An Heir For Alpha Roman

3. Morning In The Woods

Eden's POV:

"Hurry up, Paige!" I urged, rubbing my hands over my arms, desperate to ignite warmth to fend off the piercing cold as my teeth chattered uncontrollably. I found myself in the freezing temperatures of Black Creek Woods, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for it.

The woods always made me uneasy. I felt so out of my element—exposed and vulnerable to the lurking wildlife around us. It was terrifying. But as I glanced back at Paige, I knew why I was here. She needed this run to clear her head and let off steam, and I couldn't let my discomfort stand in her way. She's been feeling off lately, not like herself... So, despite it all, I drove those 15 long miles, through the woods, pushing through the chill, because it was worth it for Paige.

She's my best friend—my sister—and she's also a werewolf who needs to unleash her inner beast, Snoh, or she will quite literally go crazy. I couldn't fully comprehend the bond she shared with her wild side or how it all worked. I just knew that wolves trapped inside their human forms for too long could lose their minds, or vice versa, and humans stuck in their wolf forms could become lost in the depths of their subconscious.

They have a term for it: rogue.

This happens when they don't have a pack or community, which Paige doesn't have; she's a lone wolf and rarely talks about her old pack or what happened to them. I imagine it's a painful memory for her, so I’ve never pried. The only thing I know—the only thing I need to know—is that her family is dead, her pack is gone, and she misses them.

Our bond is truly unique, especially given our stark differences—me being human and her a werewolf. Yet, there's a deep connection between us that feels special, primarily because we both share the experience of being orphans.

The only difference being—I never had the chance to meet my family. I was found outside an orphanage, wrapped in a pink blanket with the names "Eden Monroe" embroidered on it, when I was just a few days old. I grew up feeling so alone and out of place, as if I didn't belong. I spent my childhood bouncing in and out of foster care. It was a terrible experience, so much so that by the time I turned sixteen, I decided to run away after my last foster ‘dad ’ attempted to fondle me in the middle of the night. I knew it was enough. I was exhausted from the system and the challenges it presented. I figured I had a better chance at survival on my own than in a shitty system that never cared about me.

I struggled for a long time after that; surviving on my own was difficult, but at least I was free. Shortly after that, I met Paige, and everything changed. At that point in my life, I was drifting from one motel to another, searching for a semblance of stability. One night, as shadows crept around me, I heard soft whimpers drifting in from the woods beyond my window. Curiosity overpowered my apprehension, and I stepped outside, expecting to find a lost pup. To my astonishment, there she was—a striking wolf, her white fur gleaming under the light, and her captivating forest-green eyes watching me intently. However, she was injured; her back leg was ensnared in a foothold trap. Initially, she growled at me, wary of my presence. But after some gentle soothing and reassurance, she realized I meant her no harm. Gradually, she permitted me to approach her.

I quickly pried the trap open, freeing her. I turned to take off my jacket to help stop the bleeding from her leg, but instead, I heard the sharp sounds of cracking bones. The white wolf before me shifted into a human right before my eyes. I felt lightheaded and confused. Did I imagine that? Did she just...? The wolf?? My mind was spiraling into chaos, panic clawing at my throat as I felt an overwhelming urge to scream, but just as I opened my mouth, she held up her hands.

"Please don't freak out," she begged me, "help me... please."

I don't know if it was the adrenaline pumping through my chest or the stressed desperation in her voice, but I helped her. She had pure terror in her eyes, and she was shaking badly. It was at that moment, I suppose, that my mind humanized her, and instead of feeling terror, I felt an undeniable pull, as if the very essence of her spirit resonated with something deep within me. I knew we shared a profound connection that transcended the boundaries of fear. It was as if we were two souls drawn together by fate, each searching for comfort in a world that often felt so lonely. Plus, she was injured, and I would be a shitty person if I left her there in pain. I took her back to the shitty motel I was staying in, cleaned her wounds, and got her some food and warm clothes. I later found out that the silver from the trap prevented her from accessing her wolf, and if I didn't arrive when I did, she would have died... We've been together for nearly ten years... she's been slowly showing me the ins and outs of the supernatural world. Although I must admit, I'm still sometimes in disbelief that a whole other world was hidden around us, and I had never been aware of it.

"What's the matter, princess?" a warm, feminine voice cooed behind me. I turned, and Paige was walking toward me, completely naked, with no shame at all as she traversed the open field. She swears it's entirely normal for wolves. Everyone sees everyone naked all the time. She was tall and graceful, like a runway model; her flaming red hair blew softly around her shoulders. She didn't seem to be bothered by the cold, as I was. With her wolf, she wouldn't get sick, they're designed to survive in harsh weather conditions... I, on the other hand, lack those abilities, and I felt as if I might catch hypothermia at any moment.

"Are you finished?" I asked when she was within talking distance.

"Yeah, Snoh wanted to hunt," she said, pulling a powder blue sweater dress from my trunk over her head. Snoh is her wolf, and I adore her. It's a shame she doesn't get to come out more often. Living in Teloma City doesn't give her much freedom to let Snoh out, so I usually make the drive up here twice a month. However, the month has just started, and we've been up here four times already... I knew something must be going on with Snoh—or her...but I didn't push it; she would tell me what's bothering her when she was ready. Paige linked her arm through mine, and we returned to the main road and drove back to the city.

