The Alpha's Hidden Mate

Episode:7

Episode Seven: Lunch with My Mate

Alexander’s POV

The pile of documents on my desk was endless, and I tried—really tried—to focus. Reports from the southern border, trading agreements, and security updates from nearby packs all waited for my signature. Jonathan, my Beta, stood at my right, reading through a long report about the patrol routes, while James, my Gamma, talked about the new warriors joining next week.

But none of it seemed to reach me.

My eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. Again. And again.

Each minute felt slower than the last. I knew it was ridiculous—an Alpha shouldn’t be impatient over time—but every tick of the clock brought me closer to noon. Closer to her.

“Alexander,” Jonathan said, breaking my thoughts, “should we send more supplies to the west border? They said—”

“Hmm,” I muttered absently, signing the paper without really reading it.

James leaned back against the desk, eyeing me suspiciously. “You keep looking at the time. Do you have somewhere to go, Alpha?”

I shook my head quickly, forcing a neutral expression. “No.”

But I saw Jonathan’s grin in the corner of my eye. “Then why are you smiling like that?”

I froze. Smiling? I hadn’t realized my lips had curved slightly. I tried to cover it up by coughing lightly, pretending to read another report. But as the clock struck twelve, a rush of excitement shot through me.

Before James could finish his next sentence, I stood abruptly. “Meeting adjourned.”

“Wait—Alpha, we’re not done—”

I didn’t let him finish. I was already halfway out the door.

I dashed down the hallway and into my chambers, grabbing the neatly folded clothes prepared for me earlier. Within minutes, I was outside again, shifting into my wolf form. The servants had done a magnificent job. My fur shone brighter than ever, smooth and sleek, catching the sunlight like silk.

At the base of the stairs, Jonathan and James appeared, watching me with disbelief.

“Should we… escort you?” Jonathan asked innocently, though his grin betrayed his teasing.

I gave them both a sharp look. No.

Without a word, I padded toward the kitchen. The cooks stood frozen as I carefully took the beautifully wrapped bowl of food between my jaws. Their wide eyes followed me as I nodded once—grateful—and turned to leave.

Through the pack link, I commanded my Beta and Gamma: Protect the pack while I’m gone.

They both responded, trying to hide their amusement. Of course, Alpha.

The moment I stepped out, the wind rushed against my fur. The forest welcomed me back. I ran, faster and lighter than I ever had before, my paws barely touching the ground. Leaves scattered behind me as I leapt from root to root, my heart racing—not from duty, but from anticipation.

By the time I reached the clearing, I could already hear the sounds of the forest shifting—the birds chirping softly, the foxes rustling near the bushes, the gentle rhythm of the waterfall nearby. The animals were already gathered, and to my pride, many carried fruits and berries, placing them neatly where she usually sat.

Good, I thought proudly. They remembered.

I padded forward, head held high, and settled beside the spot where she had slept yesterday. My golden eyes softened as I waited, tail flicking slightly in excitement.

And then I heard it—the soft rustle of grass, the familiar scent that made my chest tighten. Cinnamon, strawberry, and lemon.

She was here.

Lily appeared, her long straight dress swaying around her legs as she stepped into the clearing. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a gentle glow over her soft features. She smiled, greeting each animal one by one, her voice tender and full of warmth.

“You all brought so much food!” she laughed, kneeling beside them. “You didn’t have to. I was only joking yesterday.”

The animals chirped and squeaked in response, and she laughed again—a sound that melted every bit of restraint I had left.

Then, as she turned, she noticed me.

“Oh! You’re here again,” she said softly, smiling that gentle, radiant smile that made my heart twist. Her gaze fell to the bowl I carried. “Wait… is that food?”

I nodded, placing it gently before her.

Her eyes widened in shock. “You… you brought this for me?”

I lowered my head slightly, watching her reaction. She gasped, touched beyond words, before gently reaching out and touching my fur. The warmth of her hand seeped into me.

“This is so sweet,” she whispered. “But where did you get it? Did your owner give it to you?”

If I could have laughed, I would have. Owner?

She smiled again, completely serious. “Oh, then I must thank your owner! Or… wait…” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “You didn’t steal this, did you?”

If I’d been human, I would’ve burst into laughter right there. Me? The Alpha King? Stealing?

But she wasn’t finished. “If you did, that’s not good, you know! Stealing is bad. Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to your home so we can return it and apologize properly.”

Her voice was firm, and yet so innocent that my wolf practically howled in amusement inside my head.

Our mate thinks we’re a thief, Alex said between laughs.

Let her, I replied, smiling inwardly. If she wants to come to my home, I’ll gladly bring her.

As she sat and began eating, thanking both the animals and, unknowingly, me, I lay quietly beside her, heart full and content.

For the first time in centuries of pack history, an Alpha King smiled like a fool over a simple meal in the forest.

And I didn’t care who saw it.