Under the Alpha

3 steps back

The weeks passed by fast and each week, Solance got stronger and more confident. She could now walk around on her own, her balance was still a bit off, making the stairs impossible for her. But she was confident, she was sticking to her training regime like a dictator. Each morning she would do the stretch exercises Sarah had shown her, she would then get herself ready for the day. Though her mate wouldn’t stop fixing her hair for the day, he had gotten better at it too.

She would then walk with her mate to the stairs, here he would carry her down though some days he would just hold her arm tightly. She would then walk on her own into the dining room to enjoy a nice breakfast, Dimitry would still fill her a plate. But Solance had learned it was part of the bonding when it came to mates, it made it easier to tolerate even if the portion size still was enormous.

After breakfast the pair would go their separate ways, Solance would train with Sarah and Dimitry would train with his father. When Solance finished her training, she would hang out with her friends, in till her mate arrived.

As each week passed on, Solance realized Dimitry was longer and longer away from her. She wouldn’t show it, but somewhere deep inside her mind. It worried her, course he wouldn’t tell her where he was going or why. It made Angie’s words ring in her head “It’s about Dimitry’s position in the pack, you probably don’t know but pairing with a human is against the rules. He was meant to be the future alpha, but with you by his side,, he was keeping secrets from her, she didn’t like it.

“Hey Sol? Earth to Solance!,, Zetrich was waving his hand in front of her blue eyes, he was worried. The human’s eyes had suddenly gotten dull and lifeless, he saw how she blinked and shook her head slightly and then asked a tentative what. “Are we boring you Sol?,, Adele asked pushing Zetrich away grabbing Solance hands. Solance laughed “Of course not, my mind just wandered for a bit,,

In the group of friends, it was well known to the werewolves that Solance somehow could mask her scent. It was annoying since it made her harder to read, they had all gowned so accustomed to being able to know a person without talking. But their little human was not like the humans they knew, she always hides her true feelings behind a soft smile. “What could keep your mind so occupied that you would miss out on my latest exploits!,, Cole whined loudly, everybody cringed at his high-pitched voice. “What exactly did I miss?,, Solance asked all innocent, Adele throw an arm around her friend’s shoulder hanging onto the human. “Absolutely nothing of important,, the red head said sending a s**t grin to Cole who sends her a dirty look. “Better rid your face of that grin Adele or-,, “or what?,, she said edging him on. In a blink of an eye Cole flew from his place and went for Adele, Adele let out an eep like sound and pushed Solance off the couch right on to Zetrich who was on the floor. Solance was disoriented, she had fallen chest to chest with Zetrich who’s eyes were big. Adele and Cole were tumbling on the floor, play fighting like children. Solance and Zetrich were staring into each other’s eyes, again Solance eyes seemed distant and lifeless. His right hand brushed the side of the human’s face, he saw a small flicker in her eyes, and just for an instant, they seemed to glow an eerie white.

“What th-,, Zetrich began only to stop at the sound of deep warning growl, he smelled it before he turned his eyes and found his friends glowing red once. Dimitry had returned at the worst time possible, here he laid on the floor. With his most likely future alpha’s mate, the future Luna, on top of him. Their position was suggestive and his hand on the human’s face wasn’t helping, the red eyes were locked on him. He felt frozen. He needed Solance to get off, now!

The rest of the room had gone silent at the male’s marked entry, they waited for whatever would happen. Solance sensed the change in the atmosphere and sat up straight, she turned her blue eyes to her friends. They all looked frightened and ready for whatever was coming, she tilted her head to the side. What was going on? One minute they were all having fun and now, now it was like the room had frozen or time had stopped.

“Mate,, a rough and deep voice sounded somewhere behind her, she knew that voice, and yet, it was strange. She turned to her mate’s voice wondering if he was okay, she smiled at first. But little by little her smile faded as she took him in, he looked ridged, his hair messed up, his eyes glaring and blazing like an inferno. His hands were turned into fists that shook from the sheer strength he used to hold himself back.

Dimitry was struggling, seeing his mate on top of his beta. It was so intimate, he wanted to kill that beta for touching what was his. He wanted to kill his best friend, of course, he knew that nothing had happened. He could smell that there was nothing s****l or lust in the air from the two, but still logic didn’t seem to work right now. “Dimitry?,, his mate’s voice sounded so foreign and distant He didn’t like it, he was training so hard to keep her, to survive their separation. But just seeing her with another male, was crushing his heart. It was suffocating, a cold hand touched his cheek. Worried blue eyes were looking into his, he was worrying her.

