Page 42 of My Shy Alpha

Judging by Noah’s smiling, squinty eyes, he couldn’t be happier. As the men break apart, Noah brushes his mark, hugging me to his side with rosy cheeks. “Aliya, this is my cousin, Dave. And let’s not pressure her with the Luna title just yet, man.”

“Oh, shit. Sorry, that is a lot of pressure.”

My chest clenches. “No, wait, I actually–”

I cut myself off, gasping at what I almost said. What am I doing? I can’t claim I want to be Luna. I don’t even know what it fully means to fulfill that role.

But what I already blurted spoke volumes. Noah tightens his grip on my side, unable to contain his rising eyebrows. Everyone is waiting for me to finish my tactless declaration.

“Oops, I guess that one slipped out.” I giggle anxiously, inching closer to Noah. “I don’t mind being called the future Luna, really.”

“Y-you don’t mind it?” Noah mutters.

“Okay, I guess it would be more accurate to say that I like the sound of it.”

Noah stands straighter. Hope peeks through our bond even though he’s trying his best to stay neutral. You don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with or cater to anyone’s expectations. They’ll answer to us. Not because they have to, but because that’s how they show their love to their pack leaders.

They’ll answer to both of us? How? I’m not your Luna. Yet.

Noah’s pheromones erupt with affection, and my heart leaps. But when everyone else is hit with a wall of his doting scent, they gape at us.

“Um... Noah?” I bite back a giggle, but no matter who stares as we have our internal conversation, Noah can’t stop beaming.

Yasmine clasps our shoulders with muscled palms, forcing us toward the car. “Alright, everyone’s getting in, stat! No neck touching in there, I mean it!”

Noah laughs, opening the car door for me. His adoring stare sizzles through our bond. “I guess Yas is right. Let’s get to this pack meeting before an Elder bites my head off.”

My stomach drops, sensing the seriousness beneath Noah’s sly smile. The thought of him getting hurt because of me, even socially, makes me want to cry.

But Noah helps me into the car, scooting in beside me. His bulky shoulders smush me into Amy, so he wraps his arm around me to fit me against his side. It relaxes me a little, but not enough. I’m so anxious that I’m nauseous. My wolf gloats at possibly being the next Luna, but I was lost at introductions. There’s no way this will work.

Noah interrupts my thoughts, leaning in with the softest whisper I can imagine from his deep voice. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay, considering everything.”

“Good to hear.”

I slump, wishing I shared the full truth with my mate.

Noah takes a deep breath, squeezing me closer. If you ever want to share anything private, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, you can tell me through mindlink.

I bite back a smile, peeking at Noah. He’s beaming as if I haven’t been making a fool of myself since we met. I lean my head against his chest, inhaling his sweet scent as he hugs me closer.

To be honest, Noah, I don’t want to disappoint you or your pack. But there’s a high chance I will.

Noah takes my hand with a soft squeeze. Not possible.

But I know nothing about pack rules. That doesn’t give me the best odds.

Just be yourself. I’ll let you know anything important, but you’re in a position where you don’t have to know any rules. His mischievous excitement rises in our bond. You’ve already marked the one wolf there is to impress.

My cheeks flush, and Noah’s giddiness stirs faster.

So much for being shy. Don’t excite my wolf, Alpha.

Sorry. I’m just excited to introduce you to the pack.

His sweet smile makes me smile so hard that my cheeks ache. I’m excited too.