Chapter 41 – Falling for the Alpha As a Student Novel

Filed To Story: Falling for the Alpha As a Student Novel

Layla’s POV

“Your father is heading to the hospital now to check on her condition,” my mom breathed into the phone.

I clutched the phone close to my ear as I curled up in bed.

“I don’t want you to worry too much about this until we know everything,” she continued softly.

“Oh Mom… it was just so awful,” I said in return. “I can’t believe I did that…”

“It was because you lost control of your emotions. What got you feeling that way, Layla Bean?”

I couldn’t tell her the truth; I couldn’t tell her it was because of my jealousy toward Connie and her relationship with my mate. My heart squeezed painfully in my chest at the very thought of it.

“I guess I just got in my head a little,” I said; I was aware that wasn’t an answer, but she didn’t press any further.

“You should get some rest,” she sighed. “It’s been a long day and you won’t do any good if you’re sleep deprived.”

She was right; I was exhausted, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sleep. Not until I knew if Becca was going to be okay.

Rachel wasn’t back yet, which meant she was off with the guy she’s been seeing these last few weeks.

“Good night; I love you,” I said to my mom.

“I love you, Layla. Forever and always.”

I hung up the phone just as more tears ran down my features. I sniffled and wiped them away with the back of my sleeve when my phone started to ring again.

I didn’t recognize the number, but I answered it anyway. It could have been the hospital or something.

“Hello, is this Miss Layla?” A woman said on the other end of the phone.

“Yes, speaking,” I answered, trying not to sound too broken.

“Hello, this is Cassidy-Anne, I’m the owner of the Higala Art Gallery. How are you doing this evening?”

I sat up in bed quickly.

“Hello, Miss Cassidy-Anne. I’m well. How are you?”

“I’m good as well. I apologize for calling at this late hour, but I couldn’t wait to reach out and speak to you for myself. I received your submission and I’m taken aback by the glorious portrait of Alpha Enzo you have created. I must ask, why did you create a painting of him?”

I scrambled to find the right thing to say.

“The project topic assigned to me was to paint a role model who wasn’t family. Alpha Enzo is not only the best combat and shifting professor at the Shifting Academy, but he’s also the youngest Alpha. He works the hardest out of everyone I know because he has a reputation to build and uphold. He’s part of the Alpha Committee and works alongside my father and my father always has something positive to say about Alpha Enzo. It would have been foolish of me to choose anyone else as a role model.”

“That’s such a beautiful thing to say and I must say, I’m incredibly impressed,” Cassidy-Anne said in awe.

“Thank you so much.”

“I am pleased to inform you, Layla, that I would like to feature your painting in the next art exhibit I am holding this weekend. Congratulations and I can’t wait to finally meet the artist behind the portrait.”

Layla’s POV

Today was the big day; my art piece was going to be shown to hundreds of people and I had never been more nervous in my entire life.

My heart was racing rapidly in my chest as I stared myself over in the mirror that hung in my dorm room.

I wore a casual evening gown and kept my hair down and slightly curled at the bottoms. I wanted a more business casual look. Rachel wore her usual ripped jeans and black gaming blouse with her pixie-style hair dyed purple.

I liked her style; it was the opposite of my style and I think that’s why we got along so well.

I pressed the palm of my hands to my stomach, feeling a wave of nausea forming in my throat.

“Are you excited?” Rachel asked with a wide grin.

“I’m terrified,” I admitted. “And also, a little guilty… I just wish Becca could be here too.”

“Don’t feel guilty. What happened to her wasn’t your fault. Plus, she’s going to be fine. She woke up yesterday, remember?” Rachel reminded me.

It was true that Becca was going to be okay, and I was relieved to hear that when my father called me yesterday. It could have been bad. It also seems as though she has no memory of what happened.

“You’ll have to take a lot of pictures for her,” Rachel said with a shrug. “I’m sure she would love to see them.”

“Yeah, I’m planning on visiting her later this evening,” I said, turning away from the mirror. “I want to see for myself that she’s truly okay.”

“I can come with you if you’d like.”

I shake my head, giving her a thankful smile.

“I think it’s something I need to do by myself,” I tell her.

She nods with understanding as she stands from her bed.

“We should go to the exhibit though. It’s starting soon and everybody is probably already there,” she said casually. She draped an arm through mine and pulled me alongside her.

I took a deep breath, ignoring the nagging feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.

The art gallery was bigger than I could have ever imagined. It didn’t take long for us to get there because it was only a couple of miles from the academy.

Instantly, I saw my mom and dad both smiling proudly at me as they rushed toward me. There were so many people that I felt overwhelmed. But I knew they weren’t just here for me; there were so many other pieces of art to enjoy and mine was only a small part of it.

But I saw my friends and family right away and they were all here for me.

My mom wrapped her arms around me and held me close; I hadn’t seen her since our time in the forest when she was training me on how to control my powers.

“Congratulations,” my father said, reaching his arms out to hug me as well. “I’m so proud of you!”

“Have you talked to Becca?” I found myself asking him, keeping my tone low.

He nodded but his face was unreadable.

“We will talk about it later, but for right now, Cassidy-Anne wishes to speak with you.”

I couldn’t wait to meet her too, but I couldn’t help but wonder what it was my father wanted to talk about.

“Layla!” Brianna says as she runs over to me, hugging me tightly. “I just saw your painting! It’s beautiful.”

“Thanks, Bri,” I chuckled.

“I want to see it,” Rachel said, stepping toward Brianna who smiled and grabbed onto her arm.

“Come on, I’ll show ya!” Bri said, pulling Rachel along with her.

I couldn’t help but laugh at my two best friends.

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