Marked By The Billionaire Alpha

chapter 12

Alvarez pov

"We've successfully ended the war that's been ravaging our pack and brought peace to the land." Klaus, one of the pack's council elders said with pride as he beamed a smile at me.

"I knew he would make a good Alpha." Waldo boasted while placing a hand on my shoulder. He sat beside me as my beta like he did my father and I was appreciative of the old wolf's council everyday and minute.

"I can't take the glory alone. Most of this would have been impossible if not for your council, Waldo, as well as wise council members in this meeting."

"True." Leonard who's known for disagreeing on almost every matter said with a nod of his head.

Waldo hissed and I just smiled. What matters most is that the dust has settled and we were safe once again.

"Now the pack is now peaceful, we have to begin plans for your mating ceremony with Anna. The Alpha shouldn't stay mateless for so long." Waldo said to my ears but also to the hearing of many, causing me to freeze on the spot.

Grunts of agreement filled the air and Waldo smiled at me in pleasure. "You're the only one that doesn't look pleased about what I just said." He said, observing my reaction. "If there's anything wrong that can be fixed or taken care of, we would do just that.

"No, no… it's just that…" I whispered, not knowing how to break the news to him. And I can't do that in the presence of everyone.

"I've been trying to tell you for weeks now."

His brows furrowed. "Don't tell me it's what I'm thinking." His smile from earlier was gone and replaced with a scowl. It was impossible to think that the same face was beaming with pride for me.

"Let's talk outside." I said and looked around at others who were watching us.

"Of course we need privacy." He gritted his teeth and marched off the council hall. I went after him, ignoring the questions being thrown at me.

"What do you have to tell me that's private when we are discussing your mating ceremony?" He lashed out the moment I joined him outside.

The cool morning breeze hit my skin, causing goosebumps to break out on my skin. I stared at Waldo in shock. His mood switch was unfathomable.

"Yes? I'm sure you didn't call me here to stare at me."

I blinked, "I'm sorry Waldo, but I don't think I can continue with the mating ceremony."

"Figured as much, but why?"

I shook my head, not knowing how to tell him I've found my mate.

"Have you found your fated mate?" He asked like he could see right through my thoughts.

I shook my head almost immediately. I can't. I can't tell him about Amanda. I still wasn't sure about her. She was human and every opportunity to prove her as a werewolf seemed impossible. If I reveal I've found my mate, then I'll have to bring her to the pack to prove her existence and that's like calling for trouble. They would sense she's a human immediately and burn her on a stake. That was how humans were killed years ago. I will never allow that to happen to her.

"My son, I understand how this is hard for you and if you're developing cold feet. It's normal especially when it's to a wolf that's not your fated wolf but you both will grow to love each other like real mates once the mating ceremony is done and you've marked each other."

I swallowed, not knowing what else to say. What he just said is exactly what I didn't want to happen. I can't mark Anna knowing my real mate lived outside this world. Whenever I get the chance for a vacation and leave the pack to see how things are going in my company, I may cheat on Anna. I can't trust myself around Amanda anymore. The more I'm away from her, the more my wolf is tormented and craves for her. No degree of bonding between us can supersede that of real mates. I was sure of that.

"You're not backing out of your decision?" Waldo said, drawing my attention back to him.

He was watching me carefully, reading my body language and facial reaction.

I shook my head. Words were stuck in my throat.

If I thought Waldo was scowling at me before, then he was burning in rage at me at the moment. I took a step back. He looked like he could shift at any second.

"Why are you staring at me like you want to devour me?" I tried to keep a steady voice, not wanting my fear to show.

I hate the person I could become at Blackstone pack. In the human world, I was a sour name on the lips of my rivals. I fought dirty, crushed empires that dared to challenge me or stood on my path. My fearlessness was partly due to my werewolf and warrior blood. But now, I was at my source of power and I felt smaller than ever.

Trying to topple over a wolf here to showcase power was calling for a duel. I have to deal with everyone with wisdom.

"Because you aren't making sense, Son. And what you're saying is making me mad." His temper reduced a bit as he took a deep breath.

"This shouldn't be too hard. I'm not ready to commit myself to a mate now. I'm yet to learn the ropes of being a pack Alpha and…"

"Alvarez." Waldo interrupted me in a sharp tone. "Getting a mate is part of this Alpha role you have to play. We've all known Anna would be your mate from day one, so you can't back away now. A mate on your arm will command more respect from other packs and help also when you want to form alliances."

I stared at him in disbelief. "What century are we in?"

"I don't care what you think, Alvarez but all I know is you'll get mated to my daughter." He said with fury in his eyes then walked away.