Page 44 of Alpha Mates

I accepted a long time ago that they were just another thing I had to live with now, and it wasn’t fine, but it was life.

Then this morning, that alarm had gone off, Julian groaned, and that was all it took. Julian had made a single sound, and the need to keep my mate comfortable had overrun everything else.

The second it fell quiet again, Julian murmured something against my neck and fell back asleep. He didn’t know what he’d done for me then, just like he doesn’t know he’s the only reason I’m able to sleep at all. He’s oblivious, and I thank Goddess for it because I don’t know what I’d do ifJulian was aware of half the things going on in my mind these days.

We have to go,Max nudges, whining because he’s no more inclined to leave than I am.

I want to deny it, but having Julian wrapped in my arms and in my scent brings a pleasure that’s primal in nature, but that doesn’t make it any less real, or any less mine.

We’ll come back to him,Max promises when I don’t budge.The sooner we go, the sooner we can come back.

The promise of more is the only thing that gets me to move.

I go slowly, not wanting to wake him now any more than I had earlier, but the moment I’m out of his grasp, his breathing falters. I freeze. Julian shifts, stretching his hand to search the space I’d filled a moment ago. Restless now, his brows furrow, and I stand perfectly still beside the bed. I wait for him to settle, but when a soft whine slips past his lips instead, my swollen heart collapses on itself.

“Shit.” Bending down, I slide my hand over his face, brushing the hair away so that I can see him. “Hey, I’m just going out for a bit,” I whisper. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

If Julian hears my whispered words, then they help, because he slowly calms, relaxing back into the mattress.

My lips twitch up as I pinch his cheek. “Who knew you were so needy?”

Aiden!

Tugging my hand away, I draw myself back and rush out of our room as if it’s on fire. I fight every base instinct to return to Julian’s side, but duty is now slamming its fist against the door, and I can’t ignore it.

Afterwards, I remind myself.You can go back to being weird about Julian afterwards.

“Morning everyone,” I greet when I reach the meeting point at the back of the packhouse. I’m happy to find all twenty of my volunteers waiting, even if some of them are still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

“Thanks for coming out. I know you’re all probably exhausted, so let’s get this done quickly.” They hum their agreement as they listen in. “We’re just scouting today. I want to know exactly where the woods are densest and if there’s any sign of others living out there. If you run into anyone or anything, do not engage. Send word and get back to the pack. Does everybody understand?”

“Yes, Alpha.” My pack say it without hesitation, while the Black Moon members stumble a bit. I can’t blame them for it. Until Julian and I mate properly—if we ever get that far—then technically, their alpha is still sleeping upstairs.

“We’ll be splitting up into three groups. Antony?” A large bearded man steps forward. “Julian recommended you. If you’re good with it, you’ll lead our first team.”

“I would be happy to,” he replies with a slight bow. “Thank you.”

The palpable tension around the Black Moon wolves eases. Clearly, they’ve been worried about being alienated with me in the lead, but with time, they’ll see that my problems with their alpha don’t extend to them. Hells, I barely had problems with their alpha anymore.

“Madison, you’re leading our second team. I’ll take the last.” We divide up quickly and when everyone stands in their groups, I clap my hands together. “Alright, each group has a mix of members from each pack, so remember to communicate outside the link. Listen to your team leaders, stay safe, and watch each other’s backs. We regroup at five.”

This time, a more resounding, “Yes, Alpha,” comes before we all shift.

It’s as easy as breathing, a simple call for the other side of me that brings my wolf to the forefront, with Maximus’s help. One moment I’m on two legs, the next I’m on all fours, looking at the world through sharper eyes.

A quiet settles over me as I relax into my wolf. With all the shit that’s happened since the coronation, it’s been more than two weeks since I last shifted, and that’s never good. A werewolf needs to run, stretch their hind legs, and justbea wolf, and I’m no different. I can already feel my brain shifting gears as I let myself fall into my baser instincts with an eagerness.

Around me, the wolves keep their heads bent, with gazes respectfully lowered. I huff my approval before I set off. The wolves assigned to my team run after me while the others set off in other directions.

I really needed this,Max groans, lending me his strength as we bound through the woods.

Me too. I’m sorry I kept you locked up for so long. Things have been … different.

You mean with Julian being our mate?he asks sarcastically.Yeah, Aiden, things have been different.

I laugh and shake my head.It could be worse.

Could it?he retorts with a huff.Six years of begging you to slit his throat, now all I want to do is kiss it.