I will never reject you

Back with the pack.

It was late in the afternoon now and all four packs were ready to set off for the long way back.

Philip led the way with his warriors, I stayed at the back with Elias and my pack. We walked up to the same point we had rested the night before and once again settled there to spend the night. Once everyone was settled, I searched for Philip.

I found him sitting in front of a fire next to Rob and two of his head warriors, Alex and Damon, who are identical twins. The four of them were very close; they grew up together. We looked at each other from a distance. He smiled his smug smile and linked me.

"Don't just stand there, beautiful."

I approached him slowly. He got up to receive me, extending his hands. I took them, we were looking deep into each other's eyes, then he pulled me into his warm embrace.

"Get a room, you two."

Said jokingly Alex. We sat down, Philip had his arm wrapped around my shoulders, we made small talk with his friends, after a few minutes they excused themselves and left. I was trying hard to hide that I was feeling overwhelmed, he might not be officially Alpha yet but he has been training all his life for this role. I am Alpha to this small pack and I don't have a clue how to lead them.

"Sofia you're not alone I will help you."

He said, the mating bond at work we always know what the other one is feeling. Of course I could block it but I don't think my loving mate would be happy if I did. I know I wouldn't. I gave him a smile.

"Even more debt to you."

I joked.

"If I could, I would start collecting right now."

He said seductively.

"Well let me give you a small deposit."

I cupped his face and pulled him in for a kiss.

"Hmm that's promising, I've made a good investment."

He said when we broke the kiss.

***

The next day we set off early, I was walking among the pack, well my pack. I still couldn't believe this turn of events. Philip was walking next to me. He had Rob lead the pack back to the packhouse. I was holding a small pup in my arms no more than a year old, his mother was so skinny and weak that could barely walk.

"It suits you."

Said Philip, I rolled my eyes.

"Don't get any ideas, handsome."

Things have been going very fast, my relationship with Philip and now this unexpected responsibility. Everything happened within a few days. I needed to slow things down a bit and take control. He rubbed my back comforting me and I immediately felt better.

"I am sorry."

"I understand Sofia, you had other plans for your life and within a week everything changed. I know it's too much, you are a ferocious fighter but deep down vulnerable. You've been putting walls up all your life covering it up. But I see you, I am with you, we will go through it together."

"I am sorry Philip."

I repeated.

"Don't be sorry Sofia, I love you just the way you are, my independent Alpha who will challenge me and defy me every step of the way. A handful! I am looking forward to our life together and just so you know I am not ready to share you! Pups will have to wait."

I smiled.

"I am a handful?"

We both laughed, some pack members were looking curiously.

***

The sun was setting when we finally arrived at the pack house. Philip had sent some warriors ahead in wolf form to inform our arrival so preparations were made to receive my pack. The medical staff had set up in the garden ready to check all my pack members. I wanted to stay and make sure that everyone was ok, especially the pups, but Philip urged me to go with him to the meeting.

After we settled in the meeting room with Alpha Jake the betas elders and council members. Philip narrated everything that happened.

Even though I kept a hard look on my face while Philip was talking I couldn't help the feeling of uncertainty and fear about my place as Alpha and the mate of the future Alpha of this pack. Philip linked me.

"You have nothing to fear Sofia, I swear to you your pack will be protected and the warriors that are loyal to you will be granted immunity."

"I know my love, I need to get my emotions under control."

Then Philip addressed them in regards to the Whitepine beta and the fact that they had allied with the rogues and also the attack of Alpha Eric in Philips room to try to mark and mate me against my will. Alpha Jake informed us that they had closed all lines of communication and negotiation. They were probably planning a retaliation, Alpha Jake was adamant that even if they tried they were the smallest pack and didn't have enough warriors to go to war. Then Jake asked me.

"Tell us about your pack Sofia?"

"53 members 33 normal low rank wolves and pups and 20 young warriors. I have scanned them all and they are all happy to be free from my uncle. They genuinely want me to be their Alpha."

"Good good, we need to find a place for them, I mean the warriors we know."

"Alpha Jake I don't have much but I own a house back in Blackforest, I plan to sell it and provide for my pack."

Philip intervened.

"Sofia we have many businesses here we will integrate everyone."

"Thank you."

Finally Jake dismissed us for the night, we went to inspect the pack that had already been cleaned, fed and settled into one of the big halls with beds for everyone.