The Alpha's Mate: Book 1

By Bella Lore

As an Omega, 17-year-old Sarah is used to being at the bottom of the pecking order, even in her new pack and new high school. But her usually-boring life changes when she turns 18. She expects to shift—and nothing happens.

Now, as if being an Omega isn’t bad enough, Sarah is also human.

But Sarah, to her surprise, soon finds her mate: in the pack’s handsome and compassionate Alpha. And the lowly Omega finds herself rocketing to the top of her pack’s status as the new Luna.

Just as it seems that life is finally going her way, Sarah learns of a terrible betrayal that results in tragic death, exile, and upheaval of what should have been her storybook ending…

Or does it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bella Lore
• Release date: Jan 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781094393711

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T H E   A L P H A’ S   M A T E

(Book 1)

B e l l a   L o r e

Bella Lore

Debut author Bella Lore is the paranormal romance author of the MY TRUE MATE series, comprising four books, and THE ALPHA’S MATE series, comprising four books.

Bella loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit bellaloreauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Copyright © 2022 by Bella Lore. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jacket image Copyright Subbotina Anna, used under license from Shutterstock.com.

BOOKS BY BELLA LORE

MY TRUE MATE

MY TRUE MATE (Book #1)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #2)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #3)

MY TRUE MATE (Book #4)

THE ALPHA’S MATE

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #1)

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #2)

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #3)

THE ALPHA’S MATE (Book #4)

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT

CHAPTER FORTY NINE

CHAPTER FIFTY

CHAPTER ONE

It’s my first day at Ponderosa High. I head toward my locker, trying to keep my head down and just make it through the day. I tug my green knit beanie down farther over my head, hoping to hide my short cropped hairstyle.

Around here, all the girls have long, beautiful hair. Golden blonde, shimmering honey-brown, jet black, all in bouncing ponytails or gorgeous waves.

Except for me. At my last school, some kids threw gum in my hair, and I had to chop it all off. The hairstylist tried to tell me that it was a cool new style, but I hate it. Every time I look in the mirror, I see a lonely, bullied girl who doesn’t fit in anywhere.

No wonder our old pack sent us away. Our Alpha decided we needed to come out to Flagstaff and join the pack here, as some kind of trade deal with their Alpha.

I haven’t met any of the shifters here, but all I can hope is that they accept me more than my last pack.

In the hallway, everyone is shouting and jostling. It’s the middle of the school year, so everyone has already made friends. I see my locker, the number stenciled on in chipped paint, and try to squeeze through the crowd without being noticed.

No such luck. Someone grabs my beanie, laughing. Hey new girl, no hats in the hallway!

Hey, I protest, that’s mine!

Hey, Malcolm! The boy who took my hat shouts to another kid, taller, with sandy blonde hair and broad shoulders. I watch in horror as he throws my beanie to Malcolm, who catches it easily. I see him lift it to his face and sniff it, then a knowing look comes over his face.

He knows I’m a shifter - he must be one too.

And judging by the way the crowded hallways part as he walks toward me, he’s a high ranking one.

Could he be the Alpha of this pack? I swallow, wishing I could hide my stupid haircut, as he approaches me. He towers over me, nostrils flaring.

So you’re the new girl they sent?

I swallow and nod. I’m Sarah.

Huh. He looks me up and down, as if he’s evaluating me. I just stand still, my backpack heavy on my shoulders. So you’re the one our pack Alpha seems to think we need.

I just shrug. So he’s not the Alpha, I guess. But he might be the Beta. Either way, I know I need to show him plenty of respect.

Not sure why, he mutters, still standing over me.

I shrug again.

Can’t even defend yourself, Malcolm says, holding my beanie up. I heard you were getting pushed around, but this is just pathetic. If you’re going to be in our pack now, you have to act like a real shifter. No embarrassing us.

Okay, I mumble. Sorry.

He shoves the beanie into my chest, rolling his eyes. I hold onto it, my fists sweaty against the knit fabric, not sure whether I should tug it back on.

As I’m trying to make sense of my swirling thoughts, a girl with a long black braid and golden yellow eyes bounds over and drapes her arms around Malcolm’s neck, then gives him a peck on the cheek.

