The Secret Alpha

Chapter 3

1 year later

The smell of peppermint, and rosemary floods my senses jolting me awake. My heart is racing out of my chest as I check the time. 5:32 am. Try as I might I can’t ignore the scent that is overwhelming me so I climb out of my bed and follow the tantalizing aroma. I throw on my silk robe and head out in to the hallway.

Feeling like a woman possessed my nose leads me to the 2nd floor where the scent seems to be the strongest. Just as I round the corner, I come face to face with Carter’s intense gaze. Realization crosses his features as though the same scent had led him to me. But why on earth did he look so disappointed.

‘MATE!’ Roswen shouts in my head. My breathing accelerates as we stand there just staring at each other in shock. Electricity runs through my body at the close proximity of him. I had liked him for so long and now he was to be my fated mate. I reach out toward his face, the mate bond urging me to touch him. But to my horror he recoils in disgust before I can feel his skin under my fingertips.

“Don’t touch me.” He growls at me. He had only shifted the night before on his 18th birthday, so maybe he didn’t feel the mate bond yet.

“But you’re my-”

“Don’t say it. I’m not your anything!” Before I can say anything else he storms down the hall toward his room leaving me standing alone with my racing heart. I feel tears sting my eyes and my cheeks flush with embarrassment. What did I do to make him hate me so much. I trudge up the stairs and lock myself in my room.

‘Maybe he needs some time Vicky. Be patient, he will come around.’ I wanted believed her but my heart told me otherwise.

‘I hope you’re right.’ For a long time, I just lay on my bed under the gentle morning light shining through my bedroom window crying. My eyes begin to grow heavy and as I start to fall asleep, a knock at my door jolts me awake. The same enticing smell from before is now flooding my senses again. Carter.

I stumble out of my bed and rush to open the door for my mate. He is standing there freshly showered and looking so handsome. His unruly blonde hair dripping water on to his neck to trail down to his muscular shoulders. I had to fight the urge to lap it up with my tongue.

“I-I’m sorry Vicky, it was just shocking to find out you are my mate.” The word mate coming from his lips makes my heart flutter.

“Oh, um. It’s ok. Do you want to um talk about things?” I step to the side and gesture toward my spacious bedroom. He looks inside and shakes his head.

“No, we both need to get some rest. We can talk later.” He reaches out and gently strokes my cheek with the back of his hand and I melt in to his touch. Electric running uts way through me once again.

‘I told you he would come to us.’ Roswen loved being right

“Ok, we will talk later.” He left his hand on my cheek for one more moment before turning down the hall. My heart is pounding out of my chest and I can still feel his electric touch on my cheek. I shut the door, run to my bed, and squeal in to my fluffy pillow.

‘He likes us Roswen!’ I am practically jumping for joy.

‘It would seem he does.’ She giggles in her elegant way and I can’t help but join her. I lay back and close my eyes trying to remember how his touch felt. Before long I drifted off to sleep again. I was dreaming of a large black wolf with yellow eyes when Vinny throws my door open scarring me to death and back.

“Wake up lazy! Dad wants us at the training grounds in 20 minutes.” He saunters out leaving my door hanging wide open

‘He’s so funny.’ Roswen always found her human brother so amusing

‘I’m glad you think so.’ I groan and crawl out of bed pulling on a black tank top and a pair of my grey running shorts. Once I have my shoes strapped on, I throw my hair up in to a high ponytail and meet Vinny at the front door. He swings the door open and I follow him outside.

“So how are your classes going?” I have been taking classes online for a degree in accounting since I was 17.

“Great, I expect to have my associates in 2 years.”

“That’s great Vicky!” He nods in approval. I want to tell him about Carter but I know what he’ll think. They have never liked each other so I knew this was not going to go well.

“I found my mate.” I mumble, but I know he heard me.

“Seriously? Who?” He jumps in front of me blocking my path. I give him a look that says it all, and realization crosses his eyes.

“No. Not that a**hole?”

“He wasn’t very nice when we found out, but he came to my room and apologized. I think he wants to give in to the mate bond.” My face flushes with embarrassment.

“You should reject him.” He crossed his arms and gives me a look that tells me he is very serious.

“You’re the one who is always talking about how the moon goddess has a plan for everyone. I think he wants to try, so that is what I am going to do.” For the rest of the morning and even all through training Vinny is silent, he seems to be seething with anger, but not once does he take it out on the other warriors. He is silent on the walk back home and I can’t take his brooding anymore.

“Vinny, it will be alright.” I hope my words will soften his anger but he doesn’t seem convinced.

