A CLANDESTINE WOLF

CHAPTER 3

So you knew I belonged to the Hayes"? Karen was taken aback.

"No. I thought you were someone who maybe worked there. This..." He gestured to the design in his hands. "doesn't really look polished, you know? I thought you jotted it down quickly when your superior mentioned it, then just left it in your pocket."

The paper was crumpled, and Karen's eyes widened. He felt inexperienced now. He could only imagine what Matthew was thinking about him. "I uh... I was just sketching my concepts! It's not finalized yet, and the paper, I found it in a bin. I always sketch my ideas as soon as they come to me, and I didn't have my sketchbook with me."

When Matthew heard it was from the bin, he promptly tossed the paper onto the table in front of Karen. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to discard it. It's just, the bin... What if it was soiled?" He made a face, and Karen chuckled. Matthew was quite charming, if he was honest.

"Do you really think I'd retrieve it if it was dirty? It was a bin solely for papers." He chuckled again, shaking his head in amusement as Matthew pouted in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," the Alpha murmured. Typically, he wouldn't apologize for that, but Karen was his mate. It felt different with him. He sensed as if he had somehow wronged him.

"It's okay, Mister Ford, there's nothing to apologize for. Honestly, I would've reacted the same way!"

The grin on Karen's face was broad as Matthew gazed up at him.

Matthew was captivated by Karen's visage. He was exquisite! It was a pity he wasn't an Omega. Yet, it was peculiar because he possessed all the traits of an Omega! The allure, the gentleness, and he was somewhat commanding. Everything an Omega would require to captivate an Alpha's or Beta's heart, particularly if they were mates!

Matthew truly needed to cease viewing Karen as his mate! It just felt wrong! "Alright, Mister Hayes, here's my digits! Give me a ring if you're keen. I must return to my partner. He's already awaiting me." Matthew rose and bowed.

Karen couldn't fathom why he felt let down by the revelation that his idol had a fiancé, a male one at that.

He also rose and bowed to Matthew. The latter exited the room moments later, and Karen settled back in his seat. "That was odd, damn! He had me entranced after just a glance!" He muttered to himself, shaking his head with a grin.

Unbeknownst to him, Matthew overheard. The Alpha smirked, realizing that earlier when their eyes met, he had encountered the same predicament too

Upon Matthew's return to the park house,, Chris greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. Typically, Matthew would reciprocate, but something felt off this time. Instead, he gave Chris a brief hug and sat on the couch.

"What's wrong? Why are you so distant?" Chris asked, sitting down beside him, though leaving some space.

"I was with the Hayes and submitted the offer to one of the brothers." Matthew turned to his friend and sighed. "You won't believe who I spoke to."

Chris raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer. Matthew rolled his eyes, feeling Chris should have guessed. "It's my Mate, Chris. Of all people, it's him. Why does this have to happen to me? Can't I just forget him? But no, of course, he has to be the one to help me out of this mess." He buried his face in his hands, feigning tears.

Chris laughed. "That's what I call fate, my friend. Honestly, I'm even happy. He's the one who will save our home, maybe even his own, without knowing it. Isn't that ironic?"

"Ironic? Chris, have you forgotten that he's not a wolf? This will never be his home. The worst part was how he got me aroused within seconds of being alone together. Oh Luna, help me." He felt more like an Omega than an Alpha, and Chris could sense his stress.

Trying to change the subject, Chris shared the latest gossip. "Did you hear we're getting two new members, an Alpha and a Beta? Your father discussed it with the leader yesterday. They arrive tomorrow. I heard they're our age, more my age, actually." Chris chuckled as Matthew shot him a dirty look. Matthew hated being younger, though it didn't mean he was weak.

Matthew constantly felt he had to prove his leadership potential. The current leader had no children-his Omega couldn't conceive, and adoption wasn't an option. The leader, being old, sought a successor, and Matthew hoped to take over the pack in two years. His father had emphasized that if he didn't succeed, it wouldn't be a disgrace.

Grateful but undeterred, Matthew trained rigorously. His main issue now was his mate. For Karen, unaware of all this, it wouldn't matter if Matthew had someone else. Matthew tried not to dwell on Karen's feelings, knowing Karen would live his human life as he wished. But for Matthew, the thought of Karen loving someone else was torment.

Contrary to many stories, there was no way to sever the bond of fate. He couldn't simply declare, 'I, Matthew Ford, break the bond between us,' and be free of his feelings. Reality was far from that simple.

Chris's hand stroking his head brought Matthew back to the present. Chris, feeling the need to comfort him, started kissing his neck. Matthew closed his eyes, imagining it was Karen instead. He began to moan softly as Chris nibbled at his skin.

Things heated up as Chris pushed Matthew onto his back on the couch, straddling his legs. Matthew still had his eyes closed, picturing Karen on top of him. It wasn't long before he felt a hand massaging his arousal. "Aah, Ren, that feels good," he murmured, though Chris heard it.

Feeling used, Chris knew it wasn't Matthew's fault. Maybe it was time for Chris to break his promise. Or perhaps he'd find his own mate soon. He let Matthew believe Karen was with him, not saying a word as he opened Matthew's pants, pulling them and his boxers down. He began to satisfy Matthew with his mouth while Matthew moaned Karen's name.

They were best friends after all, right? They had always helped each other during heats or ruts. Although they had been intimate, they never fully had s*x to avoid the risk of pregnancy.

When Matthew climaxed, Chris swallowed everything, lacking anything to clean up with. Normally, he wouldn't let Matthew come in his mouth, but he was too worried about Matthew's reaction. Matthew kept his eyes closed, and Chris let him rest, hoping he'd think it was a dream.

As Chris left the room, Matthew opened his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry, Chris. I'm a terrible friend." Matthew had only thought of Karen, but when he saw Chris swallow, he felt a pang of guilt and shame.

When Chris returned, Matthew quickly closed his eyes, unsure of what to say, wanting to avoid an awkward situation. Not the behaviour of a future leader, he knew, but at that moment, he didn't care. He hoped Chris would prefer it this way.