ALPHA

The early morning sun peeked over the tree line as I stepped off the porch of the pack house. A sense of peace came over me as I inhaled the fresh woodsy air. I stretched my arms over my head and sighed contently.

It was early, too early for most of the pack to be awake. A perfect time for a morning run. Now able to to leave the pack house on Doctor's orders, the first thing I wanted to do was shift.

I jogged over to the edge of the forest and began to remove my shoes and jacket. Just as I was about to take off my shirt a voice startled me "Going for a run?"

I let out a shriek and nearly tumbled over. I quickly put my shirt down and turned to glare at Rhys who was staring at me in amusement. "You scared the hell out of me! Why are you sneaking around like that?" I exclaimed in annoyance.

"I assumed you heard me walking up. I wasn't exactly quiet you know." He chuckled staring down at me. I could only look up with a scowl. Damn him and his massive height.

"Yes well I was a little preoccupied if you couldn't tell." I crossed my arms and watched as his eyes flickered to my chest for a split second before looking at me again.

"I could see that." Rhys smirked before stepping closer. His scent clouded my head and it took me a moment to regain myself. Why did he have to smell so good? "Mind if I join you?"

This would be a good chance to get to know him a little better. My wolf and his hadn't spent any time together and I knew that was crucial for us as mates. I couldn't say no to that.

"Sure." I stepped back to begin removing my clothes not missing the way his eyes darkened as each material was removed "Try to catch me Alpha." The challenge was evident in my voice. My wolf wanted him to prove he was good enough to be our mate. He needed to catch us.

Not foolish enough to take all of my clothes off in front of my mate, I stood in my underwear shifted into my wolf. Not wasting a moment I took off into the woods.

I could hear the faint sound of clothes tearing followed by a howl that seemed to shake the ground. Rhys had shifted.

His thundering footsteps seemed to get closer and closer but I pushed myself to go faster. My wolf was by no means small, I was the same size as most grown male wolves but Rhys' wolf was massive. It wouldn't take him long to catch me.

I zig zagged through the trees trying to keep him from getting to me. I knew these woods like the back of my hand, I could out run him. This was all a game but I would be the one to win.

I continued to run, too distracted by the plan in my head that I didn't notice Rhys was no longer behind me. Shit. He could be anywhere right now.

Changing tactics I turned and ran towards the one place I could hide without being found. It was a small clearing in the center of the forest. Not many people knew about it. It was hidden by massive trees that acted as guards for my safe haven. No one has ever been able to find me here and neither will Rhys.

I had just crossed the threshold of the clearing when suddenly I was tackled by a large brown mass. I yelped as my body hit the ground. Standing over me triumphantly was Rhys. I could practically see the phrase in his expression 'Gotcha.'

He gave me a wolffish smile and leaned down to rub his snout against my cheek affectionately.

I huffed and pushed him away from me feeling slightly bitter that I was caught. Rhys stepped back sitting on his hunches, amusement dancing in his icy blue eyes.

We sat in front of each other saying nothing the only reason being we couldn't communicate with each other. Rhys wasn't in the pack yet which meant he wasn't connected to any one, not even me.

I'd need to change that soon.

Knowing I kept a stash of clothing here I rose up and eyed Rhys with a look that said one thing "stay here."

I wasn't entirely sure he understood me but seeing that he never moved from his spot he got the picture. I jogged over to a larger tree that contained a large hole in his trunk. Reaching into the hole, I silently hoped no woodland creature had used my clothing as their nest.

Quickly shifting and throwing on the large t shirt and shorts before anyone could see me, I pushed my hair away from my chest and made my way back to Rhys.

"We need to find you some clothes." I state getting Rhys' attention. The wolf was now laying down and resting his head on his paws. He was almost...cute for a giant predator.

Rhys chortled and stood up, his head towered over me. If I was a normal human, I would have been scared out of my wits. But I wasn't. Though his height did intimidate me a little.

Without a word he took off into the tree line leaving me alone. I rose a brow and put a hand to hips "Okay then."

It was minutes later when Rhys returned, shifted and only wearing a pair of gym shorts.

Sweet Goddess above. He was shirtless.

I did my best to look anywhere but his bare chest. My mate was insanely attractive and I found myself struggling to keep from being distracted by him.

Rhys must had sense my gaze and smirked, his eyes darkening at the sight of my lustful gaze "See something you like Princess?"

I was snapped out of my thoughts at his statement "Princess?" I rose a brow at him. I was anything but a Princess.

Rhys chuckled now standing in front of me "Hmm you're right. That nickname isn't fitting for you. I'll think of something soon." He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear lovingly.

My insides melted at his actions and I sighed contentedly against his hand "Is there anything about yourself you could tell me?" I asked hoping I didn't ruin the moment. But I wanted to know more about him. I needed to.

Rhys dropped his hand and furrowed his brows "I don't remember much. I only seem to remember the basics, favorite foods, colors, hobbies I enjoyed. But memories of my life with my pack and family are gone." He rubbed his head tiredly.

I grabbed onto his hand and tugged him down to sit with me in the tall green grass "Then let's start with the basics."

We were now sitting very close to each other. I could feel the heat radiating off of him and didn't mind it. I wanted to inch myself even closer to him. Everything about him was like a drug and I was addicted.