I pulled into our favorite diner, Bernie's, so we could grab a bite to eat. Paige is usually hungry after a run. Her wolf uses a lot of her energy, and since she doesn't come out as often as she should, she needs to replenish it quickly. We went into the small diner, and I sat at our favorite booth by the window. We enjoyed eating and people-watching.

"I'll put the order in," Paige said, not bothering to wait for a server to take our orders formally; she strode right up to the counter. The young waiter at the front was beyond obsessed with her beauty and always gave her free s**t. I zoned out and watched the people walking outside the window, making up life scenarios for them to pass the time. After a while, I pulled my phone from my pocket and stared at the blank screen, disappointed.

"Trouble in paradise?" Paige asked from behind me. I jumped; a small yelp escaped my lips. She grinned at me, revealing her long canines.

"Stop!" I hissed, looking around in a panic. "Someone could have seen." I chastised her; she shrugged and slid into the booth next to me, handing me a hot coffee and a blueberry muffin. I took it and let the hot liquid warm my icy insides.

"Seriously, what's the matter with you?" Paige asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. She bit into what looked like a slice of banana bread and stared at me, waiting for my response. I sighed, reluctant to let her into my inner thoughts, but Paige wouldn't relent if I didn't tell her something.

"It's Daniel… our anniversary is today, and I got us invitations for an event tonight. I had planned to surprise him with them last night, but he bailed on me... and hasn't responded to any of my calls or texts..." My voice trailed off as I stared at Paige, who scrunched her nose, giving me a knowing look.

"Go on… say it, Paige," I said, waving my hand in the air.

"I have so many thoughts," she laughed humorlessly, and I sighed, knowing what was coming next. We've had this conversation countless times, and it's always the same.

"It's just," she sighed and closed her eyes as if searching for the right words, "Why didn't he plan something for you guys? You handle all the planning for what you do together. You know that, right?" She took another bite of her cake while I picked at my muffin.

"He's busy running a company," I said weakly. Paige grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently.

"Listen, I know you love him," she said, her voice serious as she gazed into my eyes. "But he doesn't deserve you."

"I'm not doing this with you today. It has been six years, and we’re engaged, for crying out loud. He's not going anywhere, and you need to give him a fair chance." I scolded her like a child. It wasn't my intention, but I had to get her to understand that Daniel was now part of our circle.

She frowned and rolled her eyes, ignoring everything I had just said. "No man, wolf, or human should brush off their mate like that; he treats you like a trophy. He doesn't honor you; he holds you on his arm and flashes you around when convenient. "She crossed her arms over her chest as if daring me to challenge her.

I sighed deeply and looked at my hands. A part of me felt like she was right, but another part felt like she didn't understand our love, or human love in general. Paige has exceptionally high standards when it comes to men and relationships. Her being a wolf has a significant impact on her opinions. In the intricate world of wolves, they are gifted a mate—a lifelong partner uniquely suited to them. This bond is not merely a pairing; it symbolizes a profound emotional and spiritual connection. Such a relationship enhances their survival, as they work together in harmony within their pack, instinctively understanding each other's needs and desires, fostering a partnership that is both powerful and enduring. When a wolf meets its mate, it's as if the world stops, and even if they've never met before, there is an instant connection, a bond that forms, much like love at first sight.

It's a fairytale-type love... something we humans rarely experience.

Paige doesn't understand that humans don't see it that way; we get to choose our partners and create a perfect love story with imperfect people. Daniels is the only man with whom I felt close. He has taken good care of me and changed my life. Before I met Daniel, I was a waitress in a shitty strip club called Lou's. It could have been better, but I got good tips. I supported Paige, as she couldn't work without an identity in the human world. I didn’t have the means to obtain the proper paperwork for her without exposing her secret.

Daniel was there one night, took one look at me, and told me he knew I was the woman he was going to marry. I felt flattered. I was also very young—only 21—with no family or real love outside of Paige. I believed him when he told me he could change my life and promised to take care of me. I quit that night, and he kept every promise. He helped me with my art and even bought some portraits to hang in his company, which brought me clients. I started making a lot of money. I bought a nice condo, so Paige and I no longer had to live in motels or hotels.

I bought us a car, and even though Paige refused to learn to drive, she prefers to depend on Snoh. I was beginning the process of buying my art studio, but Daniel said he wanted me to be part of his family business. He introduced me to his dad, who treated me like his daughter and has been kind to me. It felt refreshing and made me feel loved in a way I had always dreamed of as a child. I've been helping him, and although I don't have much time for art anymore, I enjoy assisting Daniel, especially after he has helped me.

Paige didn't understand, and I didn't fault her for it. I wish she'd give Daniel a fair chance. When she met him, she said she had a terrible feeling about him, and her wolf, Snoh, didn't like him. But Snoh doesn't like anyone other than me, so I didn't put much thought into that.

"All I'm saying," Paige said, popping the last bite of her muffin in her mouth, "You deserve a real, authentic love with someone that actually likes you."

I gasped, offended, "Danny does like me."

"Yes, for your body, maybe," she snorted, just as the boy from the front brought out our food. There were numerous breakfast dishes laid out on the tray.

"Your meals are on the house," the boy blushed, staring at Paige with a goofy smile. I rolled my eyes at her, and she shrugged before thanking the waiter, who walked away dazed.

"You've never given Daniel a chance, and you know it," I said, picking up a warm plate of pancakes.

“He doesn't deserve it. My wolf can sense his phoniness from miles away, and you deserve someone who can take care of you for once.”

“Isn’t that why I have you?” I smiled. She rolled her eyes but returned the grin.