Mate

1507 Words
Alpha Sebastian The tension in the room was almost tangible as I paced in front of Jason and Ezra. “Why should we even entertain this alliance with Alpha Talon?” I asked, my voice low and biting. I’d heard enough about the Yellowstone Pack’s questionable practices under his rule. Not to mention, the whispers about Talon himself were less than flattering. Jason leaned forward, hands clasped, his eyes steady. “Bastian, you know as well as I do that Talon’s pack has a strategic location on the northern borders. We don’t have to like him to see the advantage.” Ezra nodded. “Besides, you’re the one always preaching about staying ahead of threats. We don’t have to rely on Yellowstone, but if we have Talon’s pack in our corner, we’d could control the northern border.” I crossed my arms, still unconvinced. “I know you’re right,” I admitted, “But something about this feels off.” Jason’s mouth twisted into a smile. “That’s why you’re going there yourself, to find out exactly how off it is. Worst case, you tell Talon to take a hike. Best case, we have a new ally.” I let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Alright, we’ll pay him a visit. But I’m not promising anything.” The Yellowstone Pack grounds were meticulously arranged, designed to impress. Alpha Talon greeted us with a warm smile that I could see right through. The man was taller than I’d expected, his presence commanding but with an edge that didn’t sit well with me. It was only the beginning of the meeting, yet something else quickly stole my attention. As we were seated, a scent drifted into the room. It was nothing like I’d ever encountered. A mix of honeysuckle and wild jasmine, earthy and intoxicating. The scent set my wolf, Max, on edge, stirring something primal within him. “Mate,” he whispered in my mind, almost lost in a haze of desire and wonder. My expression remained stoic, but I could feel Jason and Ezra’s eyes flick toward me, no doubt picking up on my change in demeanor. I clenched my fists under the table, forcing myself to focus on Talon’s endless monologue about the “many benefits” of our packs’ alliance. “…our resources would complement each other well, don’t you think?” Talon’s voice pulled me back to the conversation. I gave him a curt nod. “Your resources are certainly impressive. But I’m not here to jump into a deal blindly.” Talon’s smile remained fixed, though his eyes grew harder. “I wouldn’t expect an alpha of your caliber to do so. I simply wish to… establish a fruitful partnership.” Just then, the scent that had been weaving around, strengthened, sharper, closer. Max was on high alert, pacing within me as if he knew what was coming. The door opened, and a young woman entered carrying a tray of refreshments. I struggled to keep my gaze steady as she moved closer. Her hair, red like flame, cascaded down her back, her head bent as she approached. When she drew close enough to place a glass of water in front of me, I caught her scent fully, and I knew without a doubt, she was my mate. Nine years I’d waited for this moment, and here she was. “Mate!” Max’s growl of longing in my mind was undeniable. As she moved around the room, her head remained low, refusing to meet any of our eyes. I found myself biting back an urge to pull her closer, to demand that she look at me, that she see me. The air grew taut between us as I fought to keep my reaction hidden. When she reached Talon, he stretched out an arm, grabbing her wrist, and she flinched so subtly that I would have missed it if my eyes hadn’t been on her. My blood ran cold. Talon’s casual grip on her was anything but innocent. He looked at me, clearly enjoying the way he laid his claim. “Rhiannon here will soon be our pack’s Luna,” he said with a smirk, a hint of challenge in his voice. The word “Luna” filled me with a sick rage, and it was all I could do to stay seated. He’s touched her, held her, tainted her, Max hissed in my head. The knowledge that her intoxicating scent was all over him made my skin crawl. Jason’s voice steadied me through our mind link. “Calm down, Bastian. Don’t make a scene, now’s not the time.” I barely acknowledged Jason, but I focused on staying calm as Rhiannon moved away, shoulders hunched under Talon’s gaze. As she left, I noticed the small, quick steps she took, each one as if she were trying to disappear. The meeting resumed, and I became relentless, challenging every clause Talon proposed. I wasn’t about to let him get away with anything without a fight, especially not after what I’d just seen. Talon’s façade cracked ever so slightly, irritation simmering under his forced smile. But I held my ground, feeling the weight of my mate’s unspoken plea for freedom. When the meeting concluded, Talon arranged rooms for us in the pack house. As I entered mine, her scent wrapped around me again, this time in a way that felt more personal, untainted by his presence. I inhaled deeply, knowing that she’d been here, maybe even cleaned this room. Later that night, after dinner, I wandered into the pack’s garden, seeking some relief. The sound of water trickling from the fountain was soothing, but I could barely keep my thoughts from Rhiannon. I took a long drag from my cigarette, trying to quell the storm inside me. The intoxicating scent hit me again, even stronger now, and I knew she was nearby. Within seconds, she emerged from behind a hedge, her delicate figure stumbling as she almost collided into me. My hands shot out to steady her, and she looked up at me with wide, startled eyes. Her expression softened just slightly as our eyes locked, and I felt Max let out a satisfied sigh. “Rhiannon,” I murmured, savoring the sound of her name on my lips. Her cheeks flushed. “Alpha,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. “Sebastian,” I corrected, “Call me Sebastian.” “You know,” I said, taking in the silken red strands framing her face, “Your name is beautiful.” She blinked, uncertainty in her gaze, before shifting back a step. “Thank you Alpha…I mean Sebastian. I... I should get back.” I could feel her fear, but it only made me want to reassure her. “Do you feel it?” I asked, barely able to contain the desire pulsing within me. “This connection between us?” She looked away, biting her lip. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t feel anything, and if you think you can get away with trying to claim me just because you’re some alpha…” “Is that what you think?” I cut her off, barely managing to keep the frustration out of my voice. “That I’m trying to take advantage of you?” “What else am I supposed to think?” she replied bitterly, hugging her arms around herself. “Look, I know this is… unexpected,” I said, gentling my tone. “But you’re my mate, Rhiannon. Haven’t you wondered why your wolf hasn’t shown you yet?” She stiffened at that. “I… I’m not eighteen. Not for five more days.” It clicked then. She hadn’t felt the bond because her wolf hadn’t awakened yet. “That explains it,” I murmured, more to myself. But the relief was short-lived as I saw the guarded look in her eyes. “What difference does it make?” she whispered, glancing back toward the house. “It doesn’t matter if you’re my mate. Alpha Talon… he’s claimed me already.” Hearing that nearly tore me apart. “I won’t let that happen,” I said firmly. “Come with me, Rhiannon. Let me take you away from this place.” Fear flared in her eyes as she shook her head. “Talon would never allow it. I can’t leave.” A plan was already forming in my mind, but the sound of footsteps drew near. Talon. He was heading this way. I clenched my jaw, knowing any confrontation now would put her in even more danger. I leaned close, whispering, “I’ll see you soon. Wait for me.” She looked up, her eyes filled with something I couldn’t read, but I brushed a soft kiss on her forehead before turning and walking away, each step heavy with resolve. This alliance was worthless, what I wanted was my mate, and I’d do whatever it took to get her out of this hell.
Free reading for new users
Scan code to download app
Facebookexpand_more
  • author-avatar
    Writer
  • chap_listContents
  • likeADD