His Second Mate

Chapter 2

Lillian-Marie's POV

The walk to school is a short one, there is a nice little shortcut through the woods that saves me loads of time. I phone notification went off and when I opened my messages instantly a smile covered my face.

'Hey Lilly, I'm coming over tonight, gonna stay for the weekend. Can't miss my besties big 16! Excited to see you and your wolf!' I stumbled over a branch, nearly falling into a tree. While catching my breath I took that moment to write him back a quick response. I almost added 'I miss you' but found it no use. If I missed him then I knew he felt the same, we were just like that. He had just turned 18 and had to plan his alpha ceremony. Usually, an alpha would have a mate already. Some would even just choose a good she-wolf for the time being, but Alex wasn't like that. He wanted to find his soulmate. A part of me is glad he hasn't been mated yet, maybe I'm selfish.

School passed in a certain blur, you know the one where you're just super excited for a certain event and time is just on your side and flies by. I could already sense he was here when I walked through the door. The air just felt different, I can't explain it much. His smile nearly took my breath away as I turned into the living room. There he sat in a simple pair of cargo shorts and a baby blue tee shirt that fit him quite well if I may add. He had cut his hair. It must have been about a week ago because he had a nice inch or so. It made him look older and wiser. His green eyes were his centerpiece and they held me in place. He definitely has been working out more, I could tell by his arms and calves that he was putting on weight of pure muscle. Our small tea glass looked like a toy set on his huge hands. But his smile, that smile that could calm my every nerve. No matter what he would still be my sweet Alex. He stood up nearly at the speed of light and caught me as I ran to his arms.

"Woah there Lilly," he laughed while spinning me around a few times, "I missed you too!" Alex let out genuinely as he tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. Mom let out a laugh and excused herself while I brought Alex to my room or our room. Mom and dad have never had a problem with us sleeping in the same room. As kids, we would sometimes share a bed, especially after he would share his scary alpha stories or lures. I would end up saying I wasn't scared but he knew I was, which was why he would say he freaked himself out and needed a cuddle. I was always glad for those moments.

"So...tell me everything!" I gushed when we were alone. Alex technically wasn't supposed to tell any details to anyone, especially from another pack, but that's what best friends do.

"Its going to be next weekend," he said and I saw him contemplate, "I talked to the elders and they did an evaluation. He spoke carefully and slowly, even though I was sure mom was too busy to hear us now.

"They said I was mentally stable enough to continue on without a Luna for now, though it will get harder to withstand being without her, for now, they see me capable to lead my people on my own for now." I beamed up at him, the last thing I wanted was for him to settle for less, he only deserved the best. We sat on my bed both facing each other, there was a short pause but I swear it felt like an eternity and the way his eyes caught mine made me hold my breath a little more than called for.

"I'm really happy for you!" I cooed and finally, we broke eye contact, just a moment is all I need.

"But enough of my boring elder talk, how are you feeling?" He asked, leaning in as if I was about to tell him a huge secret.

"I feel good," I began, I also leaned in so there was less space between us. Neither of our eyes dared to glance down at each other's lips.

I let out a nervous smile, "I think I can feel her already." I whispered. "I'm glad you're here." I let out suddenly. If it wasn't such a solemn moment I'm sure he would have teased me for needing him, like always.

"I'll be here for as long as you let me" He grinned, "We have the whole weekend together!" He exclaimed while standing up and walking out to the side of the closet where he would keep clothes, for times like these. It was very common for us to spend weekends together, our families are very close.

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My birthday is tomorrow and to say I am nervous is a huge understatement. Currently, Alex and I are cuddled up under my huge comforter while watching 'the fault in our stars' of course I picked this one. I was a sucker for love stories, plus I felt it would for sure distract me. Alex picked up snacks from the store which wasn't far from here while I set up our little sleeping bed situation. At any time past 12 tonight I could turn. They say when you're comfortable during your first shift it's easier, the pain is less intense and it doesn't last as long. I hope they're right because I feel really comfortable with Alex, even when he's making my heart blush.

As interesting as this movie is, I've seen it a dozen times so I can't help when my eyes trail off to the clock. 10:00. Only a few more hours and I could meet my wolf. I hope there is an instant connection, I've heard that wolves can bother their humans for a while and it could take a lot of getting used to. Someone in your head, having separate emotions, wanting certain things. It can be a lot. I took another slice of pizza and slowly bit into it while staying as focused as possible on the screen in front of me.

"I definitely get to have the next pick" Alex groaned which earned him a louder 'shhh' from me, which in turn made him chuckle. It is nearly the end and though I know what's happening, I can't help the anticipation.

Suddenly I got very nauseous, I grabbed my stomach and doubled over while groaning. My vision went dark and it was as if my senses were gone but still here, I began to feel and hear things I never could before. I could hear my heartbeat and feel my pores opening to release my sweat.

"I'm right here Lily," I hear a distant voice say, I think he's rubbing my back but I can't be too sure because I feel as if I'm on fire.

"Don't try and fight it, just let it become a part of you." I let out a gasp as I feel as though every bone in my body breaks. My eyes shoot open and it seems as if I'm seeing things through a whole different set of eyes.

I look into the eyes of Alex who has worry written all over his face. Thankfully my room is big enough for me to shift without destroying anything. The most seemed to happen at once, it felt like my skin was melting off of me and in an instant I was different. I looked down with a sigh of relief as I saw my beautiful shiny chocolate brown coat.

"You're absolutely stunning!" I heard Alex say. I looked up at him forgetting for just a slight second that he was with me at this moment.

"You have such a beautiful wolf, Lilly." He said while rubbing my head tenderly.

"You can change back whenever you'd like, Ok?" He spoke softly while smiling down at me.

His eyes were full of something I couldn't quite understand. But I couldn't think straight because all I could hear my wolf saying after looking at him was 'our mate, our mate, my mate...mate' I was looking into the eyes of my mate.