ALPHA

Growing up I had never been one for physical touch. I didn’t enjoy hugging friends or sharing high-fives with fellow warriors, I was content with no touch at all. There were a few times I allowed myself to embrace my parents and on rare occasions, my sisters but other than that, I stayed away from any form of intimacy. And that’s the way I liked it.

But waking up in Rhys’ arms might have changed my thoughts on that.

I awoke before he did which gave me time to actually admire him without being caught. His golden tanned arm was wrapped around my waist and I assume during the night he tugged me closer. My head laid between the crook of his neck giving me full access to his heavenly scent.

Pulling away from his embrace I leaned back to study my mate’s sleeping form. In the moment I was thankful I had such a large bed, if it were any smaller Rhys wouldn’t be able to fit it in. His long legs just barely met the end of the mattress and his broad shoulders took up most of his side.

I smiled at the sight and glanced up at his sleeping face. It was refreshing to see Rhys look so calm and relaxed. He was usually walking around with a passive and stoic look, never one to show his emotions. Unless he was with me of course. It was a privilege I didn’t take lightly.

His brows were slightly furrowed and his full lips were slightly parted allowing soft snores to escape his mouth every few seconds. His long blonde lashes fluttered slightly with every breath.

Rhys Carson was breathtaking.

I wasn’t entirely sure how I was chosen to be with someone like him but thank Goddess that I was. I sighed contentedly and ran my hand through his dirty blonde locks. This would be a moment I wouldn't forget.

I knew he was lying when he said he was just passing by when he heard me last night, it was pretty difficult to hear inside my bedroom without loud noises being made. I wasn’t upset though, I enjoyed having Rhys at my side all night. It was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time. I felt complete with him near me.

I just hoped he opened up to me about his nightmares soon. The distraught look on his face last night nearly broke my heart. I would do anything to never see that look again.

Deciding I wasn’t ready to get out of bed, I sat up and pulled the sheets to my chest as I leaned against the headboard. If I wasn’t going to perform my duties on time today I should at least get a run down from Lucas.

My brows furrowed when I was met with a barrier from Lucas. It wasn’t like him to shut me of all people out like that. I pressed harder and after a minute or two I was able to get ahold of a slightly out of breath Lucas.

“Morning Alpha.”

I rose a single brow “Busy morning?”

Grunt. “You could say that.” Groan “Is there something you need?”

“Is this a bad time? I wanted to discuss the Gathering of-”

A moan from Lucas cut me off making me shriek into the mindlink “Oh my God Luc, are you?!”

“Shit Ad, I’ll mind link you later!”

My mouth hung open as I was met with silence once again.

Oh my goddess above. Was I just talking to my best friend while he was taking care of himself? Lucas and I were close but not that close.

“You look utterly mortified, what happened?” Rhys’ raspy voice startled me from my revulsion and I turned my head to see him studying me with an amused smile on his face.

“I think I just caught Lucas at as bad time.” I muttered feeling my face heat up in embarrassment.

Rhys rose a brow “Do I want to know?”

“No.” I shuddered.

“Guess he’s having a good morning with Sel.” He chuckled leaning over to peck my shoulder.

“What do you mean?” I demand feeling the mortification grow inside of me.

“I caught Sel sneaking to Lucas’ room last night.” He shrugged.

”You don’t think-“

“Oh I do. I believe you just caught your best friend and sister enjoying themselves.” He didn’t bother to hide how amusing this situation was to him.

“Oh Goddess I think I’m going to be sick.” I dry heaved playfully. Rhys let out a booming laugh and pulled me in for a morning kiss. At that moment I didn’t give a damn about morning breath.

“Good morning.” He greets softly. The happiness was evident in his eyes and I felt proud that I was the reason for that.

“Good morning.” I didn't bother to hide my smile and brought myself closer to cuddle beside him. It was almost unnatural with how comfortable I was with Rhys. He brought out a different side of me I didn’t know existed. The more affectionate side of me.

“What’s on the agenda today?” He asks rubbing his hand up and down the length of my arm soothingly.

