The Alpha’s Fated Phoenix

Mates

Eva POV

Lily and Ivy take off towards the cabana, and I follow as I brace myself. “Why are you so tense? We have found the one who is made for us.” Celeste questions my hardened resolve. 

“Because I don’t have time for a mate, and I don’t trust any wolf who is not Lily.” I reply in my head. 

“Eva, I know you have only experienced a tainted version of wolves, but Alpha James was deranged after the loss of his fated mate, you cannot judge all others from his actions alone.” Celeste scolds me gently.

“Well until I am certain this wolf is not deranged, we are keeping our guard up.” I command, right before Celeste blocks me out.

Once we near the three men, the girls hang back allowing me to take the lead. I plaster on a fake customer service smile, “Hello gentlemen. My name is Eva, and the girls behind me are Lily and Ivy,” I gesture to each as I introduce them, and they smile at the men in turn, “Can we get you some refreshments?”

The tall, dark, and dangerously handsome one stares at me hard from his seat on the six-person, L-shaped cushioned sofa, and I feel my throat go dry. Fortunately the tattooed blondie beside him says, “Refreshments can wait for a moment. I am Austin, the slightly less attractive one of there is Derik,” he says pointing over at the shorter, but very buff man reclined back in the lounge chair who nods and smiles, “and the big, brooding guy here is Tyler.” At this introduction Tyler snaps his head to look over to Austin suddenly. “Sorry man, I had to say it. Chill the hell out before you scare these lovely ladies.” Austin quietly mutters to Tyler. 

Tyler clears his throat before smiling at me, “I apologize for my lack in manners, I was lost in thought.” His voice is deep and soothing, and I shiver slightly.

“No need to apologize.” I smile at him, while thinking that there was definitely a need for an apology. “So refreshments?” 

“What is your favorite drink?” Austin directs his question to Lily as she gawks at him, and totally misses his question. 

“Lily prefers the sparkling moscato, however I would recommend our top shelf scotch for men of your stature.” I answer for her. Lily gives me a quick look of thanks before her eyes are lost on Austin again. 

“We’ll take both.” Austin grins at Lily.

I grab Lily’s arm and direct her back towards the bar, where she finally regains her senses. 

“Sorry Eva, but it’s taking everything I have to hold back Delilah from jumping Austin’s bones.” Lily blushes as she explains her awkwardness. 

“I understand, your mate bond already has you drawn to him, just help me get these drinks together and you will have a chance to get to know your mate soon.” I reply, grabbing the bottle of scotch from the top shelf while Ivy digs out the bottle of moscato from the cooler. Lily grabs three wine glasses and three scotch glasses, before she begins filling two ice buckets. Ivy places the moscato in one bucket and a pair of tongs in the other before we head back to the cabana.

When we return to the three men, Austin has scooted down to the far end of the L-shaped sofa. We set up the glasses, buckets and bottles on the table. Tyler leans forward taking the bottle of scotch from me, his fingers brushing mine which sends electric shocks through my body, he tenses as he feels them too.

“Ice?” I ask the three men. Austin and Derik nod their approval while Tyler says shakes his head in decline. I take the tongs and place three cubes of ice in two glasses as Tyler pours the scotch. Austin reaches out to the table, pouring the wine before he hands a glass to each Lily and Ivy, before offering one to me. 

“Thank you, I could definitely use this.” I admit honestly. 

“So my pretty little mate, are you going to come sit by me so we can get to know one another?” Austin smiles at Lily who blushes before she takes a seat on the sofa beside Austin with her wine glass in hand. 

Ivy walks over to Derik with her wine in hand, and looks at him for a moment. Ivy then reaches out slowly and places her hand on his arm before her eyes light up. “You are my mate.” She says definitely. 

“I am.” Derik smiles at her, before c*****g his head to the side, “However I do not sense your wolf?”

Ivy grins, “Oh, that’s because I’m not a wolf. I’m a fairy.” 