He smiles. Hey, Miranda.

She finally looks over at me. Who’s this?

The new kid they sent, Malcolm says.

Ah, right. Miranda grins sharply. The Omega.

Malcolm looks me up and down, his nose wrinkling with disgust. Really? Are you actually an Omega?

I nod.

He sneers. No wonder you’re so useless. I don’t even know why Caleb agreed to take you in.

So Caleb must be their Alpha.

Miranda’s expression matches Malcolm’s, a grossed-out sneer. Guess her pack didn’t want an Omega hanging around.

I don’t blame them. Malcolm crosses his arms. I don’t even know why they sent you. It’s not like we need a bunch of Omegas out here.

Don’t worry about her, babe. Miranda clings even more tightly to Malcolm’s muscled arms.

Someone’s got to, Malcolm says, glaring at me. And Caleb isn’t here, so I guess you’re my problem now.

I just fidget with the hat in my hand. So far, it seems more like Malcolm’s been my problem, rather than the other way around - but there’s no way I’d have the courage to say that.

Anyway, I have to go find my friends. Miranda kisses Malcolm again and flounces off, leaving me alone with Malcolm, who’s still staring me down. It’s tough to maintain eye contact, and I find myself staring at his chest. He’s big, wide chested, his muscles well defined under an athletic t-shirt with the school’s logo on it.

Yeah, I’m the Beta, Malcolm explains. But our Alpha already graduated from Ponderosa High. So it’s just me running the show around here, and I’m not about to let an Omega embarrass us.

I won’t, I promise. I’ll just stay out of your way.

Not good enough. I don’t want to see any more shows of weakness. You’re one of us, so keep your damn hat on your own head.

Okay.

I turn to focus on my locker, but Malcolm grabs me by the shoulder and pulls me back to face him.

Let me tell you a few things, Malcolm says. I don’t care if you’re an Omega - if you’re part of our pack, you’ll be pulling your weight. Got it?

Got it, I say.

Second, I don’t know what your deal is, but around here, the girls look like girls and the boys look like boys. So grow your hair out, okay?

As much as I want to look prettier and fit in, I hate the idea of giving the bullies here another target. I can’t go through that again.

But there’s no arguing with Malcolm. Okay, I squeak out, unable to say anything else.

Good.

With that, Malcolm gives my shoulder one final shove and wanders off, leaving me alone to catch my breath.

It’s not even first period, and I’ve already caught the attention of the pack’s Beta. And not in a good way.

Today is going to be a long day.

CHAPTER TWO

I just have to get to class, I think. If I can make it through the hallways to my first class, I should be okay.

I shove my beanie into my pocket and try to push my way through the crowd. Most people just ignore me, but as I round the corner, I see Miranda and her friends, a gaggle of tall, gorgeous, well dressed shifter girls.

Well, well, well, Miranda says, walking over to me as her friends look on. If it isn’t little Baldy.

I’m not bald, I just have...a temporary lack of hair. And it isn’t even my fault - some girls (who, to be honest, looked and talked and acted just like Miranda and her friends) ruined it for me.

Of course, I don’t say any of that. I just give a shy little wave. Hi, Miranda.

Oooh, she knows your name! One of Miranda’s friends shrieks.

Did you make a new friend, Miranda?

Shut up, guys!

I’ve clearly made a mistake. Miranda’s yellow eyes are nearly glowing with rage.

"This stupid Omega is not my friend."

I have to get to class, I mumble, trying to just walk past the group of girls.

This sends them into another round of jeers.

Oh no, is our new pack member a good widdle teacher’s pet?

She might even get in trouble!

Can’t let the Omega be late on her first day!

My face turns red, and I move to leave, but Miranda reaches out and grabs my arm. She snatches my schedule from me, crumpling it up and tossing it on the floor.

Panic spikes through me. I can’t lose that - it has my locker combination, and my class schedule, and everything else I need to make it through the day.

Miranda follows me eyes as I watch the wrinkled paper ball bounce across the hallway and be crushed under someone else’s feet.

Aww, did you want to keep that? Miranda’s voice is falsely concerned as she tilts her head to look down at me. Is your slow Omega mind too stupid to remember where you’re supposed to go next?

