His Second Mate

Chapter 7

Lillian-Marie's POV

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Tension hung in the air between us.

My eyes darted to his phone that sat on the counter.

'Ethan'

Ethan was his beta; they grew up together, and he was a runner-up in the best friend slot. I smiled and made eye contact with Alex. Through silent words, he made his way outside, and I turned to start coffee. I let out a deep breath and caught myself smiling. Maybe, just maybe, I could let down my walls just the tiniest bit. I couldn't get too caught up in my head. Whatever the moon goddess was doing with our mate bond shouldn't be my concern. And if my relationship with Alex is that strong to where only I am bonded, then once he finds his mate, I should be able to find my true mate. Until then, maybe I could let loose a little bit. He is my Alex; nothing we ever did would change our relationship at its core.

'Yes, I can behave myself, to just be close to him.' Lia spoke full of desire.

I caught my lip between my teeth and tried to think of all the reasons this should be a bad idea.

Could I actually control myself? Could Accalia? One slip up, and I could change our chemistry forever. I couldn't live with myself if I lost him forever.

I poured my cup and sat down with my thoughts. My mind was racing with Lia chiming in quite frequently, 'We won't lose him, Lilly, you must see the way he looks at you.' I inwardly cursed. Of course, I saw that we have always been slightly flirtatious with each other, but it was mostly teasing.

It can't be real from his side; lines were never crossed, and he always kept it respectful. I was the one who wanted to jump his bones. I sighed and took another sip. I looked up when I heard Alex come back in.

"Is everything ok?" Our eyes met, and I saw the conflict in them.

"Nothing you should worry your precious head about," he smiled, "Just Ethan telling me about a rogue they had to take care of last night."

I could tell there was more he wasn't telling me, but I wasn't about to pry. When or if he wanted to share, I knew he would.

"I can pour you coffee if you'd like.", I offered while standing up.

"Actually, I have to head out right now, Ethan and the elders are on the way," he must have seen my face fall, because a lighthearted smile came over his face. "But don't you worry, I'll come back tonight."

He pulled me into a soul-crushing hug, and his scent helped calm the jitters that were going around.

"I would just crash here, but I don't want to cramp your space." He spoke softly while gently rocking back and forth.

"I wouldn't mind at all." His shirt muffled my words, but he let out a small laugh.

"They already have a room set up for me at the pack house." He pulled back while smiling, "I'll be around for a few weeks to help with training, so we should see each other often, plus I'll probably spend some evenings here with you.

I smiled up at him, but I could feel the bile rising in my throat. "Well, I guess I'll see you tonight." I tried to sound casual.

"Maybe even sooner", he chuckled while heading toward the door.

My heart rate increased; I really needed to get myself together. I trailed behind him a bit, not wanting to be so close as for him to feel my heart, though I knew he could hear it.

He opened the door and, in one motion, was pulling me into a hug and kissing the top of my head. I couldn't help the smile that came across my face, my emotions betraying me.

I could hear Lia's thoughts coming forward, and I had to use whatever brain power I had left in that moment to suppress her; she would not make things easier.

"I'll see you later," I squeaked out. He stepped out, and our eyes met for a final time this morning. The early sunrise darkened his eyes, and his lazy, content smile was dazzling. Then he was gone, and my heart started to sink.

'It's rude to shut me out, Lilly, especially when it concerns our mate.' Lia nearly seethed.

A tear dropped as I rolled my eyes and went to grab my coffee. I harshly brushed my tears away. I felt so pathetic crying over him like this.

I can't deal sometimes, with both our emotions heightened. I thought gently while I sat back down.

'I know,' she whispered, while retreating to gather her own thoughts. I had the day off and figured I'd do laundry today and relax.

But after a few minutes with my thoughts, I concluded that I couldn't just sit around all day, as much as I didn't want to run into Alex, sitting with my thoughts does not help; it's always easier when I'm busy.

I called Sean, the head of the northern training camp, we separate our higher ranks and pups to opposite sides. Normally, I worked with the pups, since I wasn't much older or that high in rank, in comparison to most warriors.

The ones who actually see the action and have fought in wars. I remember when my father actually allowed me on border control.

Sean answered after a few rings, "What's up, Lilly? Always a pleasure hearing your voice." His deep voice was warm and steady.

"I wanted to know if today was good for me to come by and maybe do some sparring?" I questioned, hoping he agreed. I should be safer from Alex's presence far north of the property.

There was a brief pause before answering, and I heard him call out some instructions. "Sure, kiddo, I don't at all," He said with a chuckle, "Hurry though so you don't miss all the warm up, you know how it is."

I let out a smile, "Sure thing, I'll be over in 10 minutes or so."

"Good." And with that, he was hanging up, but not before I heard him bark out more commands. He might have still seen me as a little girl, but he sure didn't treat me like one on that field.

This will be exactly what I need: some training, letting off steam, and hopefully so busy sparring that Alex barely enters my mind today.

Putting on my tennis shoes and grabbing my small bag, I took off with a steady jog to the place that might make this whole ordeal more bearable.