THE ALPHA'S SAVAGE MATE

Chapter 8: Introduction of the Powerful Alpha

Jake's POV

Whiskey swirled in my glass, the amber liquid catching the glow of the dim chandelier overhead. My office was drenched in shadows, the soft flicker of firelight from the hearth adding a touch of warmth to an otherwise sharp, cold space. The air was warm, thick with the faint scent of leather, cedarwood, and smoke from the half-burned cigar in the ashtray beside me. My office was quiet, but it hummed with power. My power.

I leaned back in my chair, the smooth leather groaning under my weight as my boots rested lazily on the dark wood desk. The room smelled like cedarwood, smoke, and power. The kind of air that made people hesitate when they stepped inside, unsure if they should kneel, speak, or just stay quiet.

Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched behind me, overlooking Silvermoon’s territory. My territory. The mountains stood dark and jagged in the distance, their peaks kissed by moonlight, while the forest below stretched endlessly, a sea of shadows under the pale glow of the moon. Miles of land. Thousands of lives. All under my rule.

I brought the glass to my lips, the whiskey burning its way down my throat. The heat was grounding, a sharp contrast to the ice that usually sat in my chest. Days like this, the weight of leadership pressed harder than usual. Border patrols, rogue activity, neighboring packs sniffing too close to our edges. it never stopped.

And yet, I ruled it all.

The knock on the door was soft but deliberate, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called, my voice steady but low, a command wrapped in velvet.

The door opened, and the click of heels followed: slow, deliberate. I didn’t need to look up to know who it was.

“Brittany,” I said, letting her name drag out as I glanced up from my glass.

She stepped inside, her black dress clinging to every curve as though it had been painted onto her body. The fabric shimmered faintly under the soft light, and her red heels clicked against the hardwood with every step she took toward me. Confidence. That was Brittany’s weapon of choice.

She was beautiful, sure. Golden hair twisted into a messy knot that left loose strands framing her face. Eyes sharp, lips painted blood red, the kind of look that promised trouble and delivered it. She wasn’t the type to wait for an invitation; she made herself at home, leaning against the edge of my desk.

“Jake,” she said, her voice low and smoky. “I was wondering if I might find you here.”

“You always find me,” I said, setting my glass down. “Doesn’t mean I’m always in the mood.”

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. Brittany wasn’t the type to be easily discouraged.

“Oh, I think you’re in the mood tonight,” she said, her confidence dripping like honey as she came closer.

I let my eyes drag over her, slow and deliberate. Brittany liked to think she was in control, that she could play the game and win. I indulged her because I liked watching her try.

“What do you want?” I asked, my tone calm, uninterested.

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. “You already know.”

“Do I?” I tipped my glass back, letting the whiskey burn its way down, never breaking eye contact.

She shifted closer, her hand trailing along the edge of the desk as she leaned forward. The neckline of her dress dipped low, revealing just enough to make it clear this wasn’t a casual visit.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” she said, pouting just enough to be playful. “I don’t like being ignored.”

I chuckled, the sound low and deep. “I’ve been busy.”

“Too busy for me?” she teased, tilting her head so that a strand of hair fell loose, brushing against her cheek.

Her fingers reached for my tie, tugging it just enough to pull me forward in my chair. Her scent hit me: floral, sweet, and intoxicating. Brittany always smelled like sin, and tonight was no different.

“Be careful,” I warned, my voice dropping.

Her eyes sparked, a challenge glinting in their depths. “Or what?”

I moved fast, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer until she was standing between my knees, her body flush against mine. Her breath froze, but she didn’t pull away.

“Or I’ll remind you who’s in charge,” I murmured, my lips brushing against her ear.

She shivered, her hands sliding up my chest, nails grazing the thin fabric of my black shirt. “You like it when I push, don’t you?”

I smirked, letting my hand trail up her thigh, the fabric of her dress sliding higher as I leaned back slightly, giving her enough space to think she had control. “You think you’re pushing?”

