Your Alpha Mate

Chapter 5

How did I get myself in this mess? I sighed as I hugged Maia goodbye. After the Summit, we came back home. We had decided that the plan would be put to work right away, so I was to come home, pack my things, get my wolves ready, and head to Silver Dawn territory.

I had appointed Maia in charge until my return. It could be weeks or even months. I promised to make fortnightly visits to check on her and other pressing pack affairs that she couldn’t deal with on her own. But if anyone could stay in charge of my pack, it was Maia.

“I’ll be back in two weeks,” I said as I stepped back from her, “are you sure you’ll be okay with the forces we have?”

After some very tough decision-making, we separated 20 strong wolves, some of our finest amongst them, to come to Silver Dawn with me.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be okay. Our sentinels will be on the lookout all day, every day. I promise you there will always be someone at the post,” Maia smiled at me reassuringly.

“If anything happens, promise me you’ll send for me right away.” Our mind-link would be broken after I got more than 50 kilometres away.

“I promise, Cali,” She let out a small laugh grabbed my shoulders, “I think you’ve got bigger things to worry about,”

And I knew what she meant. Being in close proximity with Jayden was going to be hard. I had to keep myself in check. Even one slip-up could mean losing everything.

Logan walked up behind Maia, his long brown hair tied in a low loose bun. He was to stay here with Maia to help her juggle the Beta and Alpha duties.

“Don’t worry cuz, we’ll be just fine,” He wrapped his arm around Maia’s neck. He was the same age as me but towered over both of us by at least ahead.

The side of his mouth quirked mischievously.

“Please don’t burn the packhorse down,” I raked my hand across my hair.

“We’ll try not to,” Logan wiggled his brows at me before he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me.

❈

After four hours of sitting in a car, it was bliss standing up. Jayden wasn’t kidding when he said he had space to house this legion. His territory went far beyond sight. His pack was so big they didn’t all live in the packhouse, but rather spread out over the territory in small townhouses, which I presumed were shared by separate families. You could pretty much call this a city. But it was beautiful. The green of the trees and bush surrounding their living spaces was bright as if someone went through every day watering each little corner to keep it pristine.

Two black vans pulled up after my car, my wolves emerged. They looked ready to square up and my chest filled with pride.

We descended through a set of stairs that led away from the general living space, as per Jaydens instructions. At the bottom, there was what seemed to be a packhouse. A massive packhouse. A black brick exterior, three stories high. It seemed big enough to house at least 300 wolves.

Another structure peaked from behind it, I went around to have a better look at it. A training arena, it was in the open except for the high ceiling that protected it from the rain. How thoughtful.

“So what do you think?” His deep, husky voice sent a shiver down my spine.

I whirled to see him, standing a few feet behind me. His arms crossed lazily over his broad chest. He was breathtaking. His hair pushed back messily and his eyes brighter in the plain daylight. I had to stop staring at him.

“I think this will do fine,” I said casually, turning back to his ridiculously big facilities.

“I’m glad to hear that,” He walked to my side and stopped beside me.

The close proximity driving my wolf wild. I could feel her clawing to push out and unite with her mate- our mate.

“So is there a set living arrangement?” I asked trying to keep my voice from shaking.

“Actually, I thought we could let the wolves mingle amongst each other, this will pull down territorial boundaries. We should be a united front and I think that might be hard to come to if everyone holds on to their pack division,” He explained, his eyes tracing the side of my face, I refused to meet his gaze. He was so close I didn’t want to know what that would do to me.

What he said made sense, and displayed wisdom beyond his years. Wait, I didn’t even know how old he was. He still looked young, probably still under 25.

“Did you want me to give you a tour of this packhorse?” He gestured towards the three-story mansion.

I nodded and followed him in, thankful for the bit of distance I could put between us as he went ahead.

My pack was unloading their luggage and entering the house. They looked apprehensive, but they bowed their heads and smiled as we walked past.

Upon entering, there was a small lobby with a set of stairs that climbed all the way to the third floor, stopping at the second too. Black was clearly a recurring theme I realised as I noticed the black carpets and black furniture. The walls were a deep grey. Cozy.

“You said ‘this’ packhouse, as in, there’s more?” I asked as we started going up the stairs.

“Yes, this is not the main packhouse,” His tone was serious, more businesslike, “my family resides in the main packhouse, which is in the northern side of the property,”

“How about you?” I tried to sound casual about my question, but in truth, I really wanted to know his whereabouts.

He smiled at that, “I usually live there too.”

“But?”

“You’re a nosy little one.” He stopped at the second floor and looked straight at me. I couldn’t do anything but stare. Hi eyes held a playful glint and the corner of his side quirked. This playful side of him might be the death of me. He shook his head, still smiling.

“But, I will be staying in this packhouse, for now, to oversee the flow of everything,” He kept walking up the stairs and I followed.

“You don’t need to do that, you can remain in your packhouse if you wish” And no matter how much I tried to sound neutral, my tone betrayed me, panic laced my words. If he noticed, he didn’t show.

“Wouldn’t you like that?” He said sarcastically. Thankfully he didn’t bother to look back at me.

He thought this was a game.

“No, I mean it,” I stopped.

He turned to look at me, his head tilted. His eyes roamed over me and I could see the hunger in them.

He looked like he was about to say something but I looked towards the set of stairs at the end of the hall.

“Where does that lead?” I pointed to it.

He took what seemed to be a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing like he was coming out of a trance.

“Come, I’ll show you.”

I followed him up the stairs. They led straight to the rooftop. It was a lovely rooftop, with plants and a cabana-like structure. Under it a small pool, big enough for maybe 10 people, and a sitting area. It seemed a bit too luxurious.

“This area will be closed off, unfortunately. We’re not on a vacation.” He scratched the back of his neck.

“How sad, I would’ve liked to use that pool,” I said teasingly and instantly regretted it as the heat in his gaze returned.

The next thing I know he’s walked over to me, he towered over me. His blue eyes staring into mine so intensely it made my wolf struggle against me again. And I know some of her got through because recognition flickered in his eyes as they turned a brighter blue, wilder. Those were his wolf eyes. I took a step back but my knees wobbled.

His arms reached out to steady me but as he touched me goosebumps erupted all across my skin. I heard him suck in a breath at my reactions and his pupils dilated instantly. He pulled his hand back and I looked away from him trying to play off what just happened. But his fingers gently curled under my chin to drag my gaze back to him. Now it was my turn to suck in a breath.

I had to get away before this went any further. I took a step back and before he could protest, a house keeper walked through the door and announced that lunch was served.  Then he bowed his head and walked back down. Thank f**k.

“We better go,” I said, but it sounded more like a question.

“Yeah, you go ahead, I’m not very hungry,” He turned and walked towards the veranda. His hands wrapped around the railings, his arms muscles rippled with the motion.

Just as I was reaching the door to the stairs, he whispered so lowly I had to strain to hear it, but he must have known I’d be able to hear as he said, “Not for food anyways,” and a shiver traveled up my spine.