Solance moved slowly, her mate wasn’t quite himself. She did not understand why, nor did she know what to do. But his eyes looked so lost, and her heart was hurting. Hold him a soft whisper sounded in her head, she didn’t hesitate. She nuzzled her head into his firm chest, her arms moved to his back. She could feel the muscles in his back was tight, he was so tense. “I’m here,, She whispered giving him a soft squeeze.

Dimitry at once felt his body relax, he quickly held her close. He was almost clawing at her small back, he needed her closer. He knew she must be uncomfortable, but she didn’t stop him. She just held him, her scent surrounded him. He felt himself relax, little by little the redness in his eyes faded. He was fine once more, his hold loosened on the small human in his arms. Her blue eyes peaked up at him “better?,, she asked softly, he released a soft rumble from the back of his throat. She gave a soft giggle and pulled him over to the others, the tense atmosphere disappeared, and the group relaxed. Solance is pulling them towards the couch, but suddenly found herself lifted by the blond male. She gave a small squeak at the sudden change, but she quickly settled. She was now seated in her mate’s lap on his favorite black bean cushion, one strong arm around her waist keeping her flushed against him. She gave a soft huff, rolled her eyes and then leaned back accepting his need to be close.

The group quickly returned to their conversations, Adele and Cole resumed their roughhousing on the floor, now behind the couch. Zetrich remained on the floor, laying but keeping his torso up with his arms. He made a mental note, not to get into such a situation again. He did not want to lose his life to his best friend, so he had to be careful around the human. The male silently observed the pair, everyone close to the two knew what was happening. They had Solance on borrowed time, he felt for Dimitry. Separation of mate’s could be life-threatening, Solance didn’t understand. But he knew how hard his friend was training to survive the separation and stay sane. But he could also sense Solance’s feelings on the matter, Dimitry needed to tell her what was going on.

Now that he was thinking about Solance, what the heck did he see earlier? Her eyes, had they really glowed? “OI ZET!,, Alexx hollered just as he tackled Zetrich to the floor. Zetrich kicked the other male off him “WHAT?,, he hollered back irritated. Alexx lifted an eyebrow at the male’s irritation, what’s wrong with him?. “You were spacing,, Alexx grunted rubbing his shoulder “Did you have to kick that hard?,, he accused.

“You were asking for it,, Zetrich replied still irritated, he was on edge. Somewhere he knew taking it out on Alexx wasn’t cool, but it was building. “What do you mean with that!,, Alexx got far to close to his face, the two starred each other down, neither admitting defeat.

“Enough!,, Dimitry’s voice sounded, firm and demanding. The two males meet the blonde’s eyes. They both flinched he was angry, they both backed down. “Was that it?,, Solance asked blinking in wonder, she knew something she didn’t understand had just happened and that her mate had stopped it. “yeah it’s a normal thing Sol don’t worry,, Aywa said softly. Normal? It’s the first time she had seen such animosity among her friends.

“Solance remember to ask Dimitry about that thing!,, Adele said having pinned Cole to the floor, she was huffing. Her face flushed and her hair mussed. And Cole looked just as messed up, at least what parts of his face Solance could see. “What thing?,, Dimitry asked having sneaked his left hand onto his mate’s thigh, he gave it a soft squeeze. Solance felt her face heat up, she never could question his affection or desire for her, no matter how much they were apart these days. Course whenever they were together he would be very touchy, no matter place, situation or if others were present. “I wanted to ask you something,, she mumbled her face beef red.

Their friends laughed “Stop showing off,, Zetrich said with a laugh, Alexx agreed. Being the only two with no one to court was painful, Cole didn’t count he had after all Zoey’s attention much to Zetrich dismay and they kind of figured that Cole and Adele were going to be a thing.  Solance blew him a raspberry while pulling down on one of her eyes, making a childish face. Everyone laughed harder.

