The Alpha's Hybrid

Seven

JACKSON

We had left my pack—the Blood Red Pack—hours ago. My mother and sister were back home, but I wasn't worried. My Gamma was in charge. I surrounded myself with only trusted people, and I'd tested their loyalty thoroughly.

I was traveling west to the Half Crescent Pack. The Alpha wanted to negotiate an alliance—business and defense. Though it sounded good, I knew he'd benefit more than I would. My pack had well-trained warriors.

Who wouldn't want to work with me?

My pack was basically invincible. No one was brave enough to go against me—a reputation I'd earned through years of ruthlessness.

I could have requested the Alpha come to me, but my mother insisted I needed a change of scenery. She believed if I mingled, I'd have a better chance at finding my mate.

I silently hoped she was right. I may come across as the big bad Alpha, but I truly wanted a mate to complete me. Someone to be my strength, my companion, my comfort.

"Alpha, we're here," Tyson, one of my guards, called, interrupting my thoughts.

"Okay, thanks." I may be ruthless, but only to those who deserve it. I don't prey on the innocent, weak, or helpless.

Here we go, I murmured, already feeling how boring this day would be.

---

"I hope you're happy you came here," Alpha Rain intoned for what felt like the millionth time.

"Your pack is beautiful. Good scenery," I replied monotonously.

We'd finished the meeting—five hours of negotiation. Rain wanted a physical merger. I turned it down. I preferred a limited number of pack members. Strength in numbers is fine, but I wanted only those I could properly care for.

I agreed to business collaborations, though. The least I could do to ensure this trip wasn't a total waste.

Now Rain was giving me a tour, highlighting all the good parts. The pack had lush greenery, flowers, trees. What they lacked in land, they made up for in nature's beauty.

We headed to a restaurant. I was starving. A few miles out, Rain stopped, motioning for me to continue.

"You're coming, aren't you?" I asked.

He shook his head, sadness clouding his eyes—then quickly masking it with a cold expression. Everyone has a story. I didn't push.

My Beta, David, and a few pack warriors followed me to the restaurant, just yards away.

---

The bell chimed as we entered. A large, muscular man walked in moments later. Alpha vibes rolled off him in waves.

An Alpha running a restaurant?

I studied him. He studied me.

"Hello, welcome to Nature's Kitchen. I'm Caleb, the owner," he said, extending his hand.

"Alpha Jackson," I murmured, shaking it.

He led me to a table with a view of a garden. I knew flowers well—my mother was a horticulturist.

My warriors took a nearby table. David sat with me.

"Nice restaurant, Alpha. Feels homey. Smells good," David mind-linked.

"Sure," I replied, not in the mood for small talk. I was that hungry.

A tall blonde waitress approached. She leaned forward, pushing out her chest, her gaze never leaving my face. We gave our order. I ignored her.

David held in a laugh. I growled at him. He burst out laughing.

"Someone's interested in catching herself an Alpha," he mind-linked.

I looked up—and caught Caleb glaring at the waitress. He hadn't arranged her performance. She huffed and walked into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with our food.

"If you need anything—and I mean anything—I'll be by the counter," she said, still staring.

David tried not to laugh.

I turned to the food. The aroma was heavenly. I took a bite and couldn't help but moan. Delicious.

I reached for the wine—and froze.

Coconut. Chocolate. Divine.

Mate.

I looked around. No one. The scent seemed to be coming from across the table.

"Are you okay, Alpha?" David asked, worried.

I raised the wine bottle to my nose. The scent was stronger.

"Whoever held this bottle and cooked this meal is my mate, David," I replied.

My wolf, Thunder, started pacing excitedly.

"Who cooked this food?" I bellowed.

Caleb rushed forward. The waitress followed.

I sniffed her—not her. Then I sniffed Caleb. I smelled her on him. He knew her. Touched her.

A growl rumbled from my chest.

"Who cooked this food?"

"Alpha Jackson, I did," Caleb replied.

He was lying. Covering for her.

"Don't mess with me," I said coldly.

"I'll go get her," the waitress smirked, leaving.

I glared at Caleb. What was his relationship with my mate?

"Alpha Jackson, I cooked the meal. Is something wrong with it?" Caleb repeated.

The doorway at the far end opened. My head snapped toward it.

Out walked the waitress—followed by the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.

Fiery red hair pulled into a ponytail. Forest-green eyes. Full pink lips. No makeup. Simple, sleek, fashionable.

Mate! Thunder chimed in my head. She's the owner of the scent!

"I did, sir. I made the dishes," she said.

Her voice was like velvet. Flutters filled my chest. Thunder danced in my head. My warriors bowed their heads in respect—they could feel their Luna.

She looked down. Thunder whimpered.

"Did mate not want to look at us?"

"I'll make her look at me, bud," I promised.

"Hurry," he urged.

"Look. At. Me," I growled—not meaning to, but worried.

She jumped back. Thunder frowned at me for scaring her.

Caleb stepped in front of her—my mate. Thunder became restless.

They were close.

He didn't smell like her brother. Who was he to her?

"I really apologize for any defects. It was all done in a hurry," Caleb said, trying to pacify me.

I growled. He was protecting my mate.

"Get away from her," I growled, my anger spiking.

Caleb stared me down—challenging me. He was an Alpha. Why was he running a restaurant?

Then I saw it—my mate subtly nudged him. Communicating silently. He moved away slightly, obeying her.

They were close. Really close.

She looked up.

Our gazes locked.

I breathed one word.

"Mate."