My Alpha Mate (Wolf Series #1)

Chapter 3

Candice

The light of dawn seeped into my room. I rubbed my eyes while walking towards the window and opened it. When the cold breeze hit my face, I shivered, making my curtains flutter. I immediately closed it and rubbed my hands together. Another morning has come.

“Go to this and arrange that!” I heard a commotion downstairs. “They seemed energetic this morning.” My wolf, Claire, said. I just hummed in response. “What’s the ruckus all about, Mom?” I asked and kissed her cheeks.

“Oh, it’s just that Alpha Blake is coming, so we need to prepare.” She said that, then handed the vase to Sheena, our helper.

“Why go to such an extent? It’s just a simple lunch, right?” I asked, and she looked at me with a smile. "No, honey, it’s not a simple pack meeting. Your father said they would discuss how to further strengthen our borders and about being allies too, because, you know, rogues roamed around.” She explained. I once attended a pack meeting, and they talked about pack necessities, ranks, rogues, and the alliance. Rogues are the savage ones; they enjoy killing for fun. They enjoy the bloodlust. I remember adults using the story about the rogues to scare the kids to sleep.

“I heard Alpha Blake is a bachelor!” Sheena said it dreamily, out of nowhere. “I heard he’s an old man!” Aprille said this while holding a cloth.

“Shush now, the two of you. You will know later.” Mom said that and winked, which made the girls giggle. I shake my head and laugh at their silliness. I went back to my room and did my morning routine. Thank the goddess, there’s no class scheduled today. I looked at the clock, and I still have five hours until lunchtime comes. I picked up one book from the shelf and started reading it.

I heard a knock on my door that made me open my eyes. The book that I was holding is on the ground now. I didn’t know I fell asleep while reading a book. “Candice, you should go down now; they’re already here.” Mom said it through the door.

“Be there in a minute, Mom!” I responded. I got up and fixed myself. “Do you think Mom will scold us because we’re late again?” My wolf asked while lifting her paws up. “I don’t know, maybe not?” I answered hesitantly. “Where are they?” I asked as I entered the kitchen.

“Pack Meeting.” Mom said this while arranging the utensils. So they’ve started early, huh? I decided to go to where Dad’s office is to greet the Alpha. I was about to open the door, but I smelled a sweet fragrance. What is this? I can feel my body burning; the delicious smell wraps around me like perfume, making my insides tighten in anticipation. What the hell is this? What's happening to me?

“Mine!” A stranger behind me spoke. I froze when he wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on my shoulder. I felt safe and secure in his arms; I could lie in them all day. “Mate! Mine!” Claire happily said while kept pacing back and forth, and that made me snap out of my reverie and try to shake him off. It wasn't my intention to enjoy his touch! I don’t want a mate! Damn this mate pull; it’s messing with my head.

“Relax; I won’t hurt you.” His deep voice softly spoke, and I relaxed a bit, but I was still trying to shake him off. “Let me go!” I ordered, and he gladly did. I faced him, and my jaw almost dropped to the floor. No one told me that this guy is freaking handsome! “You thought he was croony!” Claire said this and glared at me. I ignored her and looked at the man again. He was tall, probably around 6 feet; he had broad shoulders, a Greek nose, defined cheekbones, a chiseled jaw, and his eyes—he had hazel eyes.

“Done checking me out, love?” He said that and chuckled. That was a sexy chuckle right there! – Oh f**k! Snap out of it, Candice! “Just give in!” My wolf's face was plastered with a mischievous smile. Nope, I will not. “Who’s checking on you? I’m not checking you out, and you’re not even handsome.” I said that and rolled my eyes at him. Wait, that sounds defensive. He chuckled. Damn it, why does his chuckle sound so sexy!? I could kiss those luscious lips all day. What the heck am I thinking? I really should snap out of it.

“I’m Blake Reese, Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, and your mate.” He proudly said that and winked. I raised my eyebrow and glared at him. “Who’s your mate? I don’t want a mate!” I felt a sting in my heart as I said those words, but I must say it. He looked hurt for a second, but then smiled at me again. I won’t be his mate. I just can’t.

“You are my mate; you are mine. The Moon Goddess paired you with me.” He said this while gently caressing my cheeks. "Always bear that in mind, and additionally, I am possessive of my partner; whatever is mine is exclusively mine, Candice. I’ll see you later.” He continued, planting a kiss on my forehead. He went into Dad’s office, and I was left here, standing all alone, lost in my own thoughts. I can’t fvcking believe it!

