10,000 miles

17 : Alpha’s order

Lily

When we passed through his village to the main pack house where they did all the business, everyone stared at me again.

From their windows, in their open doors, in my peripheral vision, I saw heads turn as people pointed and whispered. Some of them smiled slyly. The ones with grins and wide eyes were mostly children, curious about who is the girl besides their Alpha but when they made contact with him, everyone bowed to him respectfully.

Even some old folks would nod in my direction as I passed them.

As we walked through the main road, there weren't much for me to do except staring at their houses from afar or walking behind Alpha Noah. We went straight up the steps that led to the building's entrance and entered without saying a word.

Inside it was big enough to fit two full sized houses.

The first thing I noticed were few people inside who were talking softly amongst themselves, laughing. A few of them looked over to our direction and stopped everything they did at that moment.

It felt like an entire army had come just to stare at me.

Noah stopped by the door and motioned me to walk further into the room when the men in the room stood up and bowed to him like those people outside.

“Alpha,” everyone greeted him.

I stood next to him, my hands resting on my skirt, trying not to fidget too much because he was looking down at me, probably noticing me fiddling with my fingers. He smiled at me as he brushed my hair behind my ear.

"You okay there, little one?"

I nodded, even though I knew he couldn't see me. Then I cleared my throat and looked down at the floor, trying hard to avoid his gaze. There were other men around us, some sitting on chairs while others were standing.

I saw a pair of boots enter my vision and felt someone wrapping their arm around me when I noticed we have a personal company.

“Alpha, finally you’re here,” I heard a familiar voice and looked up to see the same man who visited us yesterday when Noah almost choked him to death when he made a joke. It was his Beta, Mason I think.

He winked at me when he caught me staring and I ducked my head down before I can embarrass myself further.

“Don’t ruin my mood already in the morning,” Alpha growled at him when his hold tightened on me.

Mason just chuckled and stepped away from us,” I’m just making sure I didn’t leave a bad impression on your mate. We are best friends with Noah so don’t worry about his temper when it comes to you, I know him too well,” smiling at me sincerely, I relaxed against Noah and felt him nuzzle the top of my head.

“Thanks.”

He patted my shoulder gently.

“Now introduce us! Introduce the lady! Show her around the place so we can get to work.”

I raised my head and blinked. Everyone was watching us. The room was so quiet, it was uncomfortable. I could hear my heart beating loudly in my chest. Noah must've noticed it too because he put his hand on my back as reassurance. I wanted to ask if anyone knew where was the camera, if this was some kind of prank.

“Noah?” I couldn’t help but whisper.

“Hm?” He hums.

My heart was still beating way too fast. “Can you tell them something? Why are they staring at me like that?”

He kissed the side of my head. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” he said softly.

When I glanced up at him, he had a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“This is your Luna,” he announced loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

A few gasped, whispering among themselves, others shook his shoulder and pointed at me. Even a young boy wearing headphones came running in our direction, stopping just feet away from us.

“Is she real, Alpha?”

Noah sighed,” Yes, she is.”

One minute I was feeling awkward, the next I felt like a piece of meat being torn apart by a knife. It was so sudden and unexpected that I couldn’t do anything but stand there frozen.

I wanted to run away and hide somewhere else. I wanted to go home and curl up in bed and watch TV.

“Her name is Lily and I’ve found my mate so please show her respect and give her space,” he warned in a serious tone. It didn’t sound like a threat at all, more like a demand.

Everyone immediately bowed again, apologizing profusely until most of them left the room, closing the door behind them. When we were the only ones left in the main room, Mason coughed awkwardly.

“Well that went quite well, didn’t it? Now come along to the office, we need to talk.” Mason joked, giving me a pat on the head before moving towards the office, leaving Noah and me alone.

Alpha sighed deeply and pulled me towards him with his arm around my shoulder when he put his face in my hair to inhale my scent as he softly growled.

“Do not mind them, they don’t mean any harm.”

“But why were they staring at me like that? Why did you told them that I’m your mate?” I felt anger rising up,” I thought you will keep it a secret while we are getting to know each other.”

Surpressing his anger at bay, Noah leans back from me and lifts my chin up so I can meet his eyes. The golden irises were swirling with black color when he continued to stare at me. It made me uncomfortable for some reason.

