When The Wolf Ran

Chapter 3 - Choices

Alexander — POV

“Alpha... you are going to be late,” Jenn yelled from her desk.

Jenn was my personal assistant. She did so much to help me as I was finding my feet as the new Alpha of Blackwood Pack. Taking over the pack at twenty-four wasn't exactly easy, especially with all the responsibilities that came with it.

I got up from my desk and grabbed my car keys.

“Do I have to go?” I asked Jenn.

“Of course, Alpha. Your mother might never forgive us if you don't.”

She handed me a bunch of flowers.

“Oh, Jenn, you shouldn't have,” I said sarcastically.

“Those are for your mother,” she said, rolling her eyes.

I laughed.

Jenn wasn't a shifter like us. She was human, but she had been living in the pack for years because she was fated to a wolf. She had been my father's personal assistant for many years, and now she was mine until we could find a replacement.

She was tiny, maybe 5'1", with curly grey hair and big glasses that sat on her face with a thin pink string attached to them.

“Thank you, Jenn. What would my life be without you?”

“Probably a disaster,” she replied.

I smiled and headed towards my SUV.

I started driving towards my parents' new home, which was on the outskirts of the pack territory. My father had had it specially built for my mother. It was beautiful, with huge windows overlooking the forest and a large porch where my mother loved to sit in the evenings.

I now lived in the pack house on the Alpha floor by myself, while my Beta, Reed, lived on the floor beneath me.

Reed and I had been best friends for years. Our parents were best friends, so we had practically grown up together.

And then there was Lena.

Reed's little sister.

Lena was nineteen years old, and she had been around us for as long as I could remember.

She had also been waiting for me for just as long.

I knew it.

Everyone knew it.

She had always looked at me differently. Even when we were younger, I could tell that she had a crush on me. As she got older, that crush had turned into something more serious.

My parents loved the idea of us together. Reed's parents loved it too.

They believed Lena would make the perfect Luna for the Blackwood Pack.

And, if I was being honest with myself, I could understand why.

Lena was absolutely gorgeous. She had long, curly brown hair and big, beautiful brown eyes. She was kind, loyal, and had grown up understanding what it meant to be part of a powerful pack.

But I wasn't in love with her.

At least, I hadn't been.

I had always wanted to find my fated mate.

That was what I had imagined for myself.

But lately, I had started wondering if I was being foolish.

My father was right about one thing. I was the Alpha of one of the biggest and most respected packs in North America. I had responsibilities, and one day I would need an heir.

Maybe I couldn't keep waiting for a mate who might never come.

I drove up the driveway and parked next to Reed's SUV.

My dad, Reed's dad, and Reed were relaxing on the porch.

“Son, finally! You made it.”

My dad got up and hugged me.

I greeted them all before heading inside to greet the ladies.

I gave my mother the bunch of flowers, much to her delight.

“You're just on time. Dinner is going to be served in ten minutes,” she said in her sweet, sing-song voice.

I grabbed myself a scotch and headed back outside to join the men.

“So...” my dad started, lowering his voice. “Have you asked her yet?”

“Dad... I don't know.”

I sighed.

“Yes, she's very beautiful, and she'll make a wonderful Luna, but I want my fated mate.”

“I know, son.” He looked at me seriously. “But you are twenty-four years old. This pack is huge and needs two leaders.”

I took a sip of my drink.

“When I was your age, I already had your mom pregnant with you. You are the Alpha of the biggest and most well-respected pack in North America. You can't afford distractions, and you also need to start thinking about an heir.”

I sighed.

He was right.

I hated disappointing my parents, and I knew I had a duty to fulfil.

I also knew that Lena wasn't a bad choice.

She was someone I trusted. Someone I had known my entire life.

Maybe that was enough.

“Dinner is ready!” Mom yelled towards us.

We all went inside and settled into light conversation around the table.

My mom had outdone herself. She served Hungarian goulash with vegetables, and we all had hearty helpings.

After dinner, my dad played pool with Reed and Reed's dad, Uncle Eric.

Mom and Aunt Pam sat on the couches in front of the fire with some cocktails.

I went out back to the porch and found Lena sitting on the railing, looking out at the forest.

“Hey...” I said as I handed her a root beer.

“Oh, Alex. Come sit here next to me.”

She smiled and beckoned me over.

I sat next to her, and we both took sips of our drinks.

For a few moments, neither of us said anything.

I could feel my heart beating a little faster.

I had known this girl practically my entire life.

She had been Reed's annoying little sister when we were children. She used to follow us around everywhere, desperate to be included.

Now she was a beautiful young woman sitting next to me, waiting for me to say something that she had probably been waiting years to hear.

“So... uhmmm...” I cleared my throat.

“What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?” she asked, giggling softly.

I smiled.

“Lena... do you... would you be interested in... well, being my girlfriend?”

Her eyes immediately lit up.

“Really? I mean... of course! But do—”

I stopped her right there with a kiss.

The kiss felt... good.

Safe.

Familiar.

When I pulled away, I looked at her.

“Lena, I want us to take things slow. I want this to be forever.”

Her eyes immediately filled with tears.

“I thought you would never ask me, Alex,” she said softly.

I felt a small ache in my chest.

I knew how much this meant to her.

“I should have asked you sooner,” I said quietly.

She smiled through her tears.

“I'm so happy. I promise you, I'll be the best Luna this pack has ever seen.”

She wiped the tears from her cheeks.

I smiled and stood up, holding my hand out to her.

“Come on. Let's go tell them.”

She took my hand.

We walked back into the house together, and as soon as my mother saw us holding hands, she exploded with joy.

“Oh my goodness! Finally!”

Everyone started laughing.

The rest of the evening was spent talking about pups, announcing our relationship to the pack and, of course, ceremony dresses.

I couldn't help but laugh.

“Let's wait until after the trip to announce it,” I said.

“What trip?” Lena asked.

“We're going to some pack far away for a ball,” Reed explained.

“Lena should go with you,” my mom chirped.

“Yes, that's a great idea. I'll ask Jenn to book her a ticket,” I replied.

Lena smiled brightly.

I could see how happy she was, and I hoped I was making the right decision.

I didn't want to hurt her.

I didn't want to disappoint my parents.

And maybe, just maybe, I could learn to love her the way she had always loved me.

Eventually, the night came to an end, and I took Lena home.

Before she got out of the car, she leaned over and kissed my cheek.

“Goodnight, Alex.”

“Goodnight, Lena.”

I watched her walk towards her house before driving away.

Chase, my wolf, was unusually quiet.

He wasn't exactly pleased with my decision.

I could feel his uneasiness through our bond.

But I pushed the feeling aside.

I had made my choice.

Lena had wanted this for years.

Now I was finally giving us a chance.

And I hoped we would have a wonderful life together.