The Reclaimed Mate

Chapter 3

I woke up to the familiar sound of my alarm. The room was filled with a kaleidoscope of the morning light reflecting off the pictures that adorned my wall. Each one is a memory of a piece of my life that is now a part of my past.

I stretched, took a deep breath, and began my day. Today wasn’t just an ordinary day, it was my nephew, Gabriel, last day of high school. I got ready, looked my best, and headed downstairs for breakfast.

The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air, a comforting reminder that love is indeed beautiful, what would life have been for me if Walter wasn’t part of it? A question I never wanted an answer to.

At his school I was greeted by his friends, their faces a mix of excitement and sadness. Watched them spend the day reminiscing about their shared experiences, their laughter echoing through the hallways. His favourite teacher, Mrs. Johnson gave him a book, a parting gift. I felt a pang of sadness but also gratitude that he has such wonderful people in his life.

The

Gabriel had newly shifted, his wolf present within his eyes and had not yet gained full control of his wolf, having newly shifted he was still in practice.

“ Ready to go?” Walter asked. I nodded at him and we all got into the car, I sat in the back seat pulling my seatbelt around me as Walter raced out of the school’s parking lot and down the road.

It didn’t take long for Walter to pull-up outside the Alpha’s house, my home, the family I built for my pack.

I and Gabriel pulled out of the car and headed towards the front door, climbing the steps, the all white Mansion towering over us, with white walls reflecting nicely on the black windows.

We walked straight into the house, Gabriel informing me that he’s going to freshen up. I decided to walk into the kitchen, knowing the maid, Kira, would be in the middle of cooking dinner.

Kira smiled widely at me as I entered the kitchen, manoeuvring myself to the counter stool as she grabbed seasoning from the cupboards, gracing the spaghetti generously that she had cooking on the cooker.

“How was the graduation?” Kira asked as she walked to the sink washing her hands with the warm water. I shrugged my shoulders, my eyes meeting hers “ kids, school”

I began, my words cracking her up. “It wasn’t the worst ceremony, "Gabriel glaringly pulled the crowd to himself. It's beautiful and yet very disturbing, he got gifted a book by his favourite teacher. Wasn’t entirely a bad day, I’m just extra exhausted, other than that I’m fully caught up with work.”

I sighed, my facial expressions showing my discomfort.

Kira now stood opposite me on the other side of the counter, her hands reaching out for mine which I gripped just as hard.

“You’re doing more than great being an awesome Alpha, while catering for your nephew, sleepless nights, I’m still amazed how you manage to pull through with all this and still be there for everyone like it’s no biggie. Take your time, take a break and pamper yourself, the pack won’t lose its grip cause its Alpha chose to rest.”

“Thanks Kira” I appreciated Kira and Walter more than words could ever express.

I stood up, walking around the counter and gave her a hug which she instantly returned.

“Go shower, I’ll set the table and serve dinner”

she requested as she pulled back from the hug giving me a smile before ushering me out of the kitchen.

We all sat there talking and eating, discussing our days and our plans for the weekend, I and Walter were going to the mall tomorrow since it was Saturday.

“You have training on Sunday, don’t forget, especially since you have next week off.”

Austin’s tone was serious when he mentioned training, he was a very serious man when it came to the pack business and combat training.

“It's only for 5 hours, so hopefully it’s not too painful.” Gabriel laughed, pleasantly entertained that he was having training with me, Alpha Alesia.

“You all look tired, why don’t you all go up to bed, I’m fine clearing alone” Kira said, staring at us.

After thanking Kira for the meal, I headed up the stairs to my bedroom with Gabriel, our rooms are opposite each other.

We said our good nights, the temptation of a late-night dessert beckoned, a small indulgence before sleep claimed me knowing I’ll feel bloated tomorrow, but it’s a Saturday it won’t hurt.

Time seemed to elapse in mere minutes before Walter was banging on my room door before ushering himself inside, tossing on top of my bed as I tried to push him off. I scowled at him, unamused and still exhausted, wanting to get another hour or two of sleep.

"You've slept for about 16 hours. Do you really need more rest?" Walter's question had me nodding, my face buried in the comforter as I sought refuge from his relentless cheer.

Undeterred, Walter’s voice entered my ear as he yanked the comforter back, his aggravating smile bothering me at this time in the day. “ It's 12 O’clock, they can wait an hour,” I whined.

“Sia it’s 2 O’clock”

“ Oh no” his comment had me darting up and down, it didn’t want to be responsible for ruining everyone’s day or plans.

“I had Gabriel make a list of things he'd be needing for college, could we maybe stop by a book mart before going to get groceries?” I asked Walter, nodding his head in affirmation he beamed at me.

I began with books, not just textbooks for his courses, but also novels that would provide an escape during study breaks. Then, I moved on to stationery - pens in various colours, notebooks with different bindings, post-it notes, and highlighters. Then, there were the dorm essentials - bed linens in his favourite shade of blue, a cosy throw blanket, a desk lamp, and a small rug to add a touch of cosiness to his room. I also picked up a mini fridge, a coffee maker, and some kitchen utensils for late-night snacks and early morning caffeine fixes.

Opening the door, he walked in placing the items gently on the table, washed his hands and wore an apron. “I’ll make a quick fix, okay?” He said, smiling at me. I sat on the counter watching him, I know I’m blushing like crazy and all I can do is just stare at his amazing figure. He glances at my lips and I unconsciously bite my bottom lip. He smirks a little and starts to lean in. I find myself closing my eyes as he gets closer to me, I can feel his minty breath on my lips and my heart starts beating faster. He puts his hand on my cheek and my heart flutters at the action.

He makes me look into his eyes and I realise how close we are. Close enough that if he lowers his head just a few inches more he's gonna be kissing me.

In this world I had built, responsibility and connection intertwined, urging me to embrace my role with purpose and love.