His Second Mate

Prologue

Lillian-Marie took a deep breath as she inwardly fought with her heartbroken wolf, who desperately pleaded on just telling Alexander James Moore that she was his beloved mate. To tell him that we are destined and made for each other, why couldn't he feel it as strongly as I could. I bit my lip nervously and this beautiful man stood in front of me waiting for me to congratulate him on the biggest thing that will ever happen in his life.

"Uhm-I-well" I managed to stutter out. He looked at my face and I could see the confusion fill his eyes. My heart broke at the sight of his face, looking deep into his eyes and seeing the sadness that consumed him for a split second. If I didn't know Alex as well as I did I wouldn't have even noticed his hurt. As much as it hurt me and my wolf I took an even deeper breath and tried to muster up the most genuine smile.

"I'm so happy for you!" I spoke with fake enthusiasm. I could tell by the frown on his face that he didn't believe me. As much as I knew him, he knew me equally as well. I would have to try harder than that. I laughed and lightly punched his arm

"I just wasn't expecting my best friend to attract such a nice and beautiful girl!" I said trying to fight back the tears threatening to spill. I knew if they started I wouldn't be able to stop them. However. bringing up 'her' seemed to distract him. I watched his eyes light up as he began to gush about her, becoming vulnerable in my presence. My heart ached as I tried to continue smiling and nodding here and there to make it seem I was listening to him rave about his mate. After a torturous 15 minutes that felt like hours his cell phone rang, he hesitantly answered and for a moment it seemed he remembered my actions earlier when he came over to let me know of the good news. The phone call ended quickly and he gave me an apologetic smile.

"That was my beta, I need to get back and take care of some alpha duties", he said with a small chuckle. His voice was like velvet to my ears but also hard, full of his alpha authority. I still remember when his voice came in. I smile slighting thinking of such fond memories. Before I could respond he had me in his arms. I buried my head slightly deeper into his chest as I took in his wonderful scent. He smelt like a field of wildflowers in the dim-lit forest, like pine needles and a clean river. He smelt like home, like my home. I took this moment not to feel sad but to cherish Alex. When he pulled away, which was way too soon, I had to tilt my head back to see the lazy smile playing on his lips.

"If you're worried about me not being your best friend, you don't have to worry about it," He said playfully, if only he knew how badly my soul ached for him. "I promise we will be like the three musketeers, once you meet her, you'll love her nearly as much as I do." He continued while playfully nudging me. I gave him a smile that I knew didn't reach my eyes.

"I'm sure," I said weakly and cleared my throat hoping he didn't notice my tone, "you should hurry to your pack," I said trying to sound more confident. He leaned down and gave my forehead a quick peck before giving me one last hug. I felt Accalia let go of a heartbreaking purr and I fought the urge of letting her destroy our friendship. I watched his muscular arm open the small wooden door, he hunched over and looked over his shoulder one last time with a breathtaking smile. With that he was gone, I watched in amazement as he transformed into his astonishing wolf Bernulf and take off into the woods in between our packs. I watched after him for a little too long.

'Let me be free' Accalia wailed bringing me back to reality. I quickly stripped off my clothes and broke out into a jog going in the opposite direction of my mate. Mid-stride my wolf took over, unable to contain her despair any longer she let go of a hurt-filled howl. As we broke through the trees and surrounded ourselves in the quiet green mist I began letting go of the tears that have been threatening to fall. I sob as Lia ran as fast and hard as she could. She found a beautiful little stream that she could rest at, we were miles away from the pack at this point. She laid down physically and mentally exhausted. I decided to stay in my wolf form and let her cry her heart out, there was nothing I could tell her to cheer her at all besides I was also mourning the reality that we would never be mated.