ALPHA HELLER. The sound of heavy footsteps stole sleep from my eyes, and I became instantly aware. The room was stark dark. I couldn’t see the figure advancing towards me, but I could feel it. I held my breath, staying still in my position, getting ready to pounce. “Mate.” a familiar male voice floated into my ears. I racked my mind trying to recall where I heard it from last. Then it dawned on me. That was my mate’s voice! My nerves relaxed immediately as I sat upright on the bed I was lying. What was my mate doing here? I wondered. Did he change his mind again? The fresh smell of his shampoo wafted into my nostrils, and all the doubts in my head melted in surrender. All I wanted at that point was to bury my nose in them and inhale them over and over again. “Mate?” I called again

