Chapter 3: A True Alpha’s Gamble

Kai leaned against the counter in the Swan kitchen, staring at the sink as the water ran, his mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts. The encounter with Sam's pack had rattled him more than he wanted to admit. The Quileutes weren't just wary of him—they were poised for a fight. Add that to the Cullens' growing suspicion, and it felt like Forks was teetering on the edge of all-out war.

And Bella? She wasn't helping.

"Kai!" Bella stormed into the kitchen, slamming the door behind her. Her backpack hit the floor with a thud as she crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You're going to tell me what's going on. Right. Now."

Kai sighed, turning off the faucet. He'd been avoiding this conversation for days, hoping Bella's curiosity would wane. Clearly, that wasn't happening.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said, reaching for a towel to dry his hands.

Bella stepped closer, her eyes blazing with determination. "Don't give me that. I saw what you did, Kai. No human could stop a van with their bare hands. And then there's Edward—he keeps acting like there's something off about you. What's going on?"

Kai met her gaze, weighing his options. He couldn't tell her the full truth—not yet. But lying outright wasn't going to work, either.

"Alright," he said finally, leaning against the counter. "You want the truth? I'm… not normal. Let's just say I've got a few abilities that most people don't."

Bella's brow furrowed. "Abilities? Like what?"

Kai hesitated. How much should he tell her? "Enhanced strength, speed, senses. Think of me as… an upgraded human."

Bella stared at him, her skepticism clear. "That's it? You're just, what, a super-athlete?"

Kai shrugged. "Pretty much."

She didn't look convinced, but before she could press further, Charlie's cruiser pulled into the driveway. The rumble of the engine cut through the tension like a knife, and Bella sighed, rubbing her temples.

"This isn't over," she said, grabbing her backpack and heading upstairs.

Kai watched her go, his chest tight. He'd bought himself some time, but not much. Bella was relentless when she wanted answers, and he knew she wouldn't stop digging until she got them.

But there were bigger problems to deal with.

---

Later that night, Kai found himself pacing the edge of the forest, his thoughts racing. The Quileutes had made it clear that they saw him as a potential threat, and the Cullens weren't far behind. If he didn't figure out how to navigate this delicate balance, things could spiral out of control fast.

He shifted into his Van Helsing form, his body expanding as fur and claws replaced skin and nails. The power coursing through him was intoxicating, but it was also dangerous. This form was stronger than his True Alpha state, but it was harder to control.

Kai let out a low growl, testing the limits of his strength as he punched a nearby tree. The trunk splintered under the force of the blow, the sound echoing through the forest.

"You're going to scare off all the wildlife," a familiar voice said behind him.

Kai spun around, his glowing red eyes narrowing as Alice Cullen stepped into view. She was alone, her expression calm but curious.

"What are you doing here?" Kai growled, his voice deeper in this form.

Alice tilted her head, unfazed by his appearance. "I could ask you the same thing. You've been keeping secrets, Kai, and I don't like secrets."

Kai shifted back into his human form, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. "You shouldn't be here," he said, running a hand through his messy hair. "It's not safe."

Alice smiled faintly. "You're worried about me? That's sweet."

Kai rolled his eyes. "I'm serious, Alice. This forest isn't exactly friendly territory for vampires."

She stepped closer, her golden eyes searching his. "You're not like anything I've seen before. You're not human, but you're not one of us, either. What are you?"

Kai hesitated. Alice was the most perceptive of the Cullens, and he doubted he could bluff his way out of this. But something about her curiosity felt… genuine.

"I'm… complicated," he said finally. "Let's leave it at that."

Alice's smile widened. "I like complicated."

Kai groaned. "Great. Just what I needed—a nosy vampire."

Alice laughed, a musical sound that made Kai's lips twitch despite himself. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me—for now. But you owe me an explanation eventually."

Kai shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Bloody vampires."

As Alice disappeared back into the night, Kai leaned against a tree, his mind racing. He'd just bought himself another temporary reprieve, but the walls were closing in.

And then there was the Volturi.

He hadn't forgotten about them. If they caught wind of his existence, they'd come for him—and they wouldn't stop until he was either dead or under their control.

Kai clenched his fists, his Alpha aura flaring to life. He wasn't going to let that happen. He'd protect Bella, keep the Cullens at bay, and stay one step ahead of the Quileutes.

But deep down, he knew the storm was coming. And when it hit, Forks would never be the same.

---

To Be Continued...