“Listen here, Lilly. You’re my mate, my other half and I want everyone to know that. There are enemies of mine who would want to hurt you because of me but my pack needs to know you so they can protect you. If that’s a problem, I dare you to leave. Then we will count the hours when you come back to me,” he seethes, daring me to get in trouble if I talk back.

His body vibrates in rage, his claws digging into my hip at the thought of leaving him when there’s is danger outside his borders.

I’ll never be able to live without him anymore and I can see it in his eyes.

His expression changed after a few seconds, turning softer. “Please listen to me. I know I have no right to tell you what to do but let’s take these steps together and we'a do our best."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing my mouth shut and taking a deep breath, “Okay, I will try. But only for you."

Noah smiles softly, placing his forehead against mine, brushing my cheek with the back of his hand.

“Good, now follow me,” he says after letting me go.

We headed towards a small office in the back corner of the building. My eyes grew wider than usual when I realized I didn't recognize any of the rooms or walls. As we moved past them, some of the people were staring openly, especially the old men, who kept glancing at me.

“What are they doing?” I asked quietly.

“They're checking you out,” he answered.

“Why?”

“Because you're my mate.”

I frowned. “That doesn't make sense. Shouldn’t they do the opposite? It’s kind of rude towards you as you’re their Alpha.”

He chuckled. "Let's not bother them about these things. They're just curious to know how you look like and if you seem strong."

I gave up asking about what they were looking for and followed him, keeping a close eye on all the surroundings. I was worried that if anyone tried to touch me, I'd react badly.

There weren't many places where I didn't feel like a part of the scenery so I was really grateful that we walked through all the rooms until we reached a door at the end of the corridor. He opened it up and took me inside where Mason was waiting.

"Hi," he grinned, leaning against the desk, arms crossed over his chest. I noticed the faint smell of smoke coming from him, indicating that he had been smoking.

"So? How's our Luna?" He asked.

Noah rolled his eyes. "She's fine, thank you very much, Mason, for the concern."

Mason laughed. "Oh, come on, Alpha, you know I'm just teasing you. She looks great, doesn't she?"

Noah nodded. "Yeah, she does."

"And you're going to marry her?”

"Yes, I am."

His words shocked me when I looked at Noah. Was he actually planning on marrying me? Did I hear him right? He said yes. Did he expect for me to agree when there’s is still so much things he needs to know?

“Wait, you aren’t joking?” I blurted in surprise.

Noah snorted amused. “No, I’m serious.”

Mason grinned widely. "Congratulations! What date did you choose? This month? We need to prepare mating ceremony first before…” he stopped when he suddenly looked at me dead serious.

“What?” I shifted uncomfortably.

His nose twitched when he stepped closer to us to sniff the air like a dog. What the hell?

“I just realized something,” Beta can’t even form words when he turns to Noah and back to me,” You’re human.”

“Yes. What of it? Is it a problem?” I glared at the man.

“No! No, of course not! I was just... surprised, that's all.”

I huffed annoyed. “Well, don't freak out, it's normal in the human world.”

Noah steps in front of me blocking me from Mason who still gapes like a fish, not believing his eyes that his Alpha has found a mate. A human one.

“Close your mouth before you catch something,” he growls at his second in command.

"Of course, Alpha. Sorry, it’s just she even smells pure like-,” Noah grabs his shirt and yanks him closer nose to nose, not even giving him a chance to finish his sentence when I see Alpha’s back tensing from anger.

“Finish that sentence, I dare you,” Noah sounds so cold, even me standing behind him, I felt the shivers in my bones.

Mason quickly swallows, clearing his throat and mumbles,“She smells like the sea.”

I can't help laughing. “The sea? What sea?” I ask, still unable to stop myself from laughing.

Noah rolls his eyes and lets go of his beta.

“Shut the f**k up. Don’t mention my mates scent ever again and we are good, are we clear?”

"Crystal, Alpha. I apologize. Please forgive me."

Noah nods at him and turns around to look at me but I’m trying hard to hold in my laughter while shaking slightly from suppressed giggles. His golden irises were glittering mischievously when he saw me smiling.

Rising his eyebrow, he stares at me in challenge,” What’s so funny, princess?”

My shoulders shook uncontrollably as I tried to hold it in.

"Nothing, nothing," I managed to say between laughs,” It is just a bit funny that we are arguing about my scent. You both remind me a bunch of gold retrievers who fight over their favorite toy who smells good enough to chew,” I snickered. “You guys are too cute.”

