THE ALPHA WHO DIDN'T BELIEVE IN MATES

Chapter 4

As the sun rose above Cathridge, its soft rays cut through the fog, casting a nostalgic purple hue over the landscape. Phiona was caught in a dilemma, torn between her roles as a "Lonewolf" and a "Guest of the Alpha," feeling like a bird trapped in a luxurious cage The persistent ache in her side was a stark reminder of the Moonlight Pack's power, but the wolfspane's grip on her was slowly weakening.

​Standing in the heart of Conrad's exclusive training area, she found herself surrounded by state-of-the-art technology. The arena was equipped with biometric sensors along the walls and a floor made of impact-absorbing polymer. Dressed in borrowed clothes, she wore black leggings and a compression shirt that hugged her figure closely, feeling like a second skin.

Conrad was taking off his shirt across from her.

Phiona tried to look away, but her wolf had other ideas. The scars on his back spoke of battles fought and won, a testament to his journey to becoming an Alpha. As he moved, his shoulder muscles rippled like moving tectonic plates, showing he was not just strong but also incredibly skilled.

"You said you're not a damsel," Conrad said, his voice echoing in the empty gym. Without looking at her, he began wrapping his knuckles with athletic tape. "If you intend to stay in my Stronghold with the Moonlight Pack posing a real danger, I need to know your skills clearly. No gadgets. No wolf instincts, just raw instinct."

Phiona nonchalantly adjusted her ponytail and playfully remarked, "Are you sure you want to rumble with a wounded woman, Alpha? Doesn't sound very 'logical' to me."

"Your wound has healed," he said, as he finally turned to look at her. His eyes were intense, studying her carefully like a predator. "Out in the field, the enemy won't give you time to fully recover. Let's see the 'Lonewolf' that slipped past my defenses."

He took a step forward.

He stood his ground, but that didn't make a difference. Acting fast, he closed the distance between them in a flash. With accuracy, he unleashed a strong hook punch. Phiona evaded as his fist whizzed by her, making a whistling noise. Reacting quickly, she spun around and aimed a kick at his ribs, but he grabbed her ankle while she was still airborne.

Their connection sparked instantly and intensely, like a bolt of lightning. A surge of warmth traveled through her leg as the bond between them ignited, almost causing her to lose her balance. Conrad briefly widened his eyes, showing that he too felt it, but he didn't let go. "Get up!" said Conrad as he twisted his wrist, prompting her to turn over to avoid getting hurt.

Phiona somersaulted, landing on her hands and then bouncing back up to her feet. "Is this a practice session or an opportunity to flirt with me, Conrad?" she teased, panting. "Because it looks like your wolf is more captivated by me than your mind is."

"My wolf is like a powerful beast," Conrad said, sending shivers down her spine with his intense voice. "Guided by primal, ancient instincts that never flickers. Yet, I'm the one calling the shots."

"Is that so?" Sloane questioned, stepping closer as her eyes met with his.

She didn't fight like a pack wolf; she fought like a street brawler - tough, fast, and unpredictable. Using her smaller size to her advantage, she deftly dodged under his grip and delivered a strong hit to his solar plexus. Conrad grunted as the air rushed out of his lungs, but he held his position.

They crashed onto the mats, with Conrad's strong body pressing her down. His heart was pounding against her chest, in a wild, rhythmic beat that mirrored her own. His face was so close to hers, his warm breath brushing against her skin. The aroma of woodsmoke and iron that surrounded him was captivating.. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pushed her back against the soft wall.

"You're fast," he whispered, his eyes focused on her lips. "But you're also daring. You seem to enjoy the element of surprise in what you do, used to taking the lead. It's quite a change for you to be the one being pursued now."

"I'm not going to be anyone's victim," Phiona whispered angrily as she reached up to grab his throat - not to choke him but to restrain him.

The mood in the room changed instantly. What had started as a friendly sparring session had evolved into something entirely new. The facade of the "Logic King" began to fade, exposing a man who appeared both determined to shield her and entranced by her company. When his hand lifted from the mat and delicately caressed her cheek, his thumb softly brushed over her lower lip as his body came closer.

"This is what's happening," he whispered, his voice filled with tension. "This emotional pull... it's designed to divert my attention, to make me choose your life above the well-being of the three thousand wolves in our pack."

Conrad's hand grasped hers with a reassuring grip. In that moment, she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement, pondering whether he was about to move in for a kiss. Every fiber of her being throbbed with the strength of their bond, nearly overshadowing everything else in their surroundings.

Suddenly, a crackling noise echoed through the room from the intercom, sending chills down our spines. In a piercing voice, Nathan broke the silence with unsettling news, "Alpha, the Council has arrived. They have examined the satellite footage from the plant and are advocating for a vote of no confidence. They allege that you have introduced an outsider into Cathridge."

Conrad tensed up, his eyes losing their warmth as a serious look set in. He stood straight, distanced himself from her, got up, and reached out a hand to assist Phiona in standing up.

Phiona shrugged it off and picked herself up. Suddenly, a strong wave of rejection washed over her, not tied to her ego but strongly linked to their connection.

"Exactly," Phiona exclaimed, wiping the sweat off her forehead. "I play a key role in all of this. The Moonlight Pack isn't only targeting me, Conrad. They aim to reach you through me. If the Council decides to remove you, the stealth grid will be compromised, and Cathridge will be at risk."

Conrad hastily put on his shirt, his movements filled with tension and determination. "I'm the one in charge of this pack, not the Council," he asserted.

​She reminded him, "But if they suspect that you're influenced by a mate you deny believing in, they might take over."

Conrad paused at the door, his shadow standing out against the vibrant lights in the hallway. "So, we provide them with what they desire. We offer them a cause to dread the other option."

He gazed at her with a perplexing expression on his face. "You've mentioned your expertise in your work. I'm going to the council chambers to demonstrate my authority. I want you up in the rafters. Your mission will be to access their private communication channels while I speak to them. If they try to mention any 'weaknesses,' we will ensure to emphasize theirs."

"Are you seriously asking me to help you blackmail your own elders?" Phiona asked, a sly smile creeping across her face. "I always saw you as the 'Logic King,' not a tyrant."

"During times of war, it's crucial to make the most of every resource," Conrad stated, his gaze locked on her. After a moment of silence, he continued, "Right now, Phiona, you're the most potent weapon I have."

As Phiona walked away, he couldn't shake the powerful connection he felt with her. It tugged at his heart, pushing the limits but remaining unbreakable. Despite his initial hesitations, he found himself slowly opening up to her. In a world rife with uncertainties and hidden dangers, trust seemed to be a riskier bet than love.