Silver Hope

Chapter 2: Alexander

(Alexander POV)

I turned the car and drove up to the red farmhouse with the white shutters and parked the car in front of it. My sister, who is pregnant, messaged me to get a crate of Alarie's Red Delicious apples. I've tasted their apples and my Goddess, theirs was the sweetest apples I have ever tasted. My sister, knowing I was visiting the area, has begged me to get as much as I can. Although apples are usually harvested in September, this farm seems to have fruit all year round. They are blessed! Only means one thing- they are good people.

I was supposed to be in Seattle for an event sponsored by Ulrich Group of Companies. Unfortunately, my sister needed me to deliver some clothes she had designed and created for her boutique as well as some furniture for her newly renovated wellness center located at the hotel. She couldn't just let anyone else do it. It had to be me. How can I say no to my pregnant sister? Plus, I've graced so many events in Seattle anyway. Missing one isn't going to hurt although, I was hoping I could go around and meet some ladies. It's been a while since I've had some fun. Maybe I can have some fun with my men after I finish up here.

Thankfully, I finished with business in town. Aside from my sister's deliveries, I was also overseeing the commitments of my mother and sister who have set up businesses and foundations in Chelan. My mother seemed to love this town. When I was growing up, she would always find the time to make a trip here and when she came home, she'd have a couple of bags of Alarie's red apples with her. My sister who now manages some of the businesses for her also has the same penchant for these apples. Like mother, like daughter, I guess. So, here I am, following "tradition". Well, more of "I need to get the apples my sister and the little pup of hers- the one in her belly that is- want so I won't get into trouble"...that kind of thing.

I step out of the car and the wind blows towards me with the most amazing scent. Like chocolate and strawberries. Maybe someone's baking a cake I thought to myself.

"No, the scent isn't from a cake." Echo, my wolf, says.

I sniffed some more trying to locate where the scent was coming from. It smells like it's coming from a wolf. The Alarie's are wolves?!

My wolf, Echo, starts to prance around, excited. Before I could speak to my wolf, I heard footsteps behind me.

"Hi! I'm Jim Alarie. You must be Alex. I have your order of apples on the porch. Do you want me to help you get them in the trunk of your car?" He extends his hand for me to shake. I hesitate for a moment still trying to figure out where the scent was coming from.

"So sorry of me." I apologize for hesitating. "Nice to meet you, Jim. Yes, I'm Alex," I grab his hand and we shake hands. The wind blows in my direction again. The scent seemed to be getting stronger.

Jim gives me a warm smile while he shakes my hand enthusiastically. "If you're interested Alex, I can deliver apples to you regularly. Just as long as you buy in bulk."

"That's a nice offer. How about two or three crates of apples once a month? I can even order more if there are gatherings or parties."

"No problem. I can do that for you. How about you come inside so we can fill up the paperwork for this order of yours?" Yes, please. I would like to come inside your house and find the source of that amazing scent.

I smile at the old man and start walking towards the house. The scent gets even stronger as we approach the house. When I enter, I almost go crazy. The scent is all over this house! It was such an intoxicating scent, it made me giddy all over. I sniff out Jim. Strange. Jim smelled human though. I wonder who lives in this house with him.

"Such a lovely and warm house, Jim. Who lives here with you?" I ask Jim nonchalantly. Jim turns to point at a family photo hanging on the wall.

"Oh. Just the family. The missus and my daughter," he said. He goes to his office while I stand in front of the photo looking at his daughter who was seated in between him and his wife. What a beauty! I look at her twinkling gold eyes and her dazzling smile with perfect teeth. Her black hair framed her small face and she had freckles on the bridge of her nose. How I could have missed a rare beauty like her was beyond me!

I was still looking at the photo when Jim came back out with some papers. "Here we go. All you have to do is sign. You can pay me either through a card or COD. Every month of your preferred date, we'll deliver the apples to your doorstep." I had to peel myself away from the photo so, I could look at him. Moon Goddess please, make her appear!

"My mother and sister would love that. They love your apples. They never come home without a bag or two when they are in town visiting." Jim smiles gratefully, happy at the compliment.

I read and signed the papers. The red light from the setting sun was entering the house when I heard her come in. "The Moon Goddess has heard our prayer." My wolf, Echo, stood upright at attention. His tail wagging in anticipation. I sniffed. The overpowering scent of chocolate and strawberries was coming closer with every step she made.

"Hey, Dad. Did you happen to cut some gra-? Sorry. I didn't know you were with someone. I'll just excuse myself."

I turn around, smile, and see her, those golden eyes staring back at me. She was wearing a white T-shirt with denim shorts. I looked down and stared at her creamy legs. So simple, but so exquisitely beautiful.

"MATE!" Echo, my wolf howled, while running around excitedly.

I can see the reflection of my eyes in her bright golden eyes. While hers flickered with confusion and panic, mine danced with happiness and amazement. After all these years, I have finally found my mate... in a red farmhouse with white shutters. It was so surreal.

I HAVE FOUND MY MATE!