very flirtatiously and winks at him.

A weird feeling floods over me in my stomach that I’ve never felt before.

Huh. maybe I’m just hungry?

“Oh?” Ashton says. “ Well in that case, I’ll take a coke, Alaina.”

My head whips around to try and see his face. Alaina? Me? Why is he telling me this?

“Uh, my name is Nicole, not Alaina,” the flight attendant said with a small smile.

Ashton slowly turns to look at me, but when my eyes met his he quickly turns back around. Like he wasn’t expecting me to be listening or something , but how couldn’t I , I’m sitting right next to him.

“Right, uh, yes, sorry. I’d like a coke, Nicole.”

The attendants smile widened again and I felt the sinking feeling in my stomach once again.

I’m thinking that this is not a hunger pain I am feeling.

This attendant, Nicole , is seriously pretty. She’s got a great figure, gorgeous hair, and a flawless face. No wonder he’s attracted to her.

I think…. I think I’m jealous.

Nicole leaves and returns with the Coke. “ Here you go sir!” She winks. Again.

“ Anything else I can get for you?”

I’ve had enough. “ No, that’s all,” I say firmly.

I was pretty rude, not gonna lie.

But Nicole was rude back to me. “ Ok, no need to be so snappy. I’m just doing my job.”

“ Your job? Your job?! Oh really? Is it your job to flirt with passengers?”

Nicole’s eyes widen. “What? I was not-“

“Passengers who are clearly already taken!” I interrupt. “ Not that you’d know that, seeing as how you paid me no attention this entire time, so I guess I can’t blame you for not knowing that!”

I keep my mad face on, but inside I’m really just confused. I’ve never gotten jealous like this before.

Nicole huffs and straightens her shoulders. “Well excuse me for trying to be polite and do my job-“

“ But you weren’t !” I interrupt. “ Flirting had better not be your job! So just keep your professionalism and go serve someone else. Don’t bother us for the rest of the flight or so help me I will find your boss and make sure you don’t have a job!!!”

Nicole glares at me and turns and walks away.

Ashton turns his head and looks toward the front , sipping his coke with what looks like a smile on his face.

“ What are you smiling about?” I ask, before I can think I ask. “ Is her company that enjoyable to you?”

He looks at me and I feel my heart melting and my jealousy disappear.

“ No, not at all.” Then he sets his coke down and takes my hand again.

My heart starts hammering in my chest so hard I can barely breathe, I think it’s trying to break free or something. I don’t understand this: I have never felt this way before. Sure, I’ve had crushes before in the past but I mean what girl hasn’t

But this feels totally different. Just the way he holds eye contact Is different from anyone else I’ve ever talked too. It’s like i’m hypnotized by them; they just keep drawing me in.

It might sound like I'm just totally in love with him but I have heard of this before. It’s a special talent that only Alpha wolves have - my father has it, but he doesn’t always use it.

So if Ashton has this than does that mean…?

No. That can’t be. I’m probably just really into this moment.

I shake my head to clear it and suddenly I realize that we’ve been flying on this plan for an hour and I haven't been scared once.

I feel a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips down at Ashton’s hand wrapped around mine. His hands feel so soft and gentle… and the way he’s rubbing my hand with his thumb is only making me fall head over heals for him faster.

And it’s all because of this-because of him- that i’m not scared right now.

I’m not exactly the easiest person to calm down or keep calm, so the fact that he’s able to do it after just meeting me is very impressive… and maybe a little off.

He must have felt my lingering gaze on his face because he turned to look at me. My eyes widen when our eyes met and I can feel myself blush. He smiles at me and squeezes my hand a little. I shyly smile back and quickly look down at my lap , still smiling.

I feel his gaze stay on me for a little bit longer. I hope he can’t see me blushing.

This is so confusing. Why do I like him so much? Normally I’d just brush all of this off. I find him attractive. But I got really jealous a little while ago and that’s whats making me think this is something…. More. Something deeper than just attraction.

I was so Jealous, which has never happened. But why? is it because I’m forming feelings for him?

That would explain basically everything, but at the same time, I’ve only known him for a little over an hour.

I’m really confused right now.

Trying to calm myself down , I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly . But not before I smell”IT”: a sweet smell, a smell like gingerbread ( which is my favorite sweet)

But where is it coming from? Are they serving gingerbread on the plane? Doesn’t seem likely.

I start sniffing around- discretely of course and when my nose gets closer to Ashton…. WAIT!!!. Has he always smelled like gingerbread?

My eyes widen and slowly turn away from Ashton and look at the window, eyes still wide.

When wolves are around someone they see as a potential mate, they send off a certain smell. If the person they want to mate with finds it attractive, than they send off a smell back ; if not, then nothing happened. It’s like a mating call basically, except silent.

I’m starting to think Ashton’s sending off this smell to try and attract me. Which means he’s a werewolf and that he likes me.

Ashton squeezes my hand again and I instinctively turn to look at him. He raises one eye brow in a question and gives a little half smile.

I start freaking out inside and over analyzing everything : Is he asking if I can smell his scent? Does he even know I’m a werewolf? Is he just asking if I’m ok? Maybe his eye brows always do that?

Eventually, I just smile back and when I see his smile widen , butterflies erupt in my stomach. But I still feel calm.

He settles back in his seat and I do the same.

this is certainly the most interesting plane ride of all time.