"Watch it, sweetheart, never compare us with the dogs," he snapped.

"Sorry, same thing. They always fight over their territory," I smiled.

"Not always," he smirked.

“It is true though,” I admitted, “You both do look cute though. Are you going to start behaving yourself or should I change my mind and leave you here alone instead so you can make up?”

“How dare you,” he growled as soon as he heard me mocking him, “Just try it, princess, and see whether I am as cute as a damn puppy, little mate.”

I smirked at his reply, knowing exactly what he meant by 'cute'. I watched as his jaw clenched at the thought of me calling him cute. That was definitely more than amusing to watch.

“Fine, I’ll leave then,” I replied mockingly.

He narrowed his beautiful golden eyes in an attempt to intimidate me,“Don’t test me, princess.”

“I won’t.”

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have lost my temper. I’m just frustrated because I can’t seem to feel normal these days since I found your existence. You drive me insane,” he mumbled, glaring at me.

I rolled my eyes.

This time it was Mason who approached us, stopping right beside Noah. “I think we should discuss about the rogues who went after you before you lovebirds can move to the bedroom. We need to plan our next move,” he said as he glanced between us.

Noah’s face hardened when Mason mentioned the men who almost killed us.

“Fine. Give me a report from this morning. Did you see anyone approaching this area? Did our guards saw anything suspicious?” Noah demanded.

Mason shakes his head,” No patrols reported any sightings. Besides you from yesterday, there has no been any unknown life forms against the borders who would be stupid enough to cross our pack territory. I heard there has been a deadly chase involving you and your mate, what happened?” he looks at me also, showing concern on his face.

“Yeah. I don’t remember much except that we were attacked by a bunch of those creatures near the place I eat when I go for lunch at work. The last thing I remember is being surrounded by wolves; then it's all blank,” I sighed.

“Next attack was at her apartment,” Alpha added after me.” They used bullets to take us out but we escaped. They know that Lily is my mate,” he was livid.

“s**t,” Mason cursed softly before saying,” So what now? Will you keep her here until we’ve figured out what to do with the situation?”

“That’s the plan for now but I know who is behind all of this. I just need you to prepare everything for a small trip to the enemy’s pack in the morning,” he says and the news shocks Mason.

“What? Why would you want to do that? What will happen to Lily?” he exclaimed.

“We have to keep her away from them!”

Alpha gave him a hard glance. “Do not interfere in this, Beta,” he warned him,” I need to make sure you will protect her with your life if anything happens to me, all right?”

They continued to argue like I wasn’t even in the room when those words came out of his mouth like it meant nothing but knowing something can happen to the man I just got to know in romantic level, didn’t set well with me. It made my heart painfully throb in my chest.

I was thrown into the world where werewolves exist and then I got to know that I’m someone’s mate. How can I let him leave me like that?

Knowing the dangers surrounding him, how can I allow him to go to fight those monsters alone?

As if sensing my thoughts, he slowly turned around to face me. “Sweetheart?” he asked confused seeing my expression.

I stared into his mesmerizing dark golden eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m coming with you,” I stated firmly.

“What?” he frowned.

“I’m coming with you. I’m not letting you go alone.”

“But why?”

“Because I’m your mate,” I answered simply.

His lips parted and shock flashed in his eyes for a moment. I couldn’t tell if it was due to surprise at my statement or something else. He was silent for a minute, studying my features to search for signs that this statement is fake. I kept my gaze on him without blinking once. After five minutes passed, he let out a long sigh and closed his eyes in frustration. "Okay. Fine," he gritted out.

"Wait," Mason started,"What? You’re okay with this?"

Noah ignored him,"I need to talk to Lily for a second. Please leave us.”

My stomach dropped as soon Mason left the room leaving only the two of us. I had never seen Noah so mad and it terrified me.

"Lily," he said quietly as he cupped my cheeks to force me to meet his heated gaze,” Look at me,” he ordered.

I looked at him cautiously, afraid he might disappear if I look away.

I can see how tense he was. He keeps his eyes locked with mine as he spoke again,"I want you to promise me one thing.”

I nodded at his words,”You cannot go anywhere without informing one of my warriors, understand?"

"But you just said-" I started.

He interrupted me," No buts, sweetheart. This is important. If anything should happen to you and I’m gone, I'm going crazy with worry and fear and I can’t cope with that. So I need you to stay away from everyone and especially from danger, understood?"

