Tale of a Bleeding Wolf

Chapter 3

Jeremiah POV:

Having led my pack as Alpha for two years, my second-in-command, Kelvin, and his partner Ariana, have been urging me to embrace modern technology. Despite our collective inexperience with computers, they believe it could streamline our pack's operations and our growing business ventures. I remain skeptical, finding comfort in the traditional pen-and-paper method we've always relied on. Nonetheless, I conceded to explore the digital realm, if only to demonstrate its superfluousness to our ways.

Thus, I found myself adrift in the local library, seeking a beginner's guide to computers. It was there that I encountered her—a scent so potent it sent my inner wolf into a tailspin. Mate. The realization hit me hard; she was human. My prejudices against humans as frail and reliant surfaced, yet I knew some had been transformed by their werewolf partners, often as a desperate measure to save their lives.

When our paths crossed, and I steadied her from a stumble, the electric connection was undeniable. She was indeed my destined mate, and unmistakably human. Her golden-brown hair cascaded in a ponytail, framing her face, while her glasses accentuated the sparkle in her green eyes. She apologized, a shiver in her voice, and though she was not of my kind, the bond between mates was palpable. Overwhelmed with joy and uncertainty, I stood there, my wolf exulting within me at the discovery of our mate.

Her light gold-brown hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, small strands dangling around her perfect face, and her black glasses seemed to make her green eyes glimmer. "I'm sorry," she muttered. I didn't miss the involuntary shiver as I told her it wasn't a problem. That said, even though she wasn't a werewolf, she felt the mate pull to some extent. I wasn't sure how to handle this. My wolf was howling joyfully, happy to finally find her, and I was

pleased too. I just wasn't sure this would work. Unfortunately, being an Alpha's mate put a target on her back. Anyone who wanted to get to me would only have to reach her. I couldn't do that to her or my pack.

I could tell she was shocked when I admitted to never using a computer, but not as shocked as I was when she offered to teach me some basics. As the words left her mouth, she seemed a little surprised by her own willingness. After grabbing a few books to read over and agreeing to meet in the morning, I made my way out the door. But not before getting one more look at my mate, the other half of me, that I'm not sure I can actually have.

I slipped into the driver's seat of my car and headed back to pack grounds. The whole time my mind was on the beauty at the library. My beta, Kelvin, greeted me as I walked through the front door. We were more like brothers, growing up together our whole lives. "Meet me in my office," I told him as I made my way upstairs and down the hall. I needed to talk to someone about her. I didn't ask for advice often and rarely wanted to talk about my personal life with anyone, but this was different, and Kelvin was the only person I trusted enough to open up to. He was also the only person not scared to tell me the truth.

"You good?" he asked as he shut the door behind him. I sighed, running my hand through my hair as I sat in the leather chair behind the desk. "I don't know, man," I started before pausing, trying to decide if telling him was really a good idea. "Well, spill. You know you can tell me anything."

I knew I could, but doing it was hard for me. "I found my mate," I leaned my head back, closing my eyes. Remembering how perfect she was, how wonderful she smelled. "What!! That's great, man! Where is she?? What pack is she from?" I didn't immediately answer him, watching his face as he thought about it. "Wait. I thought you were going into town to look into getting a new computer," he stated, more to himself than to me, "Oh man. She's human." I nodded at him, confirming what he finally realized.

"She is. She works at the public library and goddess Kelvin; she's absolutely gorgeous. She offered to teach me about computers...well, the basics anyways. I'm supposed to meet her at the library in the morning." Kelvin sat across from me with a massive grin on his face, "Human or not, man, that's who the moon goddess has blessed you with. It's not going to be easy, but it'll be worth it. You know how I feel about mates, and I know how you feel about humans, but I think you should give her a chance."

Kelvin was a firm believer in mates. He always had been,and I am too...usually. What am I supposed to do? I can't just walk up and be like, 'Oh hey, by the way, I'm the Alpha of one of the largest packs in the states, and you are my mate. Yeah, don't think that would go over very well. I sit silently, not wanting to talk anymore, and thankfully, Kelvin gets the hint. "It's your choice, man. Maybe you should talk to someone who has a human mate. Get some advice from them." He stood up with a hint of amusement in his eyes. He knows darnn well I'm not going to talk to anyone besides him about this.

I continue to sit in my chair long after the door shuts behind him. No matter how hard I try to think of anything else, she's the only thing on my mind.

Grabbing my car keys, I head out of the office. Maybe I can catch her when she gets off work. Take her out to dinner or something. I've never really done the dating thing before, so this should be interesting. Kelvin and Ariana are sitting on the front porch as I walk out, "Hey, I'm going to run back into town," I tell him. I always ensure he knows where I am, especially if I'm leaving pack grounds. Never know when something could happen. He grins, "Okay, good luck." I roll my eyes as I walk down the steps toward my newest car. I might have a thing for sports cars and big pickups, but everyone has to have a hobby...right?

