His Second Mate

Chapter 3

Lillian-Marie's POV

Alex was kneeling while supporting my head "You did such a good job, Lilly, you're wolf is beautiful!"

I stared at him feeling as if my mind and heart were running a million miles per hour.

'This is our mate' I heard a voice say to me. It felt as if I was holding my breath and would die at any moment. All I could do was wait for him to proclaim the same thing. Maybe he was also in shock? I could hardly contain myself, but I knew I couldn't embarrass myself, not in that way. I learned how the mate bond worked and if he wasn't proclaiming that I was his mate then there had to be some sort of mistake.

It didn't happen very often but sometimes if two were close enough then one could get an indication that the other was their mate. If this was the case then when Alex finds his true mate, I could also find mine. Until then I would just pretend that my wolf isn't screaming at me. I would not ruin my friendship over something this silly. I mean, I always thought Alex was good-looking I mean, who wouldn't. And yeah, I might have had a small crush from here to there but based on how he was looking at me he clearly didn't feel the make pull. Stupid hormones.

Mom and dad sat on the edge of their seats while listening to Alex as he explained my first shift. Occasionally either would glance at me with pride in their eyes, everyone knew I would be a strong wolf, my father is the gamma after all. I have been watching the warriors train since being a little girl. I sat on the bar stool sipping a lemonade, lost in thought. With the whole mate aspect of my shifting, I didn't really have time to talk to my wolf. Now I couldn't hear her at all, I would have to try and shift later and attempt to communicate with her. I could only hope she isn't mad at me, the thought made me nervous.

"Well, I can't wait to meet her, what was her name again darling?" Mother said tilting her head towards me, bringing me out of my thoughts.

Alex must have noticed I was feeling uncomfortable. We tended to do that a lot. He quickly started to cough violently, and naturally, the cough became real, which caused lemonade to come out of his nose, after he seemed to be able to breathe easier his phone started to ring. I watched his face carefully and I noticed his eyebrows scrunch up like they did when he's worried. He hung up quickly.

"I believe that was my cue to head out." He smiled apologetically.

"I'll walk you out," I said, jumping out of my seat quickly. He smiled at me and went to wrap his arm around my shoulder, I could only hope he didn't notice when I dodged such simple contact. I nearly ran to the door and opened it for him, giving my best smile. Mom and dad stood up and began clearing the counter, I prayed that they were in bed by the time I came back in. I didn't want to talk about my wolf tonight.

Alex closed the door behind him and we walked in silence to the edge of our property by the woods that separated our packs. I always wondered why we never joined forces and became stronger. However, now that I shifted I was glad Alex couldn't hear my thoughts, I didn't want to ruin our friendship by falsely thinking of him as my mate.

Obviously, we weren't mates, if we were, he would have said something. I must be cursed to feel this way. I took a moment to gather my thoughts while standing there with him, I was hoping he would start talking first but before I knew it I was engulfed in a giant bear hug, if it were any other day I would have loved it but today it just felt like a dagger to my heart. I really was being punished.

"I love you, Lilly." He mumbled while his face was pressed against my hair. For a moment I felt hope, and I heard my wolf howl in pleasure. "I'm so proud of your first shift, and I know I didn't get to run with you today and I have a lot of things going on right now but I will come to visit again in a few weeks. Okay?" He said while holding my shoulders and looking deep into my eyes. I couldn't form a correct sentence, all I could do was stand there, my mind racing a million miles per hour. He leaned in and kissed my forehead, his lips lingered, and though he has done this a thousand times before, it felt like the very first time. I took in every second of it. Once he pulled away I felt tears beginning to pool in my eyes.

"Sounds like a plan alpha." was all I could say. He laughed and it was like music to my ears, if he wasn't gripping my shoulders, my knees would have given out by now, he released my shoulders and I took a step so I didn't have to crane my neck too far. I smiled at him, and he returned the gesture.

"I will be there for the celebration," I said while holding back traitorous tears. I let out a laugh to cover my sadness, "You behave yourself." I finished and he let out an award-winning smirk.

"Why, of course," He said, giving me another quick hug, "I expect you to do the same." Alex looked at me deep in my eyes and I could tell he meant it, getting to know your wolf can be tricky and dangerous, we have to come to an agreement.

"Next time we see each other we have to run!" I said feeling excited, he quickly returned it.

"Of course we do." He said, and right after, he shifted. I could help but stare in amazement, at this I felt my wolf whimper inside of me, wanting nothing more than to be one with him. With one last wink, he was gone. I saw the gentle sway of the branches he ran past, and then I was alone.

Suddenly feeling the cool summer air I wrapped my arms around myself and headed towards the house, trying to clear my thoughts. I shook my head and reached for the back door. Not hearing much noise, I quickly and quietly made my way to my room. I sat on my bed and took a deep breath, letting tears fall for the first time today.

'Lillian-Marie' I heard a voice call to me, I wiped away my tears even though I knew it was my wolf and she wouldn't be seeing my outward appearance. I sat up straighter.

"Yes," I thought, "what is your name?" I asked cautiously, with all my other feeling swarming around me I still wanted to get and know her, my wolf. Someone I was connected with and able to know.

'I am Accalia' came a strong voice from inside of me. I knew it would take time for us to fully trust each other, however, with current circumstances I felt so close to her already. '

Yes, I feel close as well' she just answered my thought, It would definitely take time getting used to that, no amount of lessons could prepare us for such an experience.

"What is happening to us?" I asked preparing myself for an explanation. '

I know as much as you do, he is our mate.' Accalia said confidently, but my heart fluttered.

"I don't think we are his mate," I thought softly, pulling my clothing off and pulling my duvet over my somehow shivering body,

'It must be a test, everything has a reason,' she said in such a comforting way. I felt tears beginning to form and went to wipe them away.

'it's ok to cry here' she whimpered and I felt her sadness as well, seeping through me like a bad cold.

'I am glad I have you' I smiled and rested my head on the pillow.

'Forever and always' she replied. With as much as I was confused about why I would be a one-sided mate, nothing was known to hurt greater, I was able to fall asleep with a smile on my face because I had Accalia and she was here to stay. I knew there must be greatness in store for me, there had to be.

For now, I will just pretend that everything is fine. Especially between me and Alexander, my heart ached at the thought of him. Since I am a one-sided mate, once he finds his true mate I will be released from this curse and I will have a chance of being mated to my true soulmate. Until then, we would endure. I drifted to sleep and dreamt of Alex and his perfect smile.