“You told Mason that I will go with you! Why did you lie?” I was mad at him.

“To give you some hope?” Noah smirks but seeing my serious expression, his smile fades away.

“I will not take no as an answer so don’t fight me on this. You have no idea what we are up against,” Now he is mad at me. I can see it in his eyes.” I’m not losing you when I just found you.”

“But you will not lose me if we fight together!” I snap back even though his words warmed me, knowing that he is worried about me.

Noah laughs incredulously as he steps back from me, his bigger and taller frame looking even larger than before,” Are you f*****g kidding me, princess? You’re a human and pretty docile at that, you have no strength to fight a werewolf. They will tear you apart if they capture you! At first they will use you and then, even worse, kill you. Do you really want that?”

I flinched at his harsh words, knowing very well that what he’s saying is true. However, he still doesn't understand that I am his mate, that means I can fight as well as the others if needed. Plus, even if he thinks I will die fighting against wolves, he knows I don’t have anything else to lose.

“Like I said, I will go with you.”

Alpha stared at me like I was crazy. Maybe I am but I didn’t want to seem weak and scared all the time. I was done running when there was danger lurking around.

Noah shook his head,"No Lily. You are staying right here with Mason when I leave tomorrow morning. It can end with a bloodbath and now way you will be there when that happens.”

I raised my hand to slap him but he catches it before I could.

"No. That’s final,” he snapped angrily.

His grip tightened around my wrist as he pulled me close. His voice was raspy when he spoke, making my heart skip a beat. I felt so much pressure when he spoke those few words. It felt as if he is trying to control himself but it is impossible when he’s angry.

His eyes were so dark, it was a struggle for me to see him. But I can clearly tell that anger has been festering inside him the whole night because he hasn’t shut off his emotions since I woke up.

He stares down at me with determination,” We are not having this conversation again.” Then he abruptly released my wrists.

My whole body trembled because I can feel his power seeping through his skin, it felt like a powerful electric current traveling through his body, spreading throughout his entire body. My heart was beating rapidly, my breath was caught in my throat while I tried to swallow every drop of saliva. My hands trembled, feeling the tingling sensation run up and down my spine as I stood rooted to the spot.

"Now you listen here, Lily." His husky voice boomed loudly, shaking me. A strong surge of electricity flowed through me as his hot palm covered mine. I could smell his scent invading my nostrils. It smelled like honey and cloves which was unusual for a human male to have.

This is getting ridiculous...he’s my mate and yet I can’t stop myself from wanting to touch him.

Then he kissed me and I swear my mind stopped working and I could barely breathe, the sparks of pleasure running through my body was overwhelming. It was a gentle, gentle kiss, filled with passion and desire. The sparks were stronger than before, making me feel dizzy and giddy from all the sensations coursing through my body. He moved his tongue lightly brushing over my bottom lip asking me for entrance.

A gasp escaped my lips as I leaned closer, letting him take full advantage of the situation. My lips opened under his, granting him access.

Noah pushed his tongue inside my mouth, exploring my insides thoroughly, teasing me. His lips moved softly on mine, tasting every corner of my mouth as his body pressed against mine.

The sound of a loud bang brought us both back to reality. The moment our lips broke contact, I immediately pulled away, staring at him wide eyed, breathing heavily with my lips parted slightly. He was gazing at me with such desire that it almost made me forget why he was furious with me in the first place.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go?” I asked as my heart ached.

Noah licked his lips, inhaling deeply as he nodded at me. “Yes.”

"Promise me you won't get hurt," I pleaded, holding onto his arms.

Noah gazed at me intensely,"I promised already. Now come here." As I came closer to him, he placed another soft kiss on my forehead. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright. I'll protect you." Then he gently wrapped his arm around my waist pulling me tightly against his body.

My eyes glazed over when he buried his head inside my neck, taking me into his embrace again, his warm breath caressing my skin sending chills down my spine.

“Noah” I mumbled against his ear as I put my hands on his chest. “I thought we agreed that it would be better to keep distance between us while we are getting to know each other.”

His voice was soft as he murmured something unintelligible.

"What?", I whispered.

“Mine,” he replied as he held me tighter against him.

We stayed there for a while, cuddling in silence, until I heard a noise coming from outside the door, which was Mason's voice calling for Noah and me to come outside.

Noah sighed tiredly before he pulled away from me reluctantly.

"We're gonna talk later." He said before pressing a last quick kiss on my temple.