Derik’s smile widens as he reaches for her, and suddenly Ivy is on his lap, curled up in his arms as they kiss one another passionately. I avert my gaze which finds its way to Tyler’s steel gray eyes.

“What are you?” Tyler asks me.

“I’m not a wolf, nor am I a fairy.” I answer, while refusing to reveal the truth.

“You’re certainly not a human.” Tyler responds. 

“You are correct.” I reply, tossing my hair over my shoulder. 

“So that’s how it’s going to be?” He gives me a playful smirk.

“This is exactly how it will be, until I have reason to trust you.” I answer firmly.

Tyler chuckles before saying, “Alright, well would you mind sitting down and joining me so we can get to know one another?” 

I consider this for a moment, before Celeste lowers her block to me, “Do it.” She urges.

I sigh before taking a seat to the right of Tyler while leaving a gap between us. I look to my sister who has her legs draped over Austin as they are engaged in a game of 20 question, and Ivy is cuddled up to Derik while they are deeply involved in their own intimate conversation.

“So, Tyler, tell me about yourself.” I turn sideways to face him on the sofa, my legs tucked under myself.

“I can do that.” He says before taking a swig of his scotch then resting it on the table. Tyler sits back turning slightly towards me, draping his right arm around the back of the sofa. “Let’s see. My name is Tyler Cross, I’m the Alpha of Crystal Moon, Austin is my Beta, and Derik is my Gamma. I have two supportive parents, Samuel and Jessica Cross, who are currently holding down the fort for me, while we take some much needed R&R from our duties. I also have twin younger siblings, Jewel and Jared. Jewel is the Luna of Crescent Moon, with her mate being Alpha Ricard Black. Jared is our lead trainer with his mate Valerie.”

“So your brother’s mate is a warrior?” I ask, slightly taken aback. Alpha James would never have allowed a shewolf to lead in the pack.

“Yes, all of our pack train, and Val is one of the fiercest warriors we have.” Tyler informs me. “Your turn.” He smiles at me.

“Ok, well as you know, my name is Eva, Lily is my sister and only living relative, and we work here at the resort.” I quickly detail.

Tyler waits a moment for me to continue, to which I respond by taking a sip of my moscato. He raises his eyebrow at me before asking, “And?”

I shrug my shoulder, “And what?” 

He lets out a dramatic sigh of exasperation, “That’s all you’re going to tell me?” 

“What else would you like to know?” I ask.

“Everything.” He says looking deeply into my eyes, as his thumb finds my shoulder and begins tracing soft circles on my skin, his touch is electrifying. 

“Fine. My name is Evalynn Rose, My father was the human fated mate to my mother, before he died trying to protect us from traffickers. My mother ran with me to a nearby wolf pack, who gave us sanctuary in return for her to take the place as the Alpha’s chosen Luna. Together they created my sister, but our mother died three days after she was born. The Alpha ordered me to raise her and we’ve been inseparable ever since.” I explain, quietly. Tyler’s hand gently grips my shoulder as I recall my history to him.

“How old were you?” Tyler’s eyebrows furrow as he asks.

“8.” I almost whisper.

His expression is sorrow-filled as he says, “But you were just a child, who looked after you?”

I shrug, “I had some help from the packhouse Omegas who pitied me, but for the most part it was just me, raising myself and my sister.” I admit.

“I’m sorry for all you’ve suffered.” Tyler says as he massages my shoulder.

“Well, it made me learn strength and independence. My sister and I ran away as soon as we were able, and we relocated here to make a life for ourselves.” I reply, simply.

“I’d like to make a new life for you, if you’d let me.” Tyler says looking deeply into my eyes once more.

“I appreciate your generosity but I cannot accept.” I tell him firmly.

“Eva, you are my mate. Which means you are destined to be the Luna of my pack. I will give you time to trust me, and I will spend every moment until then proving to you that you belong with me.” Tyler vows.

I rest my head against the back of the sofa as he continues massaging my shoulder, as we sit quietly, sipping our drinks and looking into one another’s eyes.