“I have a bad feeling about him. He’s a selfish little f**k boy who thinks he’s the s**t because his daddy is the gamma. He isn’t good enough for you.” He shakes his head and lets out a deep sigh.

“Second chances are rare you know that Vinny. I have to at least give him a chance. I’ve always liked him, you know that, I think this is why. He has always been meant to be my mate.”

“I hope you’re right sis, but be careful with him. He gives me the weirdest vibes."

“I know Vinny.”

“I hope I meet my mate soon too.” He hangs his head a little. I feel for my brother. He has a huge responsibility once he becomes our next Alpha, he will absolutely need a Luna.

“I’m sure you’ll meet her soon.”

Once I get back to the pack house, I take a quick shower, put on a cute purple skater dress and a touch of make-up. Just as I’m getting ready to find Carter I feel a strange sensation in my chest, like someone is squeezing my heart. My head feels fuzzy so I decide to take a seat on the edge of my bed, to steady myself.

‘What is happening?’ Rowan’s voice is filled with worry.

‘Might just be my nerves. I always get nervous around him.’ I lay back on my bed and try to catch my breath. I don’t want him to see me like this so I decide to wait until I feel a little bit better. After about 10 minutes or so the strange feeling finally subsides and I walk to the mirror to check myself. I fix my make up again and head to the 2nd floor.

I knock on Carters door and wait patiently for him to answer. I could faintly smell him through the door so I knew he was in there. What was taking him so long? He opens the door just enough to see his perfect body. The faint smell of jasmine seeps out making my heart skip a beat.

“Oh, it’s you. Uh, give me a few minutes and I’ll meet you downstairs in the rec room.” He smiles wide and leans out to give me a kiss on the cheek. Electric spreads throughout my body and it feels exciting and dangerous. My heart skips a few beats. Making me forget my worry moments ago.

“Ok, I’ll be waiting.” I can feel my cheeks flush. I turn and practically float down to the basement’s rec room. I take a seat on the big fluffy grey couch and flip on the TV to fill the silence. My nerves are on edge and I start to wring my hands nervously.

‘Relax he will come. He had his 1st shift last night so he probably wants to get ready.’ Roswens words help calm me and she was right as he walks in the room freshly showered only a few minutes later. I could have sworn he already showered this morning.

“Sorry, Vicky. I wanted to get a shower before seeing you.” He sits down so close to me that our thighs gentley touch. It feels so intimate and I can’t focus on anything but where our bodies are touching.

“It’s ok I understand. I just want to talk about well….” I trail off and stare at my hands in my lap.

“About us being mates?” He leans close and speaks so softly it makes my stomach do a backflip.

“Yes.” I barely manage to whisper. His hand cups my cheek pulling my attention to him and without warning he crashes his lips against mine. It catches me off guard, but I don’t want to displease him so I wrap my arms around his neck and let him kiss me. His tongue pushes at my lips urging me to open my mouth and let him in. I didn’t expect my 1st kiss to be like this, so aggressive. So fast.

“Vicky.” He moans between kisses and my body responds with a moan of its own. This was happening too fast. I needed to talk to him. I needed him to answer my questions.

“Hold on, Carter.” I push at his chest but he grabs my hands and pushes them down toward his lap. I yank my hands free and pull out of his grasp. He looks at me with irritation on his face before he lets out a frustrated sigh.

“Seriously? Things were going well why did you do that?” His voice soundems so mad, like it always does when he talks to me.

“I just want to talk. It’s not that I don’t like what we just did, I uhm, need to know what you want.” I try to straighten myself and regain my composure.

“I think it’s pretty f*****g obvious Vicky, I want you.” None of this was going how I had always dreamed. Although he is telling me he wants me, the disgust I’m used to hearing in his voice is there.

“I just want to take our time. We have our whole lives, Carter.” I place my hand on his knee and he stares at it like I have somehow offended him and I yank it back in response.

“I won’t wait around forever Vicky. I have needs.” My heart feels like it is being pierced with an arrow. Is this how the mate bond is supposed to be? So abrupt?

“I just want to do things the right way, please. Be patient with me. I want to go on dates and stay up all night talking. I don’t want us to miss out on all those things.” He gets up without word and stomps towards the door.

“I won’t wait around forever.” He states again before making his exit. Why is he so mad at me?

‘He expects you to sleep with him.’ Roswen points out.

‘I’m not one of his little she-wolfs. I’m his mate, I deserve to be treated with respect.’ I follow him upstairs and catch him just as he’s going in his room.

“Wait! Can we go on a date tonight?” He rolls his eyes at me.

“Grow up Vicky, no one does that corny s**t anymore. Once most people find their mate, they usually spend a week f**king each other’s brains out.’ He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close pressing himself against me. ‘So, unless you’re here to do that you can go ahead and run back up to the top floor princess.”

