He Will Be Mine (New Horizon Book 1)

Man-to-Man: Tyler

Aly’s dad, or I guess he likes to be called Alpha Kane around here, actually makes a decent tour guide. He took me all around the house, which they call the packhouse, and then outside to see some of the key points. He especially wanted me to see their training facilities. I think that particular part of the tour was meant to scare me, but honestly, I enjoy physical activity and if the look of the guys around here is any testament to just how well they do workouts, I’m pretty excited.

The most surprising thing about the guy is how patient he has been with me. There is still a lot I don’t understand about werewolves, and he helped explain some of it. He didn’t tease me for being ignorant, he just walked me through it and let me ask lots of dumb questions. I think the most interesting part, which Aly hasn’t told me about yet, is this whole idea of there being sort of a rank hierarchy in the pack. He told me that he is the Alpha here, and that Aly will be Alpha after him as long as she can convince her mate to accept her in time.

As I replay all my time with Aly since I met her through my head and think about it with that in mind, now I get it. I get why she seems so stuck on Matt and so frustrated that he doesn’t seem interested enough. It’s not just love she wants. Everyone back home is counting on her to do what she needs to do to become Alpha. There are a lot of people who will be disappointed if she can’t convince Matt to be her mate. That makes me sad for her because there is so much pressure on her and she can’t just follow her heart like a human would.

We’re walking back through the house as I’m still chewing over what he said about her being Alpha and how that has affected her. We pass by quite a few other people who all bow their heads in respect to Alpha Kane as they greet him. I have to admit, the guy is pretty impressive, and I feel kind of proud to be walking with him as though I’m part of his inner circle.

He leads me to his office and closes the door once we step inside. I knew it was too good to be true that he is just okay with me now. It feels like this is the moment, now that we’re alone, that his real feelings are about to come out.

I make a move to sit in one of the chairs facing his desk, but he stops me.

“No, no need to be so formal. Let’s sit over here and have a chat,” he says, directing me to where there is a sofa along the wall.

I sit where he indicated and take a breath to calm myself. He chuckles as he sits across from me, seeming to be amused at how nervous I am.

“I admit that originally I did have in mind something along the lines of what you seem to be picturing,” he starts our conversation. “Andrea got in my head, though, as she always seems to do. That’s how mates are, though. They complement you so well that they quickly learn how to play you like a fiddle.”

He laughs again, then waves his hand back and forth in front of his face as if to clear the laughter away. It seems to work somewhat, though he is still smiling.

“Don’t let me fool, you, though. I jest, but I love that woman and even I can see that it’s a good thing that she knows how to temper my harsher attributes. That’s partly why the Elders insist that an Alpha be mated. Having someone by your side like that helps everything get balanced out, and helps you keep a clearer head.”

“Mates do seem pretty amazing,” is all I can think to say to that. It’s true, but it’s also become somewhat of a sore topic for me. I have to wonder if he knows that.

“I’m assuming Aly has told you all about them,” he states, his quizzical gaze letting me know that he means it as a question.

“She has told me some. I wouldn’t say I know everything there is to know, but I do know that my friend Matt is her mate and that is why she chose to come to our school.”

He nods. “It is true. I know there is more to that story than either she or her mother are willing to tell me. I know human mates are kind of tricky, and it takes time to get him to trust her so she can reveal herself and what he is to her, but I also know that the trouble she is having with it makes no sense. There must be some reason why he is resisting her that I'm unaware of. At first, I thought it was simply because she was letting herself get too distracted with you, but some of the evasive comments Andrea has made have led me to believe I’m missing something.”

“I can’t tell if there is a question in there,” I admit. He didn’t mention anything about Jessica, which leads me to believe that Aly hasn’t told him that. I wonder why not, but I also know it isn’t my place to reveal her secrets.

“Let’s call it more of a hopeful prodding, but honestly, no, there’s not. Should you feel compelled to fill me in, I’m listening, but I also know better than to ask you to betray Aly’s confidence. I have a feeling you wouldn’t, anyway. I don’t seem to intimidate you when I’m trying to,” he explains, chuckling again.

I’m kind of shocked at what a good mood he seems to be in. Normally, all I get from him is the sense that my existence irritates him. I’m also flattered that he thinks that of me. It’s true, and I’ve never been prouder to be loyal to someone.

“But there is actually something I want to talk to you about,” he continues. “I’m guessing Aly hasn’t told you about chosen mates yet, because you didn’t mention that.”

“Uh, no she hasn’t,” I answer, my brain now freaking out and getting excited. “Chosen” sounds like you get to choose. That wishful part of me hopes it means what I think it means and that Aly would be interested in that.

“Your friend Matt is Aly’s fated mate, which means he was selected for her by our Moon Goddess. Do you know about her?”

“I do. Aly told me about her when we had a long talk about werewolf stuff. She seems pretty cool.”

“She is,” he chuckles, “but there is an option with a fated mate to reject them. Either partner can do it, and it basically is a failsafe that lets you break the natural bond between fated mates in a situation that calls for it. In that case, a werewolf can choose another mate. In a lot of cases, that is what happens for an Alpha to take on the role, since there is the requirement to be mated by a certain age.”