Dimitry didn’t quite like sharing what little time he had with his mate, and right now her attention wasn’t on him. His fingers drew circles on her inner thigh, and he blew on her ear. She eeped and lifted her shoulders up to her ears, “Don’t do that!,, she exclaimed at him. “Ask him Sol!,, Adele urged his mate on. “I will, I will,, She answered her eyes on him. “Would it be okay if I went out with the girls tomorrow?,, she asked softly. Dimitry’s playfulness quickly disappeared, she wanted to leave the estate? Leave his protection, it’s not that he didn’t trust the twins, but them alone outside their territory.

Solance read him fast, he was going to object or add himself to the outing. “Sarah and your mother will be joining us!,, She quickly added, she was biting her lip now. Please let that do it, he took a deep breath, his fingers were tapping on her thigh. He was contemplating, his eyes opened and meet her big awaiting blue ones. “Where are you going and why,, He asked in a stern voice. Solance flinched at his tone, he really didn’t like this. She could see the twins lower themselves, dangerous water. Solance bit her lip more firmly, she felt irritated. What was with him? What happened with trust and being equal? Stubbornness and irritation fueled her and her actions. No, she wouldn’t let him bully her into doing everything he wants, she meets his eyes.

He could see the irritation in her eyes, but he shook it off. Her health and safety were his concern, he wouldn’t let her wander off into danger. “We are going to the mall, the one we were at last time.,, she said spitefully a frown on her face.  “and if you absolutely must know, we’re going Christmas shopping,, She ended and looked away. Cole coughed “awkward,, he whispered. The rest of the group agreed though Adele did wrack him on the head.

Solance couldn’t believe him! He had absolutely no trust in her! The twins, heck even his own mother. Bedside she wanted to do something else, then just wait around for him to show his face. It cannot always be about his needs! What about hers!?

Dimitry sighed, here we go again. Why most humans be so complicated? “Mate?,, he asked, his tone softer. He tried to get her attention, but she ignored him. So, we are back to that, are we? He looked to Aywa the more mature of the twins “She can join you tomorrow, but be back before dinner,, his words took the room by surprise. “Of course,, Aywa said baffled. Her eyes moved to the human, who despite getting her way wasn’t acknowledge anyone. When Dimitry haled himself up as well as Solance, she didn’t even let out a sound. “We will be in our room,, the male said pulling the human after him as they left the room.

“Those two go from hot to cold, so fast I think I may have whiplash,, Cole said. “Just hope we didn’t get Solance into too much trouble,, Aywa said leaning on her mate. “Her trouble? I think it’s Dimitry that acted wrong,, Adele said firmly. “heck if she decides to lash out, I for one don’t blame her. Dimitry asked for it, acting like that,, She added.

“He’s just being protective of his mate!,, Zetrich felt he needed to defend his friend, Adele turned on him quickly. “There is a difference between being protective and being controlling!,, Adele yelled. The room grew silent, “she isn’t like us, heck if she hadn’t been kidnapped and abused by those men in the forest. She wouldn’t even be here…,, Adele said tears burning in her eyes. Zetrich took a step back. “she was free before all of this,, Adele added. She left the room, she needed to run. After all, she had the freedom to leave without others following her, her friend didn’t.

“Mate please talk to me,, He was begging her now, he was on his knees begging her to see him, to meet his eyes. Heck if she hit him, yelled at him. He would take anything than those evading eyes and that empty expression, they had been in the room for hours now, food had been sent to the room. She would not eat, she was just sitting there. On her spot on the window seat, knees to her chest. “I’m letting you go aren’t I!,, he was getting desperate, they had made it so far and now, now they were back at the beginning. He was holding onto one of her hands, it was cold to the touch. It was wrong, he was just worried. And their time together was limited, was it so wrong that he wanted her all to himself?

Solance could hear him, but she was hurt and angry. Yeah, he is letting me go, why thank you. But why should I even have to ask permission to go out! “letting me go,, she whispered knowing he could hear her. She felt cold.