The condescending way he says princess makes my heart ache. I push out of his arms again, and storm away. Maybe he was right, maybe I was some spoiled little princesses living in a tower of delusions.

‘No, you have a right to choose when you are ready.’

‘Thank you Roswen.’ I don’t get it, it’s not like I’m demanding much. My phone dings alerting me to a text message from Carter.

‘Hey, you were right. Let’s have a date tonight. Meet me in the rec room for dinner.’ My heart flutters at the idea of a date, but why the rec room?

‘Ok! See you around 8pm?’

‘k’

I decide on a little black dress and a half ponytail with very little make-up for our dinner date. I strap on a cute pair of dress sandals and add some simple gold jewelry. Once 8 o clock rolls around, I slink past the dining room filled with the noise of dinner in full swing, to the basement stairs. Inside the rec room Carter is sitting on the couch dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a plain black t-shirt. In front of him on the coffee table are 2 heaping servings of spaghetti and 2 lit candles.

I take a seat next to him and smile at the cute setting before me. He smiles back and flips on the TV to display my favorite movie, Coraline. This was the cutest thing a boy has ever done for me and I can’t help but blush and feel a little embarrassed. He Gestures toward the setting in front of them.

“You said you wanted a date, well here you go. Do you like it?” his voice sounds so sincere I can’t help but nod my head. The mate bond willing me to except his affections.

“I love it, this is so sweet Carter.” He smiles again and pushes play before scooping up his plate. I reach out and grab mine as well and settle in for our movie. My nerves have me a little on edge so I only eat about half before I put it back on the table. I lean back and feel Carter place an arm around my shoulders and pull me close to his side.

He feels so warm that I melt in to his side, letting the mate bonds electricity race through me. His hand starts tracing little circles on my arm and I feel something deep inside me respond to the motion. I tilt my head back to look at his handsome face and admire his chocolate eyes. He looks back at me with a strange look in his eyes, like a predator hungry for its prey.

“You’re so beautiful Vicky.” With that I come undone and let out a little moan. He captures my mouth with his and kisses me with a heavier passion than earlier today. My arms fly to his neck as he turns to position himself half way over top of me. My breath is coming in pants and I feel the need to have his lips on mine again.

“Do you like the way my kisses make you feel Vicky?” He whispers in my ear before nibbling on the lobe sending shockwaves through my body. His hand grasps my thigh and begins slowly working its way toward the hem of my dress.

“Yes. Don’t stop.” I try to pull him in for another kiss but he pulls back to smirk down at me. He slowly slides his hands under my dress pushing it up around my waist. Unexpectedly he touches me through my lacey panties and I let out a gasp. His touch felt like electricity shooting through me and my body pushes in to his touch.

“You’re already so wet for me Vicky. Do you want me?” His finger massages me in little tantalizing circles making an involuntary moan escape my throat.

“Mmmmm, yes.” I feel like passion has taken control and I can’t turn back now. In one swift move he yanks my panties down and pushes himself between my legs. Before I can take time to think he pulls his c**k free and begins rubbing it against me. My body feels like it is vibrating with each stroke but much too quickly he thrusts his c**k inside me with one hard motion.

“Ahhh!” I cry out in pain at the sudden fullness like nothing I have ever felt before. My entire body tenses in response, but he does not give me a moment to adjust before he is pumping in and out of me with rough thrusts. My body feels like it will break under the onslaught and I clench my jaw to try to help ease the pain.

Thankfully after only a few minutes he releases himself inside of me and stops his violent thrusts. I feel tears stinging my eyes from the discomfort I am feeling all over. Is this how the first time is supposed to be? He hovers over me staring down in my eyes with that same smirk on his face.

“Look at the Alpha’s precious daughter, staring up at me with such lustful eyes.” His voice is filled with condescension and I feel like a bucket of cold water has been dumped on my head.

“What? What the f**k is that supposed to mean?” I have had guys try to pursue me plenty of times for my Alpha blood but it was crushing to see that Carter was no different. I push him off of me and scrambled to pull myself together. I hurriedly put my panties back on before turning a glare on my mate.

“Did you honestly believe I wanted to be your mate?’ He sits back and pushes his hair back from his face. He chuckles as if I am some amusing little play thing. ‘Just like the she-wolf this morning, you spread your legs so easily. Unlike her though, you will bear my pup and it will have the Alpha status that I deserved. To think that some moronic little spoiled princess like you has Alpha blood.”

“You can’t be f**king serious.’ But the look of disdain in his eyes screamed at me that he was very serious. ‘But we’re mates Carter. How could you do this to me?”