Mom Is Mated To The Alpha

Chapter 8: Homecoming

The homecoming celebration was in full swing, with everyone seemingly enjoying the lively atmosphere. Drake's mother had truly outdone herself. He had been away for two months, training members of the Scarlett Crescent Pack who were dealing with rogue issues.

Upon announcing his return, his mother insisted on organizing what she called a 'ceremony,' essentially a grand welcome home party. Initially, Drake assumed her motivation was simply because he was her only son and she had missed him. But now, everything became clear, especially since Lizzie's return and learning about the tragedy that befell her best friend. His mother needed to channel her grief into something positive. Lucy's loss had deeply affected her.

As Drake surveyed the room, he observed pack members laughing and dancing, clearly enjoying themselves. Dave was on the dance floor with KC, a she-wolf from their pack. His mother was circulating throughout the room, ensuring that everyone was content and engaging in small talk. Katelyn had left moments ago to fetch drinks for them.

Leaning against the wall, Drake took in all the joyous expressions around him. He was having a good time, yet his mind kept drifting to Lizzie. He understood she needed space, but the mate bond was undeniably strong, possibly due to his status as an alpha.

"It could be because she's a formidable Lycan," Ace, his inner wolf observed as he peered through Drake's eyes to take in the scene.

"You might be right," Drake agreed. "I just wish we could see her."

Ace sighed, expressing the thought they both shared, "I want to see mate."

Feeling the need to clear his head, Drake pushed off the wall and headed outside, away from the bustling crowd. The evening air was cool and inviting as it washed over him when he stepped outside. It was wonderfully refreshing. Clusters of couples were scattered about, some holding hands, others sharing kisses under the moonlight.

"You know we could do that," came a voice from behind him, sending an unwanted shiver down his spine. He turned to face the person he had been hoping to avoid. Kendell stood there, her attire leaving nothing to the imagination, if it could even be considered a dress.

"I don't think so," Drake replied tersely, allowing a low growl to resonate in his voice. He had realized long ago that being with her was a mistake. Where on earth was Katelyn when he needed her most?

"Come on now, Drake. I was only teasing," Kendell said, her voice attempting to convey a seductive tone as she tried to move closer to him. "But I was hoping we could continue what we started before you went off to train with the Scarlett Crescent Pack. We had such a great time."

Drake was unamused by her attempt. It wasn't working for him. His mind was solely occupied with thoughts of Lizzie, not Kendell.

"Enough, Kendell. Leave me alone," he replied through clenched teeth as he distanced himself from her. "We weren't even a couple. We just had some fun, and I'm not interested in that anymore. Once things calm down, I intend to pursue my true mate."

Kendell appeared taken aback, but soon regained her composure. "You know we could be mates. I could be your chosen one."

"Not in this lifetime," Ace growled fiercely within Drake. "I want our mate. I want her NOW."

"Listen, Kendell, drop it, or I won't be sorry for how I respond," Drake warned, a threatening rumble slipping through his words.

She lowered her head in submission. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. As a peace offering, let me get you a drink. You can't stand here without one; it is your party, after all," she offered.

Drake needed her to leave, even if just temporarily, so he agreed. "Alright, a beer, please." He knew he would need to find a way to deter her upon her return but hoped Katelyn would show up before then.

She smiled, walking away to fulfill his request.

"You really were foolish to get involved with her," Ace chastised with a low growl. "I wanted to find our mate, but your impatience got the better of you."

Ace withdrew, leaving Drake to reflect on the rebuke. His wolf was clearly upset with him.

Drake made his way to a nearby tree, leaning against it to gather his thoughts before rejoining the festivities. He loved his mother dearly but felt burdened by this party tonight.

Looking around, he noticed that many of those who had been outside had returned indoors.

He sighed to himself.

In retrospect, it wasn't all that terrible. He had waited until he was sixteen to lose his virginity, but afterward, his teenage hormones had surged, leading to impulsive decisions.

Drake had a habit of engaging only with human girls, as they were unaware of his true identity and nature. For him, these encounters were strictly one-night stands, a way to relieve some tension. However, one inebriated night led him to an unexpected situation with Kendell, the first she-wolf he had ever been intimate with. This happened just a week before his departure, during a night out with the boys. While he usually didn't indulge in beer excessively, on that particular night at the pack house, he indulged in countless shots and ended up severely intoxicated. When he awoke, he found Kendell straddling him. Subsequently, she clung to him incessantly, making his departure a relief.

Drake sighed to himself, realizing the importance of ensuring that Kendell would heed his request to stay away. His heart and mind were fixed solely on Lizzie, and he was determined to show her that she was the only one he truly cared about.

Pushing away from the tree, Drake made his way back inside. The music continued to blare, and the party atmosphere was vibrant. He spotted Katelyn amidst the crowd and approached her.

"Where on earth did you disappear to? I had a beer ready for you but couldn't find you," she said. "Dave ended up taking it."

"I just needed some fresh air," Drake replied. "Ace was getting restless."

"I was not," Ace interjected as forcefully as he could, "I was just annoyed with you. Also, I want our mate."

"Welcome back, big guy, and I apologize," Drake said, trying to mollify his displeased wolf.

Before Ace could respond further, Dave stumbled over to them. "Mom has been keeping an eye on you two all night. She seems quite pleased," he remarked with a cheeky grin.