A small hope was taking place in his chest, she was responding. Her face was still turned from him, being ignored was one thing he couldn’t take. She knew how tormenting it was when she did this to him. She had done it before but never like this, all the other times had been small incidents. They had gotten over that! He couldn’t stop the was his eyes were glued to her frame, desperate for her to turn around to face him. “what am I?,, she whispered, she sounded so sad. Her scent was flat, empty, and dry even. “what do you mean?,, he asked, what was going through her head? Finally, she turned her face to him, tears were running down her face. He wanted to brush them away but her eyes, her eyes stopped him from moving. She looked so lost, so broken. His wolf was whining, and his gut tightened to a point where he was hurting. “What am I to you!,, asked her tone desperately. “you’re my mate,, he didn’t understand what was going on. “really!? That’s what you call what we have? You do whatever you want, me having to ask for any little thing!,,

“That’s because I’m the male,, he tried to appeached the human who was tugging at his heart.  “Aywa doesn’t have to ask Matthew for permission all the time,, She quickly added. “Their relationship isn’t like ours,, he tried to explain, but Solance wouldn’t hear it. “like ours? No, he lets her be free!,, She yelled. “she is not like you nor is she my mate!,, His voice was rising. This was not what he wanted today, he was tired, he had missed her. He just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day smothering his mate in attention and relax with her. “no, I’m no wolf,, she whispered a clear spark of hurt in her voice, scent and eyes. It hurt him as a silver blade would. He reached for her face “your mate, I don’t feel like a mate.,, she grabbed his hand, her nails digging into his skin. “what happened to being equal? You are becoming more and more distant, you won’t tell me what you’re doing all day, but demand a play by play from me! I shouldn’t have to ask to go out without you! I have a life too!,, She finished out of breath. She was fighting to stop herself from crying, she was hiccupping and gasping for breath in between the new set of tears.

“I’m hurting you?,, he asked, she just cried harder. Her hands moved to her eyes. His mate seemed so small, her body shaking, cold and curling in on herself. Had he really gone that much of course? Had he stopped listening to her? He had, he couldn’t remember the last time he asked for her opinion. She was asking and he wouldn’t answer, they had been fine some time ago. But now, now he was treating her… not like a mate. Gentle he moved up to the window seat and pulled her to him. He kept apologizing, he kissed her hair and rubbed her back letting her cry. She had been holding it in, giving him time to realize he was hurting her.

How much time passed he didn’t know, nor did he care. She had finally stopped crying now it was just a sniffled here and there, she pushes herself away from his chest. He let her but kept her at armlength. “I’m sorry,, she whispered, she just exploded on him. “You scared me there,, he said sadly. “but I think you were right to lash out,, He added “I have trouble with knowing how I should treat you, I want to protect you from anyone and everything. At the same time, I try to treat you like another wolf. I expect you to know things, you have absolutely no way of knowing unless I tell you,,

“I shouldn’t have blown it out of proportion like that,, She said. “Maybe not, but I think it may have been the only way to get me to listen,, He said taking her hand, it was so small in his. “I worry whenever you leave my sight, I don’t want you to leave the estate without me. But you’re my mate, and I promised that I would trust you, you trusted me despite me not sharing the truth with you,, he kissed her hand. “I have been training the last few weeks,, he said, her puffy red eyes looked up at him. “Training?,, she asked. “I’m training so I can become the next Alpha,, He said.

He was meant to be the future alpha, but with you by his side Angie’s words rang in her head. “But you can’t be alpha, not with me as a mate,, she whispered. He grabbed her shoulders in a blink of an eye, his eyes locked onto hers. “I’m training, so I can become Alpha. So I can keep you at my side, so you can be the future Luna, so I can keep you has my mate, I rather die than not have you by my side,, He said firmly. “But Angie said,, Solance whispered a spark of warmth in her chest taking root. He snorted “Angie is delusional, she wants to be the next Luna and has had her cap on me since we were children. Her words were meant to make you doubt me, doubt us. But I cannot say my actions have given you a reason to ignore her words,, He gave her a small smile. “Solance I love you,, he said slowly.

A few tears left her eyes again and then she lunged herself at him, she clung to him so hard that he couldn’t remove her even if he wanted to. He gently leaned back, a hand rubbing her back and the other petting her hair. “ I promise to listen to you better, so we don’t end up here again. I won’t let you feel so unsure about us again, everything I do, I do in the hope to please you. But I don’t know what you think, so can you promise me to say when you feel I’m being unfair or I’m not treating you right?,, he asked her. She promised in between her sniffles as she nuzzled her face into his neck, he released a soft rumble in his chest.

They had made it far from their first meeting, but they still had their troubles. But she was worth it. A future with her would be worth every bump and fight, he wanted to be a leader for the pack, but being a mate was something different.

The rest of that evening the two indulged in each other, talking and just reconnecting. Mending the c***k in their bond.