The White Wolf

A Second Chance

"Sometimes all you need is a second chance because time wasn't ready for the first one."

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KADE

I was engrossed in a meeting taking place in my office, when my Beta mind-linked me about two female rogues spotted in our territory. I instructed him to let them go if they posed no harm. Despite the reputation I had among my pack, I believed in being merciful when warranted.

“They seem injured, and one appears to be a Beta. I’m unsure of their intentions. Alpha, what should we do with them?” my Beta asked, seeking instructions.

“Take them to see the pack doctor and treat their wounds. We’ll discuss the matter further,” I replied, opting for caution. It was better to err on the side of safety. With my beta’s agreement, I severed the mind link and returned to the ongoing meeting with Roy, an Alpha from a neighboring pack, here to discuss a treaty.

Once the meeting concluded, I dismissed everyone, yearning for a moment alone before meeting the rogues. I wondered about their true intentions and hoped they posed no threat to my pack. Only then could we discuss any potential arrangements.

“Mate,” my wolf growled suddenly, catching my attention. I perked up, hope blossoming within me. “Could this be a second chance for us, mate?” I inquired, seeking Dexter’s opinion. His response echoed with optimism. My gaze landed on a pair of captivating chocolate brown eyes. Another girl stood beside her, appearing to be about four years old. The older girl shook her head and muttered something under her breath, retreating cautiously. Fear clouded her beautiful eyes. My wolf growled, displeased that our mate seemed to be distancing herself from us.

“I’m sorry, I can’t have another mate,” she murmured, shocking me. My wolf howled in anguish. “I won’t face rejection again,” she declared, and before I could comprehend her words fully, she fled. My wolf seethed with fury. How could she mention rejection? I was utterly bewildered. One thing was clear—I couldn’t allow my mate to slip away from my grasp. Not again.

“Keep an eye on everything while I go after my mate,” I instructed my beta, urgency in my voice. I rushed out of the mansion and shifted into my wolf form. Sniffing the air, I followed her scent trail until I discovered her by a serene river, also in her wolf form. Her fur, a pure white shade, was exceptionally rare and captivating. Most wolves had coats of brown, gray, or black, making her all the more special in my eyes. Swiftly, I retrieved my discarded clothes from behind a tree and dressed before cautiously approaching her.

“I won’t harm you,” I whispered, ensuring my voice reached her wolf’s sensitive ears without alarming her. Upon hearing my voice, my mate shifted her gaze toward me, her eyes brimming with fear. My heart ached witnessing her trepidation. I attempted to reassure her once more, my voice gentle.

“I mean you no harm, love. I only wish to talk. Could you please shift?” Uncertainly, she transformed into her human form. Progress, at last. I didn’t want to avert my gaze, fearing it might drive her away again, but I also didn’t want to overwhelm her. I turned my head, extending my hand toward her with a set of clothes.

“Here, wear this,” I offered. As she reached for the shirt, our fingers brushed, causing a surge of sparks to ignite and ripple through my body. A shiver traced down my spine. “You can look now,” she whispered. I needed to know her name. I couldn’t keep referring to her as “mate” or “her.” Mental note: ask her later. Slowly, I turned to face her, momentarily captivated by her beauty. I quickly snapped out of it, refocusing on the matter at hand.

“Why did you run away from me, mate?” I asked, concern lacing my voice. My wolf and I detested the idea of her running away. She averted her gaze, remaining silent. I pressed for an answer, not wanting to resort to using my alpha voice.

“You must answer me. I’d rather not employ my alpha voice,” I urged, hoping she would open up. She glanced up, shuffling uncomfortably before responding.

“I couldn’t comprehend having another mate. I couldn’t bear the thought of facing rejection again, so I ran,” she admitted. I stared at her in disbelief, shocked that she could entertain such notions. Did she not trust me? Or perhaps she didn’t desire me as her mate.

“I would never reject you, I promise, as long as you want me,” I assured her, sincerity lacing my words. She looked up at me, her eyes reflecting hope.

“Really?” she questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty. I nodded, assuring her.

“Yes,” I replied. Doubt flickered in her eyes, unsure whether to believe me or not. Letting out a sigh, I resolved to earn her trust.

“I promise I won’t reject you. You have my word.” Extending my hand to her, she accepted it, intertwining her fingers with mine. Joy swelled within me; only a wide smile adorned my face.

“You look like a fool,” my wolf gruffed, a tinged of humour played on the tip of his tongue.

“Shut up,” I retorted, pushing him at the back of my mind. Annoying mutt, I mumbled.

Together, we returned to the mansion, where we found Matt and Lily waiting. As Lily caught sight of us, she let out a cry and rushed to embrace my mate. “Rose! I was scared. I thought you were leaving me. Why did you leave?” Lily sobbed. Rose knelt down to Lily’s level and gently caressed her cheeks.

“I got scared, that’s all. But I’m here now, and I promise I’ll never leave. I promise,” Rose assured her, a radiant smile gracing her face. Lily beamed up at Rose, nodding and returning to her seat. Curious, my mate turned to me, concern etched on her features.

“What’s next?” she inquired. I replied with certainty, a sense of possessiveness coloring my words.

“You will join the pack. There’s no way I’m letting you leave me now.” She chewed on her lip, contemplating something. Worriedly, she asked, “Where will we sleep?” My mate appeared nervous, caring for Lily’s well-being.

“You can sleep with me, or if you prefer, we can arrange a guest room for you until you’re ready,” I suggested. She nodded, expressing approval.

“Um, I’ll stay with you,” she replied, her uncertainty evident. Concern for Lily’s comfort followed as she asked, “What about Lily?” I smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness and care.

“Well, she can sleep with us until she feels comfortable sleeping on her own,” I offered, pleased by her acceptance.

I escorted her to our room, relishing the thought that it was ours. I left her in privacy so she could change into something more comfortable. As much as I enjoyed seeing her in my clothes, I didn’t want any other unmated wolf laying their eyes on what belonged to me.

“Are you decent, love?” I asked, seeking permission to enter. Her soft reply came through the door, filling me with anticipation. Entering the room, her alluring scent enveloped me. There stood my mate at the foot of the bed, radiating innocence and shyness. Her hair was elegantly tied up in a messy bun. Wearing a loose top and shorts, she revealed her long, toned legs. I couldn’t resist staring, captivated by her beauty even in nightwear. Shaking myself out of the reverie, I refocused on the matter at hand.

“Why did you leave?” I playfully teased, wanting to know her thoughts. She blushed, her cheeks tinted a rosy hue, and I found her utterly adorable.

The rest of the day was spent getting to know each other better. I finally found out her name—Rose, a fitting name that matched her beauty and delicate nature. I told her so, eliciting another blush that brought a laugh to my lips. She was undeniably adorable.

My mate, a second chance. Who would have thought.