The Alpha’s Flame

No one can know - John’s POV

I watched as she leaned up on her toes to plant another kiss. I wrapped my arms around her waist. She fits perfectly in my arms. “Of course she does. She’s mate.” Silas laughs. My happy thoughts are interrupted when Alec links me.

“We need you back at the pack house. It’s urgent.”

I groan internally. I don’t want to leave her, but duty calls. She needs to get some rest anyways.

“Why don’t you get some sleep, and I’ll pick you up in the morning if that’s okay?” She nods eagerly at me.

“I can’t wait.” She says breathlessly. I chuckle and take a step away from her.

“Hey, John?” She calls after me.

“Yes?”

“Good night.” Her voice is so soft. She quickly hugs me. I watch as she goes inside her apartment and closes the door. “We’re leaving mate?” Silas grumbles. Yes, we have to. I don’t want to either. But there’s other matters that need our attention. Soon as I reached the tree line out of sight from her apartment, I stripped down and shifted and began my run back to the pack house. The trees become a blue as I whip by them. My thoughts are consumed with Ember. I chuckle in my head when I realize that my mind has created a cheesy montage of her like one from a movie. 5 hours with her, and I was already completely wrapped around my mate.

I’m brought out of my thoughts as I reach the pack house. Alec is standing outside ready for my arrival. I nod my head at him as he hands me a pair of shorts.

“The Betas from Coldwater, Blood Moon and Black Halo packs are here. The alphas stayed behind.”

“I was expecting that.”

“So. When do we get meet her officially?” Alec smacks my shoulder. A growl escapes my throat. “No one can know. Mate will be in danger.” Silas barks at me. I slid to a stop and turn to Alec.

“No one can know about her. Not right now.” He flinches at my tone.

“Sorry John. I was just excited for you. If you’re not ready, or she’s not ready-“ I wave my hand to cut him off.

“She doesn’t know about us first of all. Second of all, there’s Luna’s being targeted. I am not announcing my Luna until this is all sorted.” I link him. He nods his head.

“Probably a good idea.” He links back. We walk into my office, where Sam, Liam and Damon are waiting.

Liam has a stupid grin plastered over his face. He takes an exaggerated whiff of me.

“Aww John! You didn’t mate with her! She’s Luna!” He booms.

“Not another word!” My voice thunders. All three of them bow their heads.

“Now is not the time that we announce my mates arrival. There’s Lunas being targeted.” I link to them. I see the recognition of the severity of our situation come across their eyes.

“She’s human. Makes her an even greater target.” Damn links back.

“Oh shit.” Sam mutters. The rooms silence was deafening. We all knew how important this is.

“No one speaks of her to anyone in or outside our pack until I say so. Her safety is everything. Not a single word of her to anyone. Even your mates.” I look at Alec and Liam, and they nod their heads.

“Where are the Beta’s?” I look at Alec awaiting his reply.

“Conference room.” Damon and Alec say in unison. Something passes between them and Damon grumbles under his breath.

I make my way to the conference room.

-

“I don’t like this.” Silas growls in my head. The information exchanged from the betas was concerning. The attacks weren’t random. They were calculated. But who’s behind them? What’s the purpose?

“We need to be with mate. She’s not safe.” Silas huffs. I roll my eyes at him. I want to be with her too, and we will be soon enough. I link Alec and ask him to meet me in my office. He strolls in and shuts the door behind him.

“What’s up?” He slumps down into an armchair.

“I need your help. I need to make sure Ember is safe.” He nods his head at my words.

“So I’ll be spending my time between the pack house and her.”

“Yeah. No problem. Whatever keeps Luna safe.” He looks conflicted.

“Speak your true mind Alec.” He sighs.

“Is it safe for her to spend time with you? I mean, if whoever is doing this is watching you, they’ll find her through you, no?”

Silas growls. He wants to be with our mate. I nod at Alec. It’s a great point.

“Yes. I had the same thought too. That’s why, when I’m here and can’t be with her, I need a warrior shadowing her. We obviously can’t disclose to anyone else about her so it will need to be one who already knows.” I explain. Alec nods in understanding.

“Okay, hear me out. Damon is already set up there, and visits the fire hall almost daily..” he drifts off.

“Absolutely not. He has feelings for mate.” Silas roars in my head. I don’t like it either I scold him.

“Hey man, I know you don’t like it but it might be a good idea. I’ll also be around too.” I hold my head in my hands and let out a sigh.

“Why did I have to find her now? When there’s been attacks on Lunas in the neighbouring packs.”

I feel his hand pat my shoulder.

“What matters is that you found your mate. Focus on that.” Alec tries to comfort.

“What’s she like?” Lame attempt at distracting me. I chuckle at his attempt.

“She’s amazing. Really.” I glance over at the clock. s**t, didn’t even realize the time. I stand and head for the door.

“I’m spending the day with her. Link me if anything important pops up. Otherwise don’t bother me with it.” I link him. Alec chuckles.

“You got it.” He links back. I head upstairs to my room to throw on a change of clothes before meeting her.

I pull my phone out as it chimes and see theres a text from her. And smile.

“At the risk of coming off as clingy..

Good Morning Alpha.”

“There’s many ways that I’d like to see mate cling to us.” Silas coos in my head. I chuckle at his joke.

“ Good morning, my beautiful Luna. Breakfast?” I message her back. My phone comes to life with another chime.

“ I’d love to. Where did you want to meet and what time?” Meet? Oh no, that won’t do. I check the time and see it’s a little after 8.

“What kind of man do you think I am? I’ll be picking my Luna up. 9 alright, or do you need more time?”

I place my phone down on the counter and jump into the shower. I can feel Silas is feeling anxious and excited to see her again. “I want to talk to mate.” He demands. “Are you nuts? She doesn’t know about you yet. Let’s not send her running okay?” I reason with him. He lets out a disgruntled grunt.

“Mate’s not like that. She wouldn’t run away.” He counters. I shake my head at him.

“Not yet. Soon, but not today.” I put up a block and turn the water off. I step out of the shower as my phone chimes. I feel like some stupid teenage boy you’d see in chick flick. I chuckle at myself and check her message.

“ If you insist Alpha. 9 sounds great. I’ll see you then.”

I smile at her message. It might just be my hopes talking, but I’m pretty sure she’s being flirty with me.

“ See you then beautiful Luna.” I type quickly. What do humans do when they start a relationship? Should I get her flowers? She doesn’t strike me as a flower kind of girl.

“I have an idea.” Silas’ voice came through.