Mates: Melanie's Warrior

Chapter 25

~Geoff~

I quietly slip out of the room without anyone noticing. I know she needs time with her people, and I want to give her what she needs. I was just about to tell her everything when Brooklyn ran into the room. I want her to know why I pushed us to wait to get closer; I want her to know who I really am so she can decide whether to fully accept me or not.

I take a seat in the waiting room and try to figure out the best way to tell her the truth. No matter how I say it, I’m pretty sure that she’s going to be pissed. Not telling her initially wasn’t a way for me to try to get over on her; I just needed to keep my identity quiet for the competition.

I think we may be screwed, Thor.

Maybe you are, but not me. I didn’t lie to her.

I didn’t either. I simply withheld information.

Same s**t. Be prepared to not be her favorite person. I’m good.

You are me, so we’re both screwed. I was so engrossed in my conversation with Thor that I didn’t realize someone had joined me. I also wasn’t concentrating on keeping my aura reeled in.

“I hear you are Melanie’s mate.” I look up, and she’s looking directly at me. She’s a small, red-bone woman. She’s extremely pretty, though no one is as beautiful as my Melanie. Her Alpha aura is strong, and it would be intimidating if I didn’t have a similar aura.

“I am. I’m assuming that you are the Alpha here.” She smiles and sits back.

“I am. I’m Alpha Kehlani Masters-Winters or something like that. Hubby and I haven’t fully decided.” I chuckle with her.

“Newly married, huh?” She wipes a hand down her face.

“Sure, like 2 years ago or so.” I throw my head back and laugh. All that time, and they haven’t decided how the names will work out. That’s hilarious. “I know, I know. It seemed less important than raising a pup.” Ah, yes, Melanie did mention a little one. “So you’re Alpha of what pack?” S**t, I really should have been paying attention.

“Uh….well…..see….” Kehlani starts to smirk, and I’m becoming confused.

“You haven’t told her, have you?” I run my hands through my hair.

“No. I haven’t told her yet. How badly do you think she will kill me?” This time, Kehlani throws her head back and laughs.

“I won’t lie to you, she won’t be happy. Why haven’t you told her yet?” I sigh.

“No one knows. I wanted to compete in the competition. I needed to take the edge off and that was the perfect way. I made sure I dropped out early and kept my aura suppressed.” Kehlani doesn’t respond, but she takes some time to study me.

“Are you new to being Alpha?” Damn, she can read me like a book.

“I hope I’m not that obvious to everyone.” Kehlani laughs.

“No, it isn’t that. I’m just really good.” Kehlani winks at me, and I can’t help but laugh.

“I’ve spent a good portion of my life as a rogue, so yeah, I recently claimed my birthright. Living as a rogue made sitting at a desk a bit more difficult than I would imagine. I needed to work that energy off; then, this competition came up. I decided to go for it.”

“I’m going to guess that your Beta wasn’t happy about that.” My smile grows as I think back to the many back-and-forths Hugo and I had about this very topic.

“You are correct. He tried many times to talk me out of it, but I was pretty determined.”

“And now?”

“I feel good. I feel settled. I think I can go back and do a very good job. I just don’t want to have to go back without my other half.” An idea strikes me, and I figure that now is a perfect time. “I need to ask…….do I stand a chance? Is it possible that Melanie will come with me? I know…” I turn and look away. “I know how close she is to Brooklyn, so I’m worried she won’t leave.”

The silence stretches, and I’m growing more and more concerned as the seconds tick by. A part of me didn’t want to bring this up because I didn’t want to get an answer I don’t want. As badly as I don’t want to hear it, I need to know whether I’m wasting my time.

“Well, it will be hard, that’s a fact. Brooklyn has been in a bit of a funk because you’ve appeared in our lives. Melanie loves my daughter to no end. It will be hard for her, but I think she should go. It isn’t that I want her to leave, but Brooklyn will grow up eventually and live her own life. Melanie has her entire life ahead of her, and she can’t put it on hold for us. I would love nothing more than for her to be happy and create a life with her mate.” I slowly let out the breath I was holding. I’m thankful to hear her say that. Melanie is Kehlani’s Gamma, and if she leaves, she will have to find a replacement. It makes it easier to ask her to follow me, to come home with me.

“Melanie told me all about the girls and how close she was to them. I got scared that I’m wasting my time, hoping for something that will never happen. I won’t force her to do anything, but I don’t know that I could continue on without her.” Kehlani smiles at me, and we sit in silence for a while.

“That mate bond is strong, but never set yourself up for pain. I love Melanie, but if she lets you go, you should go.” Just the thought of moving on without her is soul-crushing. Kehlani smiles at me and pats me on the leg. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. She may be stubborn initially, but she will come around. You need to tell her, though; you really need to let her know the truth.”

“Let who know what truth?” I turn, and Melanie is standing, looking between Kehlani and me. I’m completely off my game today, s**t!