I slid into the driver's seat and took off. I have no idea when she gets off work, so I will have to sit and wait. I park across the street from the library once I make it into town and shut the engine off. Should I go inside and talk to her again, or would that seem weird? Sitting outside her job and waiting for her is also kind ofweird, I guess. Deciding to stay in the car, I sigh as I wipe my hands down my jeans. I'm actually nervous about this, I realize. I can't remember a time in my life I had ever truly been nervous.

My heart skips a beat when I see her walk out the front door. She is just so beautiful...and fragile, I remind myself. I start the car and wait for traffic to clear as she starts walking down the sidewalk, "Hey! Need a ride?" I ask as I pull up slowly beside her. I notice her shiver, not sure if it's because she's cold or because of me. She seemed surprised to see me, and I couldn't help but smile a little. At least she doesn't look scared. "Umm, no thanks. I don't live far." For some reason, I didn't believe her. I looked out the window and up at the sky. I should probably have left it at that, but the need to at least make sure she makes it home safely is strong. "Are you sure? It's really no problem. Looks like it's about to storm." No sooner did I say it, it started to pour. To my surprise, she quickly opened the passenger door and jumped inside. I stared at her as the water dripped from the tips of her hair. She quickly took her glasses off and attempted to dry them.

"My name is Valerie, by the way," she introduced herself. I smiled at her, loving the sound of her name. I'm Al-Jeremiah," I cleared my throat. st, I couldn't believe I almost introduced myself as Alpha to her. That would have been hard to explain, I scolded myself. After getting directions to her apartment, I began driving. Trying to make small talk along the way and learn more about my sudden mate. Reluctantly she agreed to eat dinner with me, and I waited in the car as she ran in to change. I looked around the parking lot of her apartment complex. It wasn't in a bad neighborhood, but it definitely wasn't the best.

"You were fast," I teased her as she climbed back in the car. Her cheeks turned red with blush as she looked down at her hands. I drove over to a little burger joint I had noticed on the way here, "Is this place good?" I ask her. Not sure if she even liked their food and I didn't bother to ask where she wanted to go. "Yeah, it's great." The rain had calmed down to a light sprinkle as I parked the car and slid from my seat. My senses seemed to go off all at once. I looked around as I walked around the car, noticing the three men talking near the door. Not just three men, but three hunters.

I knew they wouldn't do anything right now, not in public. We haven't had a problem with them yet; other smaller packs around us have, though, and my instincts told me we would, too after this, though. It's okay, I was planning on taking them all out anyways. I hate when smaller packs are targeted. I noticed Valerie's whole demeanor had changed as I opened her door. Her gaze was trained on the hunters, and I glanced back at them again. "Everything okay?" I asked her, pulling her attention back to me. "Yeah, everything is fine," she grabbed my outstretched hand, and I helped her from the car. "I promise you're safe with me," I whispered to her hoping to ease her sudden tension. And I meant it. She was, after all, my other half, and I be damn if a hunter was going to hurt her.

As I guided her towards the diner's entrance, my hand lightly resting on the small of her back, I felt a jolt of electricity at the touch. It pained me to see Valerie bow her head slightly as we passed a trio of men. One of them called out her name, causing her to stiffen under my touch. She turned to face the man who approached us, his shaggy brown hair framing his glasses. His gaze shifted to me, and I could tell he recognized what I was, if not exactly who. My inner wolf bristled, barely contained, ready to defend her against any threat. I'm not often challenged to maintain control, but in that moment, I feared my wolf might emerge and wreak havoc. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever might come next.

"Who's this?" the man asked, his voice dripping with disdain. I stepped forward slightly, my voice low and menacing, "And you are?"

"I'm Ed. Valerie's boyfriend," he declared.

Boyfriend? The revelation hit me like a blow. She was involved with a hunter. A flurry of doubts swirled in my mind. Was she aware of werewolves? Could this all be an elaborate trap? Although she was my destined mate, it didn't necessarily mean she would choose me. Perhaps she had contacted him while changing clothes. But no, she couldn't have known our dining destination yet.

"No, my EX-boyfriend," she corrected him sharply, her glare piercing. I was thrown into confusion. Before any further words could be exchanged, Valerie turned on her heel, grasping my hand and leading me inside. She headed straight for a secluded booth and sat down, her body language signaling that this encounter was unexpected. Ed's presence had clearly unsettled her; now it was imperative for me to discover what she knew and whether she harbored any fear towards him.

I took a seat opposite her, observing as she fixated on her intertwined fingers. I felt an urge to reach out and comfort her. Clearing my throat, I broached the subject, "So, he's your ex?" My voice came out more gruff than I intended. She leaned back with a sigh, and I braced myself, not expecting her to divulge much, considering our recent acquaintance. "Yes, that was my ex..." she began, her voice trailing off. There was evidently more to the story, but I recognized the importance of patience. Pressuring her for information would only alienate her. It was crucial to navigate this delicately.