Chapter 3

Colleen couldn't help but felt like her world was shattering, seeing how her parents were holding back their sadness. She used her thumb to wipe out the tears from her mother's eye and gently looked at her. "Mom, please don't cry," she uttered. "You don't have to worry about me." she whispers in pain. She turned her gaze towards her father and grandparents. "I will accept the training, Dad. If it's only the way to put back those smiles on your faces and… to protect our pack." she replied with dejection. Despite the disagreement in her mind and heart, she knew that it was something she must do. Behind Colleen's sorrowful and sullen eyes is a hint of fiery determination. One that is too hard to ignore, bearing the resemblance of the courage of an Alpha. Her mother embraced her tightly, followed by her dad shortly. She could feel the warmth of their bodies onto her, knowing what she's about to do for the sake of the pack--her family. "Thank you, pup." She heard her father mumble, sobbing intently and quietly. It has been decided that Colleen will undergo an Alpha's training, and on that night, they started, but only a small one, for the meantime. Everyone reached an agreement that her mother will be her first trainer as well. The next day, she was in her locker putting her stuff inside when she heard a moaning sound in the corridor corner. Out of curiosity, she strolled, avoiding making any sounds, when a loud voice suddenly came from the corner. "Don't come here unless you want to join!" that made her jump back in shock. Colleen was startled overhearing those words. She immediately turned around and walked in the opposite direction with her heart pounding fast while her knees trembled. She even involuntarily held her chest, in thought that it might ease her increasing heartbeat. She felt embarrassed knowing that she was about to witness something grand. When she was able to get far enough from that place, she took break and she put her hand into her face, feeling stupid. "How I wish the earth could just swallow me up!" she said, thinking that werewolves like her are supposed to have a keen sense of hearing. Colleen thought that someone wouldn't do those sorts of things in broad daylight to justify her stupidity, especially on school premises. She leaned her back on the large pillar standing across the hall, and she took a deep breath. When she finally calmed down, she motioned towards her classroom only to be greeted by a swarm of students. She didn't think the crowd would swallow her until she bumped into someone. When she lifted her head to see who she accidentally collided with, a pair of teak wood-colored orbs presented itself to her. He had such flush eyelashes and broad eyebrows. Colleen also noticed his heart-shaped lips, something that she shouldn't be staring at. "I… I'm sorry," Colleen immediately said, stuttering. Their eyes locked up for a second before she looked away out of embarrassment. She hates the fact that she choked in front of Patrick. "I also apologize; I wasn't paying attention while walking," he said. Colleen only nodded her head as a response, thinking she might stammer again. "Are you going back to our classroom?" Patrick asked. She swallowed a lump in her throat before answering. "Yes…" she intended to answer in a single word, in an attempt to not make herself look like a bigger fool for stammering. ******* Patrick was in a hurry when he bumped into one of his classmates. He knew that she was in the same class as his because at the very time he laid his eyes on her, Patrick couldn't stop thinking about her all the time, enough that he even dreamt about her the night beforehand. He was walk-racing with her when he realized she was faster than him. He suspected that she was a werewolf, which he didn't mind. It's not entirely impossible knowing that in Edmundo, different races are mixed to the point that even werewolves and humans mate. Patrick lived in California before they returned to this state. His parents asked him to come with him since they built a new business and bought some properties in the city. It was the only school where they could accept transferees, especially since it was already half of the school year. "By the way, may I know your name if you don't mind?" He said after he held his hand up to offer a handshake. Patrick can't help to define her as pure beauty. Perfect pale skin, long obsidian hair, alluring crystalline eyes that shimmer as she speaks. Colleen was wearing her school uniform, which was showing her young and petite body perfectly. A beauteous lady who looks happy, pure, and gentle that would capture anyone's heart. However, a part of Patrick's heart is worried that this girl might not feel the same way as him. His heart was rejoicing when she accepted his hand. "Colleen... hmm... Colleen White," she said while smiling, showing her irresistible grace. It did not pass his mind how soft her hand was when their skin touched each other. "I know, our teacher has introduced me, but still, I wanted to introduce myself personally. I'm Patrick… Patrick Andrada." Both of them giggled as he finished his sentence for reasons unknown. "Well…" he said while scratching the back of his head. "I guess we can proceed to our classroom." "Oh… yes," Colleen responded softly, and afterward, both of them walked side by side. **** They just entered the classroom when Sarah hooked her arm to Patrick's, pulling him away from Colleen. She can see the hesitation from Patrick as he turns his head towards her. Colleen gives him a timid smile as she continues to walk towards her seat. "Where have you been?" Melissa asked her. Colleen averted her gaze; instead, she just scrolled through her mobile phone. Melissa's gaze, however, wasn't unto her. Colleen discovered immediately, and so she decided to follow and was shocked to see something for the first time inside their classroom.