Blake

She smells strawberries. Goodness! I'm already addicted to her scent. I am so happy that I finally found her, my mate. "She's beautiful. I want to mark her now!" Augustus, my wolf, jumped with joy as he spoke. "Yes, she is. Patience, bud, we will mark her soon.” I assured him, but a part of me was disappointed because of what she said. She told me that she doesn't want a mate; her words made my heart ache. We’ve been waiting for her all our lives; I just can’t believe she would easily tell me that she doesn’t want us.

“I think I need to double the patrols on my border because I’ve heard news about rouges forming a pack. I also need to train my warriors to the bone to be ready. Alpha Blake, do you have any suggestions?" Alpha Enrico spoke, and I glanced at him before shaking my head. “I’m sorry for not paying attention, Alpha Enrico; it’s just that I have something on my mind right now.” I honestly said that to him. He laughed and patted my shoulder.

“I met my mate, Alpha Enrico.” I replied happily. “That’s good to hear! Is she one of my pack members?” He asked me.

“Your daughter is my mate.” I responded, briefly surprising him before he regained his composure. He cleared his throat and put the pen down. I knew his daughter because my beta showed me a picture of her.

“Wow, you know, I’m glad that you are my daughter’s mate. You are a good person. I’m happy.” He said it to me truthfully. I grinned. It's nice that I have her father’s approval. “May I have your permission to bring her back to my pack?” I asked, and he looked at me for a second and nodded.

"Alpha Blake, you are welcome to bring her, but I swear to the Moon Goddess that once you harm my princess, I am going to your pack you and kill you. Got that?” Alpha Enrico seriously said: I nodded my head. I'm not going to hurt her. Seeing her cry as a result of my actions could make me despise myself, but that will never occur. “So are you going to stay for dinner later?” He asked.

“I’m not going to stay, Alpha Enrico. We are going to leave tomorrow. I left so many works in our pack that’s need to be settled.” As much as I would love to stay, I can’t. My people are waiting for me.

"You can call me Dad, Blake, and you can bring her tomorrow." The Alpha spoke, then smiled. After thanking him, we headed to the kitchen for lunch, only to find Candice nowhere in sight. I really want to see her beautiful face, and I already missed her. Geez, I sounded like a lovesick fool! In all seriousness, however, I desire to embrace her, hold her, and even kiss her. Wait, that’s going too far, I think. God! I'm going crazy! "This is the freaking best day of our lives!" I said this to my wolf, grinning foolishly. Candice, my Candice, you're mine forever.

Candice

I still can't believe that I will find my mate here. And fvcking hell! He's also the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack! "He is so gorgeous!" My wolf happily said, "Shut up! You aren’t helping." I told her. God! My wolf is going crazy because of this mate thing.

I called Alice and asked her about Natalie and Angelo, and I’m glad the two of them have already made up and cleared up the misunderstanding. While here, I was alone in my room, thinking of a way to avoid Blake. His name sounded sexy as hell, and he's freaking handsome, too. What the hell!? What are you thinking, Candice!? You don't want him! You don't want a mate. "Admit it already, Candice, dear; you find our mate very attractive, and you already liked him." My wolf said this while giggling. "Please shut the hell up! My mind is already messed up!" I said, but she just laughed at me, which was so annoying. I heard a knock.

"Come in!" I shouted. The door opened, and my mom entered. "What is it, Mom? You need something?" I asked her. She picked up the comb, sat beside me, and started brushing my hair.

"I am so disappointed in you, Candice." She said to me, but what did I do? "You didn't tell me that you already found your mate!" She said that and then started squealing. My jaw dropped. What the heck!? Did Blake already tell them!? "Mom," I said, but she cut me off while I was talking.

"Pack your things, Hunny. You'll be leaving tomorrow together with your mate." She said. My eyes widened. “What?! Are you giving me away just like that?” I said it because of the frustration I’m feeling. This can't be happening!

“But he’s your mate; it’s natural that he will bring you to his own pack.” Mom explained. I clearly understand that! But I don’t want it. I just can’t leave my home for years to be with my mate. "No! I won't go, Mom! I don't want him. I don't want a mate!" Suddenly, I experienced a stab-like pain in my heart, but I chose to ignore it.

"How could you say that, Candice? He's your mate! "Mate is the Moon Goddess' precious gift to us, werewolves!" My mother spoke angrily. I bowed my head. I’m ashamed of what I said. "It's final, Candice. Pack your things!" She said it with a Luna tone. I bowed my head as a sign of submission to her. I whimpered. I wanted to cry! She hugged me and whispered in my ears. "Trust me, Candice, everything will be alright." She then proceeded to kiss my forehead before leaving my room. I need a plan. I don't want to leave my pack. I belong here. "What are you going to do, Candice!?" My wolf asked hysterically, but I just shut her down. I’m sorry I have to do this. This is going to be a long and tiring night. I need to escape.