“Which allows you all to keep your free will, if you want,” I comment. I feel kind of weird saying that out loud, but it is what I was thinking.

He makes the face he seems to make whenever I say something that is sort of correct, but not quite right. “In a way. Except, I’d argue that there is always free will even when you willingly accept your fated mate. The bond helps, but it doesn’t force you to love that person. The bond only gets as strong or as weak as you make it. And then there’s the fact that the most common reason to choose a mate is when a future Alpha is out of time and needs to secure their position. Aly would be quick to tell you that’s force, not free will.”

“Fair enough,” I concede, chewing it over. “Why do you think Aly has kept the fact that there are chosen mates from me? Here I’ve been thinking I’m fighting a losing battle, but from what you’re saying, I still have a chance with her. Why wouldn’t she just tell me that?”

He sighs, leaning forward in his chair and fixing me with his intense gaze. “If I had to guess, it’s because she isn’t ready to give up on Matt just yet, and she doesn’t want to get your hopes up. I probably shouldn’t even be telling you about it, but I can’t just ignore that there is a clock on all this and there is something fishy about Matt. And then Andrea has been on me about how happy she is with you and trying to make me accept that you’re a real option for her, a better one than my backup plan in her opinion.”

“What’s your backup plan?” I can’t help but interrupt him to ask. I panic slightly realizing that he might be upset that I did that, but he doesn’t seem to be.

“You’ll meet them tomorrow,” he says, smirking and not seeming to want to explain further, until he caves. “Alright, fine. I’ll tell you. I have been introducing her to suitable potential werewolf mates for years now. Don’t worry, she hates that and usually ignores them. I can’t stop myself from trying, though Andrea thinks I should. She thinks you’re the guy.”

“I’m flattered,” I smile and tell him honestly. “I just wish Aly shared her opinion of me.”

I also feel bad for Aly again, always having guys she doesn’t want pushed on her. Seems like something her dad would do, though.

“And that’s why we’re here. Well, partly. It’s no secret that I don’t like you, and I’ll tell you why: You’re a distraction. You keep her from focusing on what she went to Maine to do. And not only that, even if she does want to consider you as a mate, there’s a good chance that choosing you will mean losing her shot at being Alpha.”

“How? She’ll still have a mate if she picks me.”

“True. She’ll have a mate. But the Elders get final say on whether an Alpha’s mate is an acceptable choice to be allowed a leadership role in the pack. That’s what happens when you mate an Alpha, by the way. You would have to help her run the pack. You’d be expected to live here and adopt our ways. You’d be expected to produce heirs, and though there is no time limit on that, the sooner the better. And if the Elders think you’re untrustworthy or unsuitable, they won’t allow it. Sure, you could still mate her, live here, and so on, but you would not be able to lead, and she wouldn’t either because of her association with you.”

“Wow, okay,” I respond softly, thinking all that over.

None of it scares me other than the part where her people might reject me and therefore her. I wouldn’t want to do that to her. I can understand why she neglected to tell me about chosen mates now.

He continues while I’m still thinking, “I wanted to tell you about this because I wanted you to know that there is a way that you can convince me that you’re the guy. You would have to convince the Elders first, but if they approve, then I approve. And if we all approve, then there’s a better shot for you with Aly. She’s stubborn and she does her own thing, but at the end of the day, this pack and her family are important to her. If she knew she wouldn’t lose either by choosing you, you would seem a whole lot more appealing to her.”

That’s all I really need to hear before I blurt out, “Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

He smiles, and for the first time since I’ve met him, I think I detect a hint of approval. “You don’t even want to know what it is?”

“It doesn’t really matter. If you think it will help improve my chances, then I’ll do whatever it is.”

“You really are fearless, aren’t you,” he comments, seeming to consider me for a moment.

I’m not, because in reality this guy scares the crap out of me and so does the idea of whatever test these werewolves have for me, but apparently, I hide the fear well.

“Alright,” he says finally. “I’ll set it up with the Elders. Just know that it takes three days. Since you and Aly are leaving Sunday, you won’t really have time this visit if you want to go to the big gathering tomorrow, but we can have you back over a longer break.”

I’m torn because I have been looking forward to the gathering and all the other werewolf things I might get to do or at least see while I’m here, but I know if I wait, I might talk myself out of it. It feels like the time is now.

“No, I don’t want to wait. Let’s do it now,” I insist.

He smiles that warm, approving smile again and it’s everything I can do not to smile like a goon back at him. It does feel good to see him warming up to me.

“I should warn you that these trials are challenging, and as a human you’re already at a disadvantage. You’ll have to face them either way, whether now or when Aly decides she picks you, but your odds aren’t great since you’re not her fated mate. Still interested?”

I sigh, feeling slightly disheartened at that news, but then I remind myself that this is why I need to do it in the first place. She’s probably scared I’ll fail and that’s why she won’t pick me. I need to prove her wrong.

“Yes,” I answer him. I don’t know what comes over me, but I decide to add with a smirk, “Just wait and see. By the time I leave here, you’ll be begging her to pick me.”

