The Alpha's Hidden Mate

Episode:6

Episode Six: The Alpha’s Smile

Alexander’s POV

I watched in silence as she stood and brushed the leaves from her dress. My heart tightened when I heard her soft voice speaking to the forest animals, her tone gentle yet filled with exhaustion.

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” she said, smiling at them. “And don’t forget to bring me some food next time. I barely get any these days.”

Her words hit me harder than any blade ever could.

So my instincts had been right—she wasn’t being fed properly.

Anger surged through me, my claws digging into the earth beneath my paws. Who dared neglect my mate? The thought of her starving while others lived in comfort made a low growl rumble from deep within my chest.

But the fury faded just as quickly when I heard her soft laugh and saw her kneel to pat the foxes and birds like they were her family. And then—before I could even process it—she rushed to me.

Warmth touched my fur.

Her lips brushed the top of my head.

The world stopped. Electricity exploded under my skin, sharp and sweet, spreading through me like wildfire. My entire body tensed and then relaxed all at once. I had never felt anything like it—not from my parents’ affection, not from my pack’s respect. This was something deeper. A touch that carried peace, promise, and a connection I couldn’t explain.

By the time I blinked, she was gone—running through the trees, giggling softly as if the entire forest was chasing her laughter. My golden eyes followed her until she disappeared, and for the first time in my life… I smiled.

I actually smiled.

Still in my wolf form, I turned back toward the pack lands, my steps lighter than ever before. Near the border, I found a folded piece of clothing by a tree—Jonathan must have left it for me, knowing I’d shifted earlier. I shifted back into human form, the familiar ache and c***k of bones quick but bearable this time.

Pulling on the clothes, I caught my reflection in the stream nearby. My lips were still curved in a grin. I couldn’t help it. I started whistling.

Me. Whistling.

When I entered the pack house, all work seemed to pause. Warriors and servants alike froze mid-step, eyes wide with shock. Their Alpha—their cold, distant, untouchable Alpha—was smiling like a fool and whistling like a carefree boy.

James was the first to appear, his expression equal parts confused and suspicious. “Alexander… are you—happy?”

Jonathan followed right behind him, his usual calm replaced with an eager, gossiping grin. “What happened? Did the Moon Goddess finally drop a miracle on your head?”

I ignored them, the smile never leaving my face. I made my way straight to the kitchen, where the cooks were nearly trembling from surprise at my sudden appearance.

“Tomorrow,” I said firmly, though there was warmth in my tone, “prepare the best meal you’ve ever made. Make it beautiful. Pack it neatly in a fine, classic bowl.”

They blinked, exchanging confused glances, but nodded quickly.

As they scrambled to work, I caught sight of James and Jonathan watching me from the doorway, their jaws practically on the floor.

“Are we dreaming?” Jonathan muttered. “He’s ordering food? And—wait—he’s smiling?”

James crossed his arms, shaking his head. “No. Something’s wrong with him. Or someone happened to him.”

I chuckled softly and walked past them. “You two worry too much,” I said, though my tone betrayed my good mood. “And tell me… am I handsome?”

Both men blinked in disbelief.

“What?” James asked flatly.

I straightened my collar, still grinning. “You heard me. And when I shift next time, my wolf—he’s handsome too, right?”

Jonathan slapped his forehead. “Now he’s gone mad.”

“Call the servants,” I continued, ignoring them completely. “Tomorrow, I’ll need them to wash and brush my wolf’s fur. He should look perfect.”

That was when the commotion reached the Alpha’s residence. My parents and sister arrived moments later, worry etched into their faces.

“Alexander?” my mother asked, eyes wide. “Are you all right? You’re… smiling.”

“Brother, did something happen?” Belinda added eagerly.

I didn’t answer. I just smiled wider, walking past them toward my room.

For once, I didn’t feel the weight of the pack, the duty, or the loneliness pressing on my shoulders. I felt… light. Free.

Because after all these years of searching, I had finally found her.

My mate.