Once An Omega Now Alpha

Chapter 7

The Alpha POV

My phone buzzed, one of my warriors sent me a quick text. I opened the message and read it quickly. I let out a long, annoyed sigh. These i***t rogues are always crossing into our territory. We had just three yesterday we had to deal with. Now another one today. I guess they just didn’t care. I stood up from my desk and walked over to the large window looking out of it. I watched as my people were busy working and doing what they needed to do.

My phone buzzed again a few moments later, the same warrior texting me. I frowned as I read the message. “The beta has taken a special interest in this rogue. He is not following proper protocol. We are on our way to you with the rogue.”

Why was he acting that way? Rogues were supposed to be eliminated immediately, with no exceptions. I couldn't shake off the agitation, pacing between the window and my desk. As I sensed them breaching our city's borders, I returned to the window, gazing in the direction they had disappeared from earlier that morning.

I watched as they came into the city, sprinting towards the pack house. To my surprise, I watched as the rogue was holding onto my betas back. What in the world was going on? Was this rogue River’s mate? That better be the only reason she was alive. I watched as she gracefully slid off of his back. She turned to look in our direction and I felt the need to meet her, and to get to know her. I watched as she smiled. It may not have been at me, but I shut the curtain anyway. I walked back and sat in my chair.

Was I jealous that River might have found his mate? No, I genuinely wanted him to be happy. We were born in the same year and were best friends, doing everything together and sharing countless memories. Despite being the Alpha, I had hoped to find my mate shortly after turning eighteen, yet here I am, still waiting. I couldn't help but wonder if my mate was out there somewhere, just waiting to be found. The thought gnawed at me, and I knew I couldn't wait forever.

I looked around the dimly lit room and walked over to the window when I felt someone reaching out to link. I opened the link as I opened the window, “Yes?”

“Alpha, I am on my way up. We need to talk, it’s important.” River linked me.

“I’ll have my door open for you.” I told him.

I stood looking out over the city for another minute before walking over to my office door. I opened it and when I did, I smelled the most wonderful scent of vanilla and wildflowers.

“Mate,” my beast called to me.

As I took a deep breath, her scent filled my lungs, captivating me with its exquisite and irresistible fragrance. It was the most enchanting and intoxicating aroma I had ever experienced, making it truly the finest and most delectable scent of my entire existence. I closed my eyes and let the sensation wash over me, each inhale and exhale drawing me deeper into the hypnotic spell of her presence. It was as if the very essence of her being had mingled with the air itself, wrapping around me in a tender embrace.

Instead of seeing my mate approaching, I opened my eyes to find River coming toward me. As he drew nearer, I realized he was covered in my mate's scent. My instinctive reaction was a fierce growl as I lunged at him just before he entered my office. I pinned him against the wall, catching him off guard with the force of my action, leaving him wide-eyed and shocked.

Realizing my mistake, I released River and took a step back, my hackles slowly lowering as I struggled to rein in my animalistic instincts. "I'm so sorry, River. I don't know what came over me," I stammered, filled with remorse.

“What was that about Ezra?” He asked, brushing himself off.

I looked around the hall as others had started to gather around. I looked down at the floor and saw that items had broken. “Can someone please clean this up?”

Entering the office, I gestured for River to follow suit, seeking the seclusion it offered. This was the place where I could have a confidential conversation with him. Here, I would gather the courage to voice my suspicion that he carried the scent of my mate. This was the opportune moment to confess my belief that the petite rogue who clung to him as they entered the city square was indeed my mate. As I observed River's proximity, my inner animal stirred restlessly, resenting the undeniable closeness between them. The agonizing question lingered: what if she was not only my mate but also his?

Is it possible for something like this to occur? Can this truly happen to me? How could we ever divide what once belonged exclusively to me? Would I have the strength to turn her away? A sigh escaped my lips as I shut the door after him, leaving me perplexed and overwhelmed by the blend of his fragrance with hers, provoking a sense of unease and even anger.

“River,” I started and shook off the feeling of wanting to smash his nose in, “You, well you smell like my mate.” I told him.

“Excuse me? I am not… Oh! I see.” He smiled. “The little rogue is your mate?”

“Yes, I believe she is my mate. River, what am I going to do? Have a rogue as my mate?” I sighed and sat down.

“I think she is stronger than you give her credit for. Besides, the moon goddess is never wrong.” River told me. “Something told me she was special when I met her. I could feel it, you know? She wasn’t in her wolf form either out there.” He said to me.

“She wasn’t?” I asked.

“Nope, she was hiding behind a fallen tree. She doesn’t smell like a rogue either. She ran from her pack. I don’t believe they treated her nicely there.” River sighed. “Anyway. I knew she was special, and I needed you to meet her. I thought it was because she deserves a normal life, but now I see that it was the fates bringing her to you.”

I nodded my head at him in agreement. “I guess I should meet her,” I suggested.

“Well, yes, I believe that would be wise.” River laughed. “I can help you out if you would like?” I'm certain he only made the offer due to the expression on my face. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was uncertain whether to refuse her or to embrace the opportunity that destiny had presented me. I stood up, glanced at River, and acknowledged him with a determined nod.

“Sounds good. Let’s go.” I told him, walking to the door. He followed closely behind me as we made our way towards my mate.

Stepping into the elevator, River pressed the button to descend to UG2. As we descended, uneasiness started to creep in with every passing floor. Taking a calming breath, I tried to steady my nerves. Finally, the elevator stopped, and the doors glided open. With anticipation building within me, I inhaled deeply, overwhelmed by the intoxicating scent that greeted me. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered before. My wolf stirred from within, yearning to form a connection. Determined, I stepped out of the elevator and started walking towards her cell, effortlessly tracing her scent.