I let out a tired sigh and cuddle closer into his side “The Gathering of Alphas is tomorrow, we’ll be finalizing everything today. That means I’ll have dozens of she wolves asking for my approval on useless things. I mean who the hell cares about the colors of napkins or which Alpha sits next to who.” I growled out in frustration.

Rhys chuckled and kissed the top of my head “While I agree on the napkin ordeal, the seating for Alphas is pretty important.”

I sat up and turned to face him in confusion “It is?”

His lips turned up and he nodded his head “Not all packs are allies, Adira. You will have many Alpha’s and their Luna’s attending tomorrow’s event, some are not friendly towards each other. It’s best to sit allies or neutral standing Alpha’s together.”

There were times where I forget that Rhys was an actual Alpha who led his pack from the ripe age of 20. He had at least 5 years worth of experience and it was intimidating at times.

“I guess you’re right. I should make sure Lucas has a list of allies amongst the packs.” I murmured throughtfully.

“That would be wise. Now enough on that.” He pulled me close and locked his lips with mine. My eyes widened in surprise before they closed in bliss.

Kissing Rhys never seemed to get old. Each time brought a new sense of pleasure for me. I found it amusing that merely a kiss could have that much effect on me. I couldn’t imagine what the mating process would be like.

Never breaking our kiss Rhys pulled me across his lap to where I was straddling him. I mewled slightly at the new position and feeling his hardness beneath me.

We were now in dangerous territory once again. This time I wasn’t sure so I wanted us to stop. Rhys cared about me and I cared about him, a lot, so what was the big deal?

I knew that it was. I wanted us to mate right, to be together under the stars on the night of the mating ceremony. If I wanted that for Rhys and I, I would need to stop this soon before we went too far.

Rhys lips traveled down my neck leaving a raging heat in its wake. My breathing sped up at the intense feeling he left with each kiss. A growl of pleasure left his mouth at my soft moans. He was happy with knowing that he was giving me pleasure.

“Rhys.” I pant out.

“Yes sweetheart?” He murmured distractedly never moving his lips from my neck. I felt the hairs on my neck stand at the sound of his deep voice against my skin.

“We need to stop.” I clutched his t shirt in between my fingers and sighed.

He paused and pulled back, remorse on his face.The dark swirls of lust in his eyes slowly retreated “Shit I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

I put a hand on his cheek and smiled reassuringly “It’s okay Rhys. It’s not that I don’t enjoy this, I just want us to do things right. I want to be with you on the night of the mating ceremony.”

“You do?” He asks in disbelief. I could see the lust return in his eyes followed by excitement.

I nodded biting my lip “Yes.”

He growled in pleasure and brought our lips together once again, this time much more rough. Rhys pulled back with a look of determination “Then we will do just that. I will give you the night you deserve Adira. Because I-“ He paused before clearing his throat nervously “Because I care about you.”

I had a feeling there was more to Rhys wanted to say but I didn’t push on it.

Feeling grateful for an understanding mate I leaned up and pecked his lips softly “Thank you Rhys.”

“Anything for you Adira.”

We laid in bed a few minutes longer before getting up to have some breakfast. I felt refreshed and ready to take on the day. It’s been years since I’ve felt this relaxed.

I had to thank the male holding my hand right now for that.

When Rhys and I entered the kitchen we spotted Selene and Lucas eating pancakes at the table alone. I watched as they snuck knowing smiles at each other before turning back to their plates.

“Good morning Lucas, Selene.” Rhys greets them first getting their attention.

Lucas jumped slightly at the sound of his voice “What’s up Rhys, Ad.” His face turned red slightly. I noticed Selene eating at a much faster pace since we entered the kitchen. She knew I knew. This was going to be fun.

“Just having some breakfast.” I shrug taking a bite of an apple from our fruit tray “Did you take care of your situation earlier?”

Rhys let out a chuckle that he covered with a cough. Selene choked on her orange juice merely spitting it out. Lucas looked over at his mate with worry before stiffy nodding his head “Yep. All good now.”

