The Alpha Begs for Second Chance

Conrad kept close to her as they made their way toward the forest. He’s got this prickly feeling in his chest whenever he caught another guy looking at his mate. It was an irritating feeling, but he knew he needed to keep it under control.

Alice noticed his closeness, but it did make her feel safe in this unfamiliar territory. At one point, he grabbed her wrist and held it as they walked. Then, he started telling her the areas in the pack that they’d come across. She looked around and felt a certain level of calm in her heart. This place seemed to have that effect on her. It looked peaceful. It was simple and neat, but that was its beauty.

She frowned at how organized and tidy the place was. Her old pack was known for being chaotic and messy. The environment alone kept her alert and on guard. But here . . . she liked the momentary feeling she was having. She took in a deep breath and then smelled his scent again. Apples. At some point, his hand had moved toward hers and clasped it. It was warm and seemed to be sending a tingly feeling through her arm toward her body. She knew this was a result of the mate bond. She wanted to be as close to him as possible.

He tugged her towards the woods they were in yesterday, and she simply followed while staring at him.

She actually found her mate, but what should she do now? Last night, she hadn’t been able to make a decision. It’s a good thing that she didn’t want to let go, but her conscience couldn’t let them suffer because of her. She had to go.

Sensing her feelings, Conrad squeezed her hand and stopped walking. She bumped into him, a clear indication that she was spacing out.

“I’m sorry.” She looked around, unsure why they stopped walking. This wasn’t the place.

“You look sad.” He carefully touched her cheek, and she savored the feeling.

Alice bit her lip. Yeah, she was. She stared directly at him. She would commit his appearance to her memory. She was happy to have simply met him, so she smiled.

Sighing, Conrad asked, “Can you tell me what your situation is? Your companions couldn’t tell us much. All they know is that you’re being hunted. Who’s after you and why are they hunting you down?”

This was the task his father gave him, but he was equally curious. Why would anyone want to hurt his mate? An indescribable anger surged from within him, and she felt it. Her eyes widened, and she tried to pull her hand away.

Conrad closed his eyes and took deep breaths, but he didn’t let her go.

“Sorry. I just . . . I’m angry because there are people who want to hurt you. I won’t let them hurt you. I’ll protect you.”

His words were sweet, but she couldn’t . . .

After she retrieved the daggers, she would ask them for supplies. Then, she would be off. Just like that, she had made her decision. Her heart ached, but it was what she must do.

“Alice?”

“I have to leave. I can’t stay here.”

Her words alarmed him.

“No. You have to stay. This is your home now.” There was urgency in his voice, and he gripped her hand tighter.

Home. That sounded nice.

“I can’t . . .” she told him again.

“Why can’t you?” he pressed for an answer.

Alice shook her head. “I don’t want to cause you trouble. They would attack your pack if I stay here.”

Just thinking about it made her feel so much guilt. Her mother died protecting her.

“We know that part already. And as my mate, do you really think I would simply let you go? I’m going to protect you. My father agreed it’s the right thing to do.”

“It’s too risky . . .” she continued. “Members of your pack could die if they attack.”

“We’ll be prepared for that. We’re not exactly weak.”

Seeing the doubt on her face, Conrad knew he must convince her.

“It’s the Silver Crescent, right? They’re notorious for their strength and brutality, sure, but I can assure you that we can take them on. Won’t you trust me?”

Okay, it might have been too early to ask that from her. They didn’t know each other yet, but here he was, asking her to trust him.

“Alice, you’re my mate. That means you’re going to be this pack’s Luna later on. There are no coincidences to the moon goddess, is there? You’re meant to be here.”

Alice very much wanted to believe his words and rely on him. But could she really?

“Why don’t you tell me the situation first? That way we would be more prepared. We need to know what you know to do that. You can tell me anything, Alice.” He liked saying her name. It still felt surreal to him that he found her after so many years. It was a good thing that he waited until now. The elders had already advised him to choose a mate instead. Thankfully, he didn’t listen.

“I ran away from my pack,” she began after a few minutes of silence as they stared at each other.

He nodded and encouraged her to continue.

“Alpha Walter wants me dead,” she admitted.

Conrad frowned at this. “Why?” Why would that vicious wolf want her dead?

“He . . . he killed my mother. He k-killed his mate. He’s my f-father.” Her voice trembled as she told him the truth.

Conrad inhaled deeply as she finally gave him some answers. So, some of the rumors were true. The guy actually killed his own mate. But that begged the question, why?

The rumors . . . somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to ask her. ‘Are you sure he’s your father? Why would he want you dead if he is?’

The implication would be . . . her mother was truly unfaithful. Then, who was her father?

Alice watched his expression closely.

“They’re saying he may or may not be my father, aren’t they?” she asked in a low voice, her expression turned serious. She considered it, and it could be possible. Otherwise, the man who showed her love for many years wouldn’t just . . . kill his own flesh and blood.

“Your mother didn’t tell you anything?” Since she brought it up, Conrad simply wanted to make sure.

Alice shook her head. Her mother didn’t say anything. She couldn’t even understand how her father could possibly know what the truth was. He came home one night with the intent to murder them. It was horrifying. Remembering that night made her cry, and Conrad was alarmed to see her tears.

“I’m sorry. I promise he won’t be able to come near you. I’ll protect you.” He enclosed her in his arms, and she finally let herself grieve. It had been so long, and she’d been enduring so much.