He roars with laughter, and I can’t tell if it’s because he thinks I’m wrong or because he thinks I’m funny. I tell myself it’s because I’m funny and smile back at him, hoping I don’t seem like a fool.

“There you go. That’s the attitude you’ll need to get through this,” he says approvingly, and I exhale in relief.

I’m still not sure if he thinks I’m ridiculous, but at least he’s being nice.

*************************

After spending the rest of the day hanging out with Aly and her friend Ryan, who I have to say at the risk of seeming egotistical reminds me a lot of myself, we head upstairs to bed. Her dad has me all set up in my own guest room, which seems larger than the apartment I share with my mom and has just as many bathrooms. I lean down to give Aly a goodnight hug and kiss on the cheek, then start to break away from her when she stops me.

“Do you want to have a sleepover in my room?” she asks.

It seems innocent enough, considering that she slept over with me last weekend and we managed to keep it casual. Problem is, I don’t know whether now is a good time to be doing something I know her dad will disapprove of.

“I don’t know if it is a good idea,” I tell her. “I’m making progress with your dad and I don’t want to spoil it.”

“Okay, well just come and cuddle and talk for a bit, then.”

She hit me right in my weak spot. I can never say no to cuddles.

“Okay, but don’t let me fall asleep,” I concede finally, letting her take my hand and lead me into her room.

Hers is even bigger than mine, and I really love how she has it decorated. She has a dark theme going on with slate gray wallpaper and a black bedspread and curtains, though here and there the darkness is accented with pops of bright colors like fuchsia and violet. I notice when she pulls back the bedspread that her sheets are fuchsia with black around the edges. It’s really pretty, and so very Aly.

After she changes into some comfier clothes, I crawl into the bed and snuggle up to her. She doesn’t say anything for a little bit, and I find that the conversation I had with her dad earlier is weighing on me. I feel a need to confess, or maybe just give her a heads up.

“Aly, your dad told me something important about chosen mates,” I blurt out finally.

“Oh,” she says, and I see a hint of panic flit across her eyes. “I’m sorry, I should have told you.”

“No, it’s okay. I think I know why you didn’t. And I get it, that you want to see where things go with Matt, and I don’t seem like a good choice because if you pick me, then you might not get to be Alpha.”

“Tyler, it’s … I mean, yeah, all that is part of it. I just am not ready to decide yet, and I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want yet another person waiting on my decision. I didn’t want to get your hopes up or have it ruin our friendship if I don’t pick you.”

I smile at her reassuringly and comb through some of her loose hair with my fingers. “It won’t, Aly, I promise you that. I’ll be sad, but I’ve already learned that I can’t handle not having you in my life, not even for two weeks. And I promise I won’t pressure you or anything like that. But your dad told me a way I can prove to him and your Elders that I’m Alpha-mate material, and I want to do it, even if you end up not choosing me as your mate in the end. So, I’m going to. Tomorrow, though I don’t know when. I just thought you should know in case I miss the gathering and the feast.”

She pulls back a little and shakes her head. “No, Tyler, don’t. You were so excited about the feast. And if you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about, those trials are tough. They’re designed for you to fail them.”

“They’re designed for me to fail if I’m wrong for you, but I’m not. Let me prove it to you,” I plead. I don’t want to upset her by doing something she doesn’t want me to do, but I also feel like I have to do this.

She sighs and closes her eyes as though she is irritated, and the moments of silence that follow are torture. If she still says no, then I guess I’ll back out, but I really don’t want to.

When she opens her eyes, she searches my face for I don’t even know what. She raises a hand to touch my cheek, then traces over my skin with one finger. First my cheek, then on to my lips. I don’t know what she’s doing, and her silence is getting to me, but I can’t deny that her touch feels good.

“Alright, do it I guess, but just know that it won’t change how I feel about you if you fail the trials. I won’t be disappointed or look at you any differently. In fact, I’m impressed that you even want to try.”

I smile in relief and pull her to me, rolling onto my back and tucking her head against my chest, gently holding the back of her head and continuing to play with her hair. “Thank you, Aly. I appreciate it, and it helps to know that. But please, have some faith in me. I can do this.”

“Did they tell you what you will have to do? I don’t even know,” she admits.

“No, but it doesn’t matter. I know I’m the right guy for you, so I know I can do it,” I tell her with a bit more confidence than I’m feeling.

It’s not that I don’t believe it, it’s just that I don’t have any idea what they will even ask of me. If it’s a test of my werewolf knowledge, I’ll probably fail. But if it’s like her dad was saying, that they want to see whether they can trust me and if I’ll be a good mate for her, I know I have that in the bag.

She doesn’t seem to want to talk about it anymore, switching the topic a few times and finally landing on telling me about her science project. I love that she isn’t someone who is easily grossed out, but I do think I prefer not knowing about all the microscopic organisms she found in the dirt. Even so, she somehow manages to lull me to sleep talking about it.

I stir slightly as I feel her rustling around, pulling the covers over me.

“You’re not supposed to let me sleep,” I murmur groggily.

“Shh, go back to sleep,” she demands, wrapping herself around me. I can’t seem to deny her anything, and so despite my better judgement, I do.