The Forbidden Mate

Ch.4--First Night Away From My Mate

Gage POV:

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen; how could she have not had any boyfriends. I guess I could understand why guys would be scared to date her; I’m sure if I ever have a daughter I would dare a male to even look at her, but I couldn’t believe not even one had the nerve. In all honesty, I was glad to know she had never been with anyone. She is even more innocent than I thought, and I vowed to do everything I could to make sure she didn’t reject me as her mate. I leaned over and gave her a soft kiss, “Don’t be embarrassed honey, you should be proud of that.” The sweetest smile spread across her face as her cheeks tinted with blush. With that she climbed out of the truck and disappeared into the trees. I couldn’t make myself leave, not until she called and said she was okay. I sent out a quick message to my Beta DeAngelo and let him know I was outside Blood Moon Pack territory and to be on standby. Being this close was risky and any wolf doing rounds could easily spot me, not to mention catching my scent. I would explain everything to him when I got back home.

As soon as I received her text that she was okay I headed back home. It wasn’t far, about an hour drive. It gave me time to think. I was sure she wouldn’t want me at war with Alpha Niko, but I wasn’t sure if he would be willing to come to an agreement or not. He was old school. He should have handed over his title a long time ago, but with no sons I guess he was waiting.

DeAngelo was waiting outside my mansion when I pulled up. He bowed his head as I approached him. One thing I don’t tolerate is disrespect from anyone in the pack. “Alpha, is everything okay? Why did you go to Blood Moon alone?” DeAngelo asked me.

I asked DeAngelo to meet me in my office. As I walked in and closed the door, I couldn’t stop the smile that had been on my face since finding Ember. “Alpha, no disrespect, but I don’t think I have ever seen you this happy before. Are you sure you are okay?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at this, but I understand why he said what he did. I have a reputation of being cold, strict, and hot headed. It’s all true for the most part, but I have a reason for everything I do. DeAngelo was not just my Beta but also my best friend. We grew up together and have always been close. He found his mate when we were 19 so I couldn’t wait to tell him I finally found mine. I just wasn’t sure what his reaction would be when he found out who she was. For the sake of everything I hope he handles it well and doesn’t say anything stupid.

“DeAngelo, I found my mate,” I told him, “She’s perfect. I don’t think I have ever seen someone as beautiful and innocent as her. Her name is……. Ember.” I hesitated to tell him her name. I knew he would know exactly who she was as soon as I said it, and I was right. I watched the blood drain from his face at the realization of what I said.

“Gage, you must be wrong. There is no way she is your mate. She’s Niko’s daughter, right?”

“She’s my mate, I’m not wrong. It doesn’t matter whose daughter she is. This is who the moon goddess wants me with and that’s who I will be with. Everything happens for a reason; you should know that by now DeAngelo. It will all work out fine. For now, keep it between us. I will introduce her to the pack soon.” I was thankful when DeAngelo didn’t push it any more than he had. He bowed his head before exiting the office. I finally made my way down to my bedroom with the hopes of getting some sleep. I knew it would be hard with Ember not here though. I laid my phone on my desk before kicking off my boots to lay down.

Thoughts of Ember invaded my mind. I couldn’t wait to get to know her more. The need for her to be near me is almost overpowering. Several times I almost left to go get her. I have never felt this pull that I feel with her. It feels like I am missing a piece of myself now and she is the only thing that is going to make me feel whole again. I couldn’t believe I actually found my mate.

Ember POV:

Dad met me at the door and to say he was mad is an understatement. I tried to make my way past him and up to my room, but he could smell Gage’s scent. Something neither of us had thought of. “Ember, where have you been?!” Dad was all Alpha right now; he took a step towards me breathing in deeply. “Don’t lie, I know you were with another wolf, and one not from our pack,” Alpha Niko yelled at me. I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t tell him about Gage right now, not while he was this mad. He looked like he could shift at any moment. I had never seen him act like this towards me, causing me to be on edge.

“Dad, calm down!! I went shopping, that’s all!” I held up my shopping bag for him to see. “You know there must have been another wolf in the store or something. I’m going to bed, love you.” I took off up the stairs to my room before he could say anything else. I didn’t want to hear his lecture and I hated that I had lied to him, but what else could I do. I would tell him soon enough once he had calmed down some. I locked my door deciding a warm bubble bath is just what I need. I had already let Gage know I had made it safe and that’s all I had told him.

It was getting late already but I couldn’t resist, I just wanted him to know that I’m still thinking about him. My heart had felt like it was going to shatter since I left Gage to come home. I sent him a quick text, not sure if he was awake still or busy, and not really expecting a response back...” hey, it’s me, just wanted to tell you goodnight.” After 5 minutes of waiting, I decided to climb out of the bath and head to bed. As soon as I laid down my phone sounded.

Gage POV:

I had just drifted off to sleep when I heard my phone. I was mad for the late-night interruption, but I don’t get messages or calls in the middle of the night unless it’s an emergency. I made my way over to my desk in the corner and couldn’t believe it was Ember texting me. My wolf was howling...he wanted her here just as much as I did. How could we miss someone so much when we just met?? I have heard that the mate bond is strong, especially for an Alpha and maybe it’s stronger because she is of Alpha blood too. Even though it’s preferable, it’s very rare to have two Alpha blood lines mate. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I had heard of it happening. Guess it’s the moon goddess’s way of keeping any one pack from being too powerful.

Ember: hey, it’s me, just wanted to tell you goodnight.

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. So, she is thinking about me too. I wonder what happened when she got home but didn’t know if I should ask or not.

Gage: Goodnight darlin, are you okay?

Ember: Yea I’m good, I think…. Dad is really pissed and caught your scent. I tried to play it off, but I’m not sure if he believed me or not. I thought he was going to shift he was so mad.

Shit. I didn’t even think about my scent being on her. How could I have been so careless. I mentally cursed myself. I’m a damn Alpha that should have been my first thought! There is no way she will be able to play that off. Niko knows the scent of my pack. I could feel my heart starting to race at the thought of her in danger. If Niko hurts her, I will kill him.

Gage: I’m so sorry darlin’, I didn’t even think about that. I should have. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have been so careless. What can I do?? Are you sure you are going to be safe?? I can come get you right now.

Ember: It’s not your fault. I didn’t think about it either. There is nothing you can do right now. I’m safe, he’s just really mad. I’m sure he’ll calm down by morning. Call you tomorrow.

There was no way I was going to be able to fall back asleep now. I’m worried for Ember, and I want her with me, where I can protect her. My wolf is mad and ready to fight. I have to be careful about this. I don’t want to do anything to push Ember away or make things hard for her. For the first time, I feel lost and I’m not sure what to do.