The Alphas Purest Innocent

Chapter 3

Kevin – POV

The alpha meeting went surprisingly well, considering my initial expectations. Five alphas attended—those whose territories border ours. We covered everything: mapping both the human and ancient werewolf worlds. According to Google Maps, our pack lies deep in the mountains and forests along the Alberta–Montana border. Our house is on the Montana side, though our territory extends into Alberta. The other four packs are located to the south, east, west, and north, with us at the center. Dark Moon Pack is our closest neighbor.

We agreed on a united alliance, a slate of formal events for the coming year, and leadership roles. Civility is finally taking hold, building trust between us. From now on, just one annual gathering of top members will address rogue attacks, affirm mutual protection, and strengthen unity. We’re also planning shared ceremonies—New Moon rites, Halloween and Christmas balls—because in our world, humanity and tradition still matter.

True mates are rare, but essential to forging strong bloodlines. It’s rare to see them form—particularly in my cursed case, where only one bond has occurred since my rise as alpha. I suspect my father misheard my mother’s curse, but whether by fate or error, I’m sure the bond won't happen for me.

After the meeting, I excused myself, heading to my guest room to change into a suit for tonight’s dinner. I chose a matte-black designer suit—tailored, sharp. I adjusted my cuffs and mind-linked Noctis and Mark:

“Noctis, we arrive together. Mark, you and Sarah come right behind us.”

Noctis teased: “If you wanted me for a date, you could’ve just asked—no need for alpha orders.”

Mark chimed in: “Alpha, we’re ready. I’ll be right behind.”

I responded curtly, knowing I was on edge—sleep had not come easy last night.

Heading down the grand staircase, I smelled it again—fruit and vanilla. I froze. I searched the room, mind-linking the others:

“Earlier today—I saw a pink and gold wolf.” Panic laced my voice.

Noctis calmed me: “Alpha, breathe. Pink-and-gold wolf? That’s… impossible.”

I tightened my jaw. “I smelled it. I saw it. Be ready.”

My pants tightened. Deo, my wolf, trembled in my mind:

“What the hell is going on, Deo?”

“I… I smell it. It’s incredible.”

I scanned the entrance. Suddenly, Mark touched my arm:

“Alpha, one moment—” But I pressed past him to the foyer.

“Noct—” Mark began, but something stopped him.

And there—on the stairs—I locked eyes with her.

“Mate,” Deo cut through the silence.

Lelia – POV

“Be outside waiting—or so help me, Lelia Jenkins. If you embarrass this family tonight, you’ll live to regret it.”

My mother’s voice cracked through my mind link at exactly 4:50 p.m. The threat curled around my spine like a snake. I was already outside, standing stiffly in heels and a dress that didn’t feel like mine, cold air biting at my arms. Still, I was grateful—I knew better than to make her wait.

I had a part to play: the doting daughter of perfect parents. Beautiful, well-behaved. Silent unless spoken to. A mask I wore well.

When the car pulled up, Derek’s gaze from behind the wheel made my skin crawl. I slipped into the back seat next to my little brother Aaron, just as the engine revved. No time to close the door. No words. No warmth.

“You look beautiful,” Aaron said, his eyes shining with innocence and honesty.

My heart stuttered. Don’t let her hear that. I gave him my brightest smile. “Thanks, buddy! Mom picked everything out—the dress, the makeup. It’s all her. She’s amazing at this kind of thing.” My voice was honeyed and light, the perfect imitation of pride.

Aaron beamed. “Mom, you made Lelia look so pretty!”

My mother smiled sweetly at him, love softening her face. “Well, I wouldn’t say she looks beautiful, but thank you, Aaron-bear.”

The words stabbed, but I kept smiling.

I used to wonder if she was ever like that with me. If she ever kissed my forehead or rocked me to sleep the way she did with him. That part of her is gone now. Or maybe she only ever saved it for him.

Derek kept watching me through the rearview mirror. His hand was entwined with hers, and I could’ve sworn I heard him murmur, “This one’ll be easy. Just wait.” His fingers squeezed hers gently.

My wolf, Lia, had been calm all day. But the second we pulled into the Dark Moon Pack’s estate, she started pacing inside my mind. Nervous. Uneasy.

“Something's wrong, Lelia. I don’t know what it is, but I feel it.”

“Is it them?” I asked. My parents always had a new punishment tucked behind their smiles.

“No. It’s something else.”

Then she went quiet. I didn’t like it when she did that.

We stepped out of the car, Derek handing the keys to a valet as he opened the door for my mother like a gentleman in some twisted fairytale. Side by side, they looked almost laughable—her in a tight, sparkly red dress meant for a 20-year-old, makeup caked on like a mask; him in a slick black suit with dyed hair and a forced grin. They could’ve been circus performers in another life.

I barely had time to hand over my jacket when it hit me.

The scent.

Lemons. Coconut. Clean, crisp, sweet—and devastating. My mouth went dry. My thighs clenched. Then the heat began to spread—an ache, low and deep. My entire body reacted before I could even name the feeling.

Lia returned with a gasp.

“It’s happening. It’s him.”

My heart thundered. I took a step back, hoping to find the source. The scent only grew stronger.

Then I saw him.

He stood halfway down the grand staircase, dressed in black—every inch of him carved from shadows and strength. His hair was as dark as night, falling slightly over his eyes. His hands gripped the railing like he was holding himself back from leaping forward.

And his eyes.

Blue as ice, burning like fire. He scanned the crowd, searching... for me. When his gaze landed on mine, time shattered.

“Mate,” Lia whispered with reverence.

A rush of heat hit me hard. My breath caught. My legs weakened. I grabbed the wall to steady myself, pulse racing. The heat between my legs pulsed like a second heartbeat.

“No, no, no—not now. Not like this.” I pleaded inside my mind. This wasn’t supposed to happen here. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t allowed to be wanted by someone like him.

And yet… I couldn’t look away.

“He’s perfect,” Lia murmured, awestruck. “He’s ours. Kevin. His name is Kevin. His wolf is Deo.”

“How do you know that?” I demanded, panic rising.

“We’re already connected. Deo talks to me. He’s strong. Fierce. Possessive. He wants us.”

My breath hitched. He wanted me.

He took a step forward. Then another. His expression twisted between confusion and hunger. I could feel his restraint, the way he fought against instinct. His jaw clenched, and suddenly—he growled. A deep, powerful sound that reverberated through the entire room.

Everyone fell silent.

I felt my mother’s presence beside me before I saw her. Derek's hand wrapped gently around my arm, his grip a warning behind the smile. We moved to the dining area, and I had to force every step.

Kevin sat beside me moments later.

His presence was overwhelming. I could feel the heat of his body through my dress. Every brush of his shoulder sent sparks across my skin. At one point, I thought he touched me—accidentally—and I moaned. Soft, breathy, but I heard it. So did he.

I nearly died from shame.

The moment I could, I excused myself and bolted to the bathroom. Inside a stall, I pressed my palms to my cheeks, trying to cool my burning face.

“He’s… he’s real. And he’s mine.” I whispered.

“He’s everything,” Lia whispered back, giddy. “He’s the beginning.”

I sat there breathing Kevin-free air, trying to remember who I was and what I was doing.

I still need to escape this pack.

I’m not ready.

I don’t deserve him…

But oh, how I wanted him.