A bite from an Alpha King

Book 2 Chapter 4: Need To Know

-Garrett-

I could see the confusion in Lily’s eyes when I mentioned that my mother had been here for years. But how could I explain that wolves didn’t celebrate Christmas?

“I’m sorry to hear that. It’s never easy watching someone you care about slowly disappear, and it only gets harder over time,” she said in her gentle, beautiful voice.

I found myself momentarily lost in her compassion. Her words took me by surprise. Did she have personal experience with this?

“My mom had Alzheimer’s,” she said quietly. “So I understand what it’s like.”

So she did have personal experience, not just from working with patients. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to hold her tightly. The pain in her eyes, despite her efforts to mask it, was clear, and I wished I could ease it for her.

“Well, I better get this out to Katrina. If you need anything, just let me know,” Lily told me, grabbing the box and walking away.

We need you. My wolf’s words rang in my head. I needed her, but the situation was complicated. Humans didn’t believe in werewolves. To them, we were just myths, confined to stories and movies. I couldn’t simply claim her. Moreover, humans didn’t have mates. They shifted between partners as casually as changing socks. Wolves, however, had one true mate. If I wanted Lily, I would have to win her heart, but how?

I needed to learn more about her before making any moves I might regret. I took a moment to compose myself before returning to my mother. I had to leave soon—not just because the others might need me, but if I stayed near Lily much longer, I might lose control.

“I’ll see you soon, Mother,” I said as I stood in front of her and took one final look.

Of course, she didn’t acknowledge me. She just sat there, gazing out the window, twirling the scarf I had given her in her hands. I sighed deeply before turning away and walking past the reception area, where Lily was talking with Katrina and Vicky. They all watched me as I walked by, but it was only Lily’s hazel eyes that I felt drawn to.

***

“Here, Jane, let me help you down,” I said as I saw her approaching the large staircase.

I hurried over to offer my hand, but she pulled away with a laugh.

“I’m only a few weeks pregnant, and you’re all acting like I’m at the end of my third trimester,” Jane scolded, placing her hands on her hips. “Even Octavia visits me twice a day! She’s worse than all of you males!”

I couldn’t help but smile at her words. Since James and Jane announced the news, we had all been extra cautious. Werewolf pregnancies often came with complications, and even in our modern world, too many females and babies lost their lives.

“I’m fine, and so is the baby. I can manage these stairs on my own,” Jane said firmly as she continued to descend.

But of course, I couldn’t resist walking down with her, which made her roll her eyes.

“There! I think I can manage the rest of the way to my office,” she said with a smile, crossing her arms.

“Do you have a lot of work to do?” I inquired, concerned she might overexert herself.

She nodded. “Yes, I’m trying to figure out how to slip calming medicine into all your foods so you’ll stop being a pain in my ass!” she joked.

I shook my head, smiling at her. “We’re just trying to keep you and the little one safe,” I said.

“I know, but we’re perfectly fine. And let’s not forget who the doctor is here!”

“As long as you don’t forget that we’re full-blooded males,” I teased.

“Trust me, I know. James is constantly checking on me through texts and the bond. I don’t get a moment to myself, and I know it’s only going to get worse,” she sighed.

“But I am, of course, grateful to all of you. It’s never a bad thing when people show how much they care,” she said with a small smile before walking away.

I couldn’t help but watch her until she disappeared around the corner. It was clear things would only get more intense as her pregnancy progressed. Poor Jane, I thought as I walked away, though I also felt for James. He wasn’t himself lately. Normally, he was cool-headed, but now, with Jane pregnant, he was like a caged animal.

I shook my head, tired. I couldn’t dwell on James right now. I had my own mate to figure out. First, I needed to learn as much as I could about her, and I knew just the person to help me with that.

“Evan?” I called, knocking on his bedroom door.

The door opened, and Evan stood in front of me, shirtless and clad in leather pants. It was surprising to see him so well-built, given how seldom he ventured out.

“I need your help,” I said.

Without asking me to come inside or inquiring about the nature of my request, Evan simply stepped aside to let me in.

“I need you to help me find information on a female. I only have her first name and where she works,” I explained.

He nodded and moved past me to his desk, which was lined with three computers.

“What’s her name?” he inquired.

“Lily.”