His unexpected mate [the green coven series]

GOODBYES.2

*warning* mature content 18+

ALEX POV

Today marks my final day of freedom before college starts again, and I have spent it running through the dense forest within our pack's lands, reaching the borders of Lake Julliette and hiking to the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, successfully avoiding the company of the other wolves patrolling around. I needed to set my beast loose; nothing better than a run to placate Leo's unpredictable temper. On top of it, I had no desire to endure yet another lecture from Dad, or rather, Alpha Brandon Blackwood, about the importance of authority, strength, and leadership.

"The alpha must command the respect of his werewolf pack through guidance, compassion, and integrity! A true leader earns loyalty through understanding and cooperation. You must be their protector and mentor, not just their ruler." It was always the same advice since I was twelve.

I smiled inwardly. While I respected my father's perspective, I have my own beliefs, and I’m 19 years old for goodness sake! I have to be 21 to become the alpha; there is plenty of time yet! Furthermore, my position is a bit different; instead of solely relying on dominance, I prefer to foster a bond of trust and mutual respect with my pack members. Leo, my wolf, bears this approach most of the time, and together we will espouse a leadership style based on empathy and cooperation, hopefully.

So I ran, all day long, chasing and taunting squirrels and foxes throughout the lush forest, hiking to the deepest part of it, where my body and my mind can find solace. Who knew when we'd have the chance to roam freely again? We couldn't risk losing touch with our instincts within the confines of the college walls.

Thankfully, I would be accompanied by my soon-to-be beta, my best friend since childhood, Max. We are almost brothers, born less than a month apart. We have done everything together, training, school, even shared a couple of she-wolves. During high school, we ruled, even if they didn't know who we were; our aura would make it abundantly clear where they stood.

The mutual trust that connects us is extremely important for the future governance and management of Blackwood Pharmaceuticals, the pack’s company and the major income.

Dad started it almost 20 years ago, building up the production of drugs and food supplements for one-third of all pharmaceuticals worldwide; consequently, we now represent the biggest producer in human society, becoming one of the most powerful packs in the wolfen world. Nobody will dare to challenge us, be they supernatural beings or mere humans.

My deep black fur is now covered in mud, leaves, and all kinds of dirt, so I shift back, wiggling my toes in green grass, and make my way to the small lake just behind the packhouse. With a splash, I dive into the cold waters, relishing the refreshing sensation as it washes away the grime of the woods.

This is one of my favorite spots in our lands; I've come here since childhood to escape a bit from my duties and be free.

I felt a lot of pressure growing up as the future alpha, carrying the weight of responsibilities and never allowing myself to live carelessly, too proud to fail at anything; only these small escapes have been able to clear my mind for a while.

The rumbling of my stomach reminds me of my hunger, signaling it was time to return home. I grab the pair of shorts I left this morning on the back patio and confidently stroll towards the pack kitchen. The delectable aroma of grilled steaks and roasted potatoes greets me, along with the enticing scent of freshly baked garlic bread and a side salad, so mouthwatering.

My mom emerges from the kitchen, concern etched on her face. "Honey, where have you been all day? Dad was looking for you. He wants to ensure that you're willing to attend all the classes he's chosen for you..."

"Okay, Mom, can you save some food for me? I'll go find Dad and be right back! I'd like to eat with you this evening," I replied, shrugging, a sense of resignation settling over me. It seems I hadn't managed to escape Dad's scrutiny after all.

"'Come in,' says Dad with his deep voice as soon as I knock on the door.

" 'Hey Dad, were you looking for me?' I ask, stepping in and taking a seat in front of him.

" 'Sure, I was. I also tried to mindlink you a couple of times, but I wasn’t able to reach you! I was worried! Where have you been all day long?' with confused and scowling gaze.

" 'I spent most of the day running in our territory, letting my wolf roam free before college starts,' I explained. 'I put a mental block to allow him to spend as much time hunting and being free as possible. He gets irritated if I don’t spend time in the woods, and since I'm leaving tomorrow, I don’t know when I'll be able to let him run free again.'

" 'I see, understandable. By the way, to be straightforward, I left the list of classes you have to attend for the first semester on your desk. Please don’t take anything lightly. I expect perfection from the future alpha of the Blackwood pack,' he adds. 'You need to learn the essentials of economics, marketing, communication, and, of course, human medicine. I also included some classes on botany and human biology. You need to know about body composition and some basics about poisonous plants and substances. Not only wolfsbane affects our kind.’ I sighed but he continues unbothered ‘ Furthermore, even if your role in our company will be much more on management rather than science, I expect you to take Pharmacology and advanced chemistry, you need to know what we are talking about each single time.'

" 'Sure, Dad, as you wish,' here we are, never able to choose by myself.

" 'I also expect you to spend at least two hours a day training, sparring, and running. Your physical fitness will be the first asset to protect our pack.' well great! each day has 24, I just have to sleep 3 hours per night and I'll be perfectly fine, I thought.

" 'I know, Dad. I'll make you proud. Nobody will dare to mess with us.' I assure him, trying to look sure of myself, as each alpha should be.

" 'Don’t be overconfident; no one can see the future.' he spat back. I never know how to impress him in the better way, wrong answer each time.

" 'Okay, I'll try my best. Do you want to come with me? Dinner is ready.' I reply bitterly.

He nodded with a side look, and together we walk to dinner, chatting a bit in between bites. I reassured my parents that I would do everything to make them proud. Being an only child I have no other option, I thought hopelessly.

After dinner I went out for a walk, with adrenaline still in my veins, the long day of running had excited Leo and the need for a proper release pushed me to send a message to Harmony, a meaningless hoockup. Less than ten minutes later she was already on her knees and suc***g me, but not enough, so I start f*****g her face to reach my o*****m faster. Holding her by the hair I inserted it up to her throat. She looked at me with languid eyes and a few tears came out due to fatigue, she was relaxed, deep down she knows how to please. I continued for a few minutes with firm and deep thrusts, I filled her with my s**d, which she swallowed without batting an eyelid. He was more than happy to please me, so let's face it, why should I care about her needs? I pat her on the shoulder, signaling the end of the little meeting, and return to the packhouse without saying a word, as usual.

In my suite I collapse onto my king-size bed. Looking through the window, our forest bathed in moonlight, the moon's rays sparkle on our lake, and sleep takes me quickly.