Her lips found mine then, urgent and demanding, and I let her have her moment. Her kiss was heated, almost desperate, her hands tangling in my hair as she pressed herself closer. I could feel her heartbeat racing against my chest, her nails digging into my shoulders.

I deepened the kiss, my hand tightening on her waist as I stood, towering over her now. She gasped softly as I spun her around, pinning her against the desk, her back arching beneath my touch.

Her breaths came faster, her hands gripping the edge of the desk as I leaned over her, my lips brushing against the curve of her neck. Her skin was warm, flushed, and I could feel the tension in her body: the way she was holding on, waiting, wanting.

“You always come to me like this,” I murmured, my voice low against her ear. “What are you hoping for, Brittany?”

“You,” she whispered, her voice breathy and raw.

I chuckled darkly, trailing a finger down her spine, making her shiver. “You already have me. For now.”

Her hands tangled in my hair, tugging just enough to ignite something primal. My grip on her hips tightened, and I pulled her closer, her body pressing against mine. Her breath froze as I let my lips trail down her neck, my teeth grazing her skin just enough to make her shiver.

“Jake,” she whispered, her voice a mix of need and frustration.

I pulled back, smirking at the way her pupils were blown wide, her cheeks flushed.

“That’s enough for tonight,” I said, adjusting my tie as if nothing had happened.

“You’re serious?” she asked, her voice sharp with disbelief.

“Deadly serious,” I said, gently but firmly moving her off my lap and onto her feet. “You know the rules, Brittany. I’m in control. Always.”

Her eyes narrowed, frustration mingling with desire. “You’re infuriating.”

“And yet, here you are.”

She straightened, smoothing her dress and giving me a look that was equal parts annoyed and intrigued. “You’re lucky I like a challenge.”

“I’m lucky for a lot of reasons,” I said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “One of these days, Jake, I’ll be the one calling the shots.”

I stepped closer, tilting her chin up with my fingers so that our eyes locked. “Not in this lifetime, sweetheart.”

Her breath froze, and for a moment, the tension between us crackled, thick and electric. Then she turned and walked toward the door, her hips swaying with deliberate intent.

“Goodnight, Alpha,” she called over her shoulder, her voice teasing.

I watched her leave, the door clicking shut behind her, and let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Brittany was trouble, the kind that burned slow and sweet before it consumed you.

But I never let myself burn.

The silence settled again, and I moved back to my desk, grabbing the stack of reports Simon had dropped off earlier. Rogue activity near the northern border. Patrol schedules. Requests for alliances.

It never ended.

A knock on the door pulled me from the reports, sharper this time.

“Come in,” I called, my tone brisk.

Simon stepped inside, his expression serious. My Beta was built like a tank, broad-shouldered and all sharp angles, with a buzz cut that made him look even more intimidating.

“We’ve got a situation,” he said, his voice deep and steady.

I motioned for him to continue.

“Rogues near the southern border,” he said. “A small group, five or six. Patrol says they’re lingering.”

“Testing us,” I said, setting the reports aside.

“Looks like it.”

I nodded, my mind already working through the options. Rogues were always testing us, looking for weaknesses in our defenses. They never found any, but that didn’t stop them from trying.

“Double the patrols,” I said. “Make it clear they’re not welcome.”

Simon smirked. “Clear as in…”

“Make them regret breathing,” I said, my tone cold.

His grin widened. “Understood.”

He turned to leave, but I stopped him.

“Anything else?”

“Nothing urgent,” he said, pausing by the door. “Just the usual whispers. You know how the pack loves their gossip."

I raised an eyebrow," and what are they whispering about now?"

" Brittany," he said with a shrug. "Some of them think she's going to be your mate."

I laughed."Brittany knows the score. she's entertainment, not forever."

Simon shook his head, amused. "One of these days, you're going to run out of ladies to play with."

" Not likely," I said, grabbing my glass and heading to the window.