The Forbidden Mate

Ch.1--The Beginning

I’m Ember and I’m 21 years old. I am the daughter of an Alpha. Most wolves wish they were in my position, and I’m not one to complain but it’s not all glitz and glamour. A lot is expected from me, and my dad is a bit overprotective…borderline paranoid. My dad, Alpha Niko, has had me on lockdown for a week and unfortunately for me there is no telling how long this will last. With guards following me everywhere I go. Not that I have ever had much freedom though. I hate it. I have tried to tell him I can take care of myself, that my small size does not mean I am weak and helpless. I have been training with the pack fighters ever since I was 13 years old, in human form of course. Dad has forbidden me from shifting around anyone…says its unsafe. I kind of feel like he’s embarrassed by my wolf because she is a lot smaller than what is expected from alpha bloodline.

I absolutely love her though; she’s beautiful and understanding. She doesn’t fight to shift...ever… she says it is best I do as my father tells me…for now anyways. Dad said that was to give him some peace of mind. But with this, it does not matter. I understand why he is being like this though. I’m all my dad has left. My mom was killed when I was little and the recent attack on our pack has him on his toes. Our pack has been on the verge of war with the Crescent Moon Pack for a while now. I’m not involved with much of the pack business as Dad says it’s an Alpha’s job, but I’ve heard the rumors. Some say it’s because Alpha Gage from the Crescent Moon Pack doesn’t like the way my dad runs our pack and others say Alpha Gage is a cold-hearted murder just looking to try and take over our pack and claim our land for himself.

My dad is what some would call old-school. His beliefs don’t line up with “modern day” ideas. I guess I’m used to it because that’s all I have ever known. He is a strict Alpha and demands respect, but he takes good care of all of our members. I am personally not afraid of my dad, but I can understand why some may be. He doesn’t take any crap from anyone, and despite his older age he’s still very fit and able.

All I know for sure though is that I am tired of feeling like a prisoner. I need to breathe and try to find my mate and make a life for myself. How can I do any of that when I am not supposed to leave the house and there are guards everywhere you look. I can’t take a step without at least two guards flocking me. As I lay back on my plush bed an idea hits me, and without taking time to really think it through I start making my plan. The Great Escape I say to myself laughing out loud with excitement. I’ve decided to sneak away in the morning and go into town. It will not be easy but just the thought makes me excited. I know the pack schedule well and when rounds are being done. There will be a meeting at 9 in the morning and that will be my chance. No one will even know I’m awake. I usually sleep in late because there is nothing else to do. As I fall asleep, I can’t help but feel anxious about tomorrow and I hope that I’m fast enough to get out. Sure, dad will be mad, but I’ll be fine, and he will get over it.

I’m awake at 7:00 and quietly start getting dressed. It’s spring but it’s pretty warm outside already so I opt for my cut off blue jean shorts and cowboy boots with a white crop top. I wait until I can’t hear anyone in the house anymore. Ever since the Crescent Moon Pack has been near our border dad has been holding the meetings here. He doesn’t let me know much of what’s going on, says it’s for my own good. I don’t understand that though, as the daughter of the Alpha I feel I should know.

As I run out of the last of our woods, I slowed down to catch my breath and take in my surroundings. I love being in nature. The morning dew was still making its presence known on the tops of mushrooms and fallen leaves. I admired how it glistened in the small rays of sunshine that were peeking through the treetops as though it was giving the earth below small, good morning kisses. As I walked slowly enjoying the quiet, I could smell the sweet honeysuckle as the breeze fluttered around me. I longed to be able to roam the woods more, but I knew after this it would probably be a very long time before I would be back out here. I pick my pace back up knowing I can’t stop for long, the wolves doing rounds could catch my scent and alert my dad. I ran the remainder of the way only slowing when I got to town. I would love nothing more than to shift and let my wolf run, but Dad has forbidden me from shifting unless I am with him, and he has given me direct permission. Again, he says it’s for my safety. For a small town it is so alive. I stopped by the Coffee Shop to grab me some much-needed caffeine. For a small café it’s packed. The line of customers winding through the small tables almost reaching the door. I find my way to the end and start scanning the menu trying to decide what I want to order.

All at once my hairs stand on end and my wolf wants out. I feel myself start to panic and I know my eyes are probably changing from the normal baby blue to black. My wolf has never acted like this. I have always had control of her with no problem. I scanned the room quickly looking around, but I can’t see anything out of the ordinary. I brush it off as dad’s paranoia rubbing off on me or my wolf being on edge since we don’t come to town very often. I’m sure all the new strangers we are currently surrounded by are overwhelming for her. I assure myself and my wolf that I am fine.

Once it is finally my turn in line, I order my cappuccino with extra cream and leave. Keeping my eyes down as much as possible I try to quickly make my way out of the overcrowded shop, slamming into what felt like the damn wall.

I lift my gaze to find it wasn’t the wall but a very tall man. I managed to squeak out an apologize to him, getting lost in his gorgeous turquoise eyes. For a moment I can’t stop myself from taking in his appearance. This man is built like a god. He must be at least 6’ 3” and towers over me. When I bring myself out of my thoughts, he is giving me the strangest look. His eyes were no longer turquoise, and I could smell he was a wolf. The energy I felt running through me was nothing I had ever felt. I quickly apologized again while trying to hide the blush making its way up my cheeks and bolted out the door and down the sidewalk as fast as I could. He had to have been from my pack and if he recognized me, he will be letting my dad know I’m here and alone.

I continue walking down the street trying to calm my wolf down. I didn’t understand what her problem was. If she continued acting like this, I wouldn’t be able to stay in town much longer. She wanted out and all I knew was it had something to do with the man from the Coffee Shop. A cute little boutique called Sunset caught my eye, so I headed in. I greeted the sales lady as I started flipping through the overcrowded racks. I grabbed a few sun dresses to try on and found an amazing blue mini dress. As I slipped it on it hugged every curve on my body. Fits like a glove I thought to myself as I twirled in the mirror. It’s a little short compared to what I usually wear falling mid-thigh on my long tan legs. I loved it! I changed back into my frayed blue jean shorts and crop top and head to the register to pay. “Your total is $68.98,” the cashier tells me. I dug through my purse for my credit card and went to hand it to her once I found it. I am stopped by the gorgeous man from early, “I got it,” he said softly as he swiped his card. Suddenly, it was as if I had forgot how to talk. I couldn’t utter a single word as I stood there staring at him. My eyes scanned over his broad shoulders down to his sculpted abs that I could clearly make out under the fabric of his shirt. He smiled at me bringing me out of my trance. I could feel my cheeks tint in embarrassment of being caught ogling him, “Thank you, but I could have paid for it.” He shakes his head at me, “I’m not going to allow my mate to pay for her own things.”