Come on, I plead, trying to keep track of where my schedule has gone.

Well, if you need it so bad, go get it. Miranda crosses her arms and steps back, smirking. I scramble over to the now very damaged piece of paper, but when I bend down to get it off the floor, one of her friends pretends to stumble into me, knocking me flat on my stomach.

The heel of another girl’s shoe comes down on my hand, making me squeal in pain.

Oops, she says sarcastically. Sorry.

Miranda laughs.

I finally snatch up my schedule and shove it in my pocket, right next to the stupid beanie that seems to have started all of this.

Great, I think. It can just be my Pocket of Shame.

You know, girls, Miranda says, I noticed something just now. Did you see that?

Yep, her friends say. We all saw it. They’re all nodding and grinning.

This can’t be good.

What? I ask, my voice trembling.

You sure didn’t move very fast, Miranda says, shaking her head. The other girls click their tongues in disapproval. Just crawled around on the floor like some kind of...human.

Oh. Oh no. My gut twists in fear. They know. They know that I haven’t shifted yet - that the wolf inside me is dormant, absent, useless.

"And even when someone accidentally stepped on you, nothing happened."

Nothing but a weird little noise, one of her friends helpfully added.

I… I start to say something, but I can’t think of any way to defend myself. It’s true that I haven’t shifted yet.

Come here, Miranda snaps, and she takes me by the wrist, pulling me down the hallway. Her friends follow close behind.

She yanks me into the girl’s bathroom, where we’re alone. I’m pressed up against the white tile wall, Miranda standing over me as the other girls gather around closely, staring menacingly.

Don’t worry, Miranda says, smiling down at me with pointed white teeth. We’re here to help you.

Yeah, the other girls say in chorus.

Let us show you how it’s done. With that, Miranda takes a step back, no longer leering directly into my face, but still grinning wolfishly. She squares her shoulders, and I see dark fur begin to bristle across her brows and down her arms. Gleaming, razor sharp fangs emerge from her gums as she curls her lip back in a threatening snarl.

Can you do this? Miranda taunts, reaching a hand out toward my chest and poking me with a long claw. I can feel the latent strength in her body as she easily pins me against the cold bathroom wall.

Or this? Miranda slashes her claw down, ripping a hole in my shirt and only barely avoiding slicing into my skin.

I say nothing, only putting my hands up in a gesture of surrender. Tears swim behind my eyes, but I don’t want her to see me cry. That was my favorite shirt, one I wore on my first day of school in the hopes that it would bring me some kind of luck, or at the very least, comfort.

Now it’s ruined. Just like my hair. And my hopes of being able to attend Ponderosa High without having my life destroyed once again.

No, Miranda says, sounding quite satisfied with herself. You can’t.

The other girls laugh. Then the bell rings, and they scatter, leaving me alone with Miranda.

One more thing, she hisses, still keeping me trapped in the corner. I saw you talking to Malcolm. And I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but he’s my mate. Mine. So you better stay away from him.

I nod quickly and frantically, eager to agree to her command.

And if I ever catch you near him again, she threatens, pressing her needle sharp claw against the exposed skin on my chest hard enough to draw out a pinprick of blood, I’ll rip you apart.

It’s clear that she means it, and it’s clear that she’s more than capable of doing it. Okay, I promise.

The second bell rings. Miranda finally shifts back and heads off to class, leaving me alone in the bathroom. My shirt is ripped, I’m bleeding, and my heart is pounding like I just finished a marathon.

Plus, I’m late to class.

CHAPTER THREE

Hot tears slide down my face and I angrily wipe them away, splashing some water on my face from the sink before taking a few deep breaths and telling myself to calm down.

Carefully, I spread out my schedule, squinting at the damaged paper. Apparently, my first period class is English with a teacher called Mrs. Longan. It’s in room 208, I think.

With no other options, I turn my shirt backwards, so now the hole Miranda made is between my shoulderblades rather than in the middle of my front. Maybe if I keep my back pressed against my seat, no one will notice.

The hallways are empty, and I know I’ll have to enter class late. Yet another embarrassment piled on