Alpha's Mateo's Human Mate

No matter how hard I focused on my investigation, my mind incessantly drifted back to those penetrating eyes, that low, gravelly voice, and his uncanny ability to meld with the shadows whenever I approached. It wasn’t merely curiosity. It was a deeper, more unsettling sensation I wasn’t ready to confront.

I wasn’t supposed to feel this way, about a stranger, and certainly not after everything I had experienced.

But this wasn’t just physical attraction. There was an invisible force drawing me towards him like we were linked by an unseen thread.

But whenever I tried to get closer, Mateo fell back like a shadow, always just beyond reach.

That afternoon, after another unproductive day of interviews, I found myself wandering aimlessly through town. My feet unconsciously guided me towards the edge of the forest.

I knew my destination before I consciously decided on it. My heart raced as I approached the forest’s edge.

I hesitated, staring into the approaching darkness. A part of me recognized the danger of venturing into the woods alone. But a stronger urge pushed me forward, compelling me to seek him out once more.

So, I continued.

The path was narrow and barely discernible in the dim light. I had to navigate carefully as I moved deeper into the woods.

The further I went, the more overwhelming the pull became.

Then, I saw him.

He stood at the edge of a small clearing with his back facing me. He didn’t move as I approached. Nor did he acknowledge me. But I knew he was aware of my presence.

“Mateo.”

He stiffened. Slowly, he turned to face me. The intensity of his gaze was almost unbearable.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“Why not?” I asked, stepping closer. “What are you afraid of?”

His jaw tightened as he stared off into the trees. “You don’t understand, Laura. This isn’t a game. There are things in this town… things in me… that you don’t want to be involved with.”

“I’m already involved,” I retorted frustratedly. “I see how people protect you. They know something. And I’m determined to uncover it… with or without your help.”

Mateo’s gaze flared with a mixture of fear, anger, and something I couldn’t name. “You don’t know what you’re asking for. You have no idea what’s at stake.”

“Then tell me,” I demanded. “What’s happening? Why do you keep disappearing? Why is everyone so scared? Help me understand.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?” I whispered, stepping closer, feeling the warmth radiating from him.

“Because I’m trying to protect you,” he growled. “I’m trying to keep you safe, but you’re making it impossible.”

I reached out, my fingers brushing his arm. The contact sent a jolt through me, and I saw him flinch as if the touch burned him. But he didn’t pull away.

“I don’t need protection,” I said softly. “I need the truth.”

Mateo’s eyes searched mine as if weighing his options. The world seemed to stand still, the air between us charged with tension.

Finally, with a frustrated sigh, he stepped back, breaking the contact. “I can’t give you that, Laura. Not yet. You need to stay away from me and this situation. For your own sake.”

He turned to leave, but I couldn’t let him go. “Mateo, wait!”

But he was already retreating into the shadows, disappearing before I could reach him. I stood there with my hand outstretched and my heart pounding. The pull towards him was stronger than ever, but so was the barrier he had erected between us.

Mateo’s POV

I shouldn’t have gone to the library. I shouldn’t have allowed her to get that close, to see me like that. But despite my efforts, I couldn’t stay away from her.

Laura was like a magnet, irresistibly drawing me in even though I knew I should maintain my distance. Every instinct urged me to protect her, to shield her from danger, to hide the truth at all costs. Yet the bond between us was intensifying, making it increasingly difficult to resist.

She was my fated mate. The realization struck me the moment I saw her, an undeniable connection older than time itself, primal and unbreakable. But it was also dangerous for her, for me, for everyone.

I had witnessed the consequences when a human became entangled with our kind. The risks were too high, the repercussions too severe. Laura didn’t deserve to be thrust into this nightmare.

Yet, the more I attempted to push her away, the more she fought to stay. Her stubbornness and persistence were driving me to the edge. Part of me wanted to surrender, to reveal everything, to embrace her and never let go. But I couldn’t.

I couldn’t let her see the monster within me.

As I retreated into the forest, I tried to clear my mind, to concentrate on the imminent threat. The full moon was only nights away, heightening tensions within the pack. The rival pack’s attacks were growing bolder and more frequent. I needed to be prepared to defend my territory and my people.

But my thoughts kept returning to her—her voice, her touch, the way she looked at me as if she could see through my defenses.

I was losing control. The bond between us was pulling me closer despite my better judgment. Each encounter with her made it harder to suppress the beast inside.

I wanted her. I needed her.

But I couldn’t have her.

Not without endangering her.

Not without risking everything.

And that was something I could never allow.

As night fell around me, I made a vow.

I would protect Laura, no matter the cost… even if it meant breaking my own heart.