He chuckled and leaned back using his hands to support himself "I love the color green, I enjoy literature and I despise broccoli." He grinned at me.

I let out a giggle "Are you telling me you don't eat your vegetables Alpha?"

His face scrunched up in disgust "Goddess no. I've never been a fan of the healthier food." Rhys let out a booming laugh "I remember Killian and I used to make Sam eat all of veggies for us so our moms wouldn't find out."

"Who?" I asked in confusion. I thought he couldn't remember his past? And now he was remembering names?

Rhys seemed confused as well and put a hand to his head "Killian was my beta, I recall him clearly. He was the last person I saw before...the fire and I blacked out. And Sam...was a friend...I think. I really don't-"

"Rhys." I stopped him sensing he was trying to hard to think back on his mementoes and put a hand to his cheek bringing his attention to me "It's okay. Your memories seem to be coming back slowly, don't strain yourself too much."

He put his hand on top of mine and nodded. His eyes peered into mine and I grew lost in the swirling pools of ice blue.

"So what about you Adira? Are you part of the "I hate vegetables" club?" Rhys asks breaking me out of my trance.

I grinned and shook my head "Sorry but I'm not. My mother would have killed me if we didn't eat the healthy stuff."

"Oh gross, I'm so sorry."

Rolling my eyes I bumped my shoulder against his, bringing us even closer "It wasn't that bad." I cleared my throat "My mom always knew what was best for us. She was the amazing...strict as hell, but amazing nonetheless. Raising four girls and having an Alpha as a mate wasn't a walk in the park. Especially with Sel and I."

"I bet you two were monsters." He chuckled, I couldn't feel his breath against my shoulder. I knew he had to urge to press his lips to it comfortingly. I wouldn't have stopped him. But this was new territory. Affection wasn't something I was used to receiving or giving and we didn't know much about Rhy.

But everything in me wanted to feel his lips against mine. All in due time. We needed to take this slow.

"Oh we were. My poor dad sent us off with the warriors to train half the time because we had so much energy." I grinned and finally allowed myself to lean comfortably against him "Now to the basics?"

"To the basics."

"Let's see. My favorite color is black. I love running and exercise and I hate cupcakes."

"Wait what?" He nearly pushed me off of him to turn and look at me "You're telling me you hate the mini cups of sugar heaven? You really are a monster!"

"Hey! I didn't judge you for your dislikes!"

"That's because my dislikes are valid. Yours is pure evil! I mean who hates cupcakes?" He tapped my forehead with his finger.

I scowled and pushed his hand away playfully "Plenty of people do."

"I don't think so Ad." He sighed dramatically bringing me closer to him once more "And I think I thought you were perfect."

"Am I no longer perfect in your eyes?" I demand raising a brow.

He turned my head to look at him. I was slightly startled by the intensity in his eyes as he looked down at me. He caressed my cheek and ran his thumb across my lower lip "You will always be perfect to me Adira. So perfect, I'm not entirely sure I deserve you."

His eyes flickered down to my lips then back at me. We were both quiet for a moment, I was unsure of what he would do next but I felt my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I needed him to do the one thing we’ve been yearning to do.

Please kiss me.

"Can I kiss you?"

Unable to speak I nodded my head giving Rhys the permission he needed.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

'What about taking it slow Miss Alpha!?' My subconscious screams at me as he lowered his lips to mine.

Immediately I felt sparks erupt through my body as our lips touched. I no longer cared about taking it slow. All I cared about was the volcanic feeling of kissing Rhys. I was on a high and I don't think I wanted to come down.

He put a hand to the back of my head and pulled me closer. It was like something snapped between us and our kissing grew more intense. Rhys pulled me onto his lap allowing me to straddle him. I felt as if flames had consumed my body and I was on fire at his touch.

His hands roamed around me as if memorizing every part of my body. I ran my hand through his hair and marveled at the soft feeling of his blonde locks. Soon I was unable to breathe and pulled back to catch my breath.

Rhys brought his lips to my neck and began kissing up and down, using his teeth to nip slightly at my skin. He was searching for the place he would eventually mark me.

I gasped when I felt his teeth nip a particular spot on the base of my neck. He smiled against me "Found it." The lust was evident in his voice and it made me feel even hotter.

"Rhy." I breathed out trying to muster out words to stop us. We were entering a dangerous territory we definitely weren't ready for. "We need to stop."

As if I burned him Rhys pushed me back slightly. He looked panicked and held on to my waist tightly "I'm sorry Adira. Shit I didn't mean to take it that far. Fuck, I screwed everything up didn't I?"

"Rhys." I exclaimed chuckling "You didn't mess anything up. We just aren't ready for that yet. We're taking it slow remember?" I didn't know who I was trying to remind him or me. Perhaps the two of us.

The mate pull was strong now and I knew it wouldn't be long until we were fully mated. A jolt of excitement ran through me and I found myself wanting that.

"Right. Slow. I'm sorry." He pushed my hair back away from my face looking into my eyes as if he was searching for any anger or spite "Are we good?"

I smiled and leaned over to kiss his lips "We're good." Pecking his lips once more I stood up adjusting my hair and making myself more presentable "Come on Alpha."

"Where are we going?" He asks taking hold of my hand as we made our way out of the clearing.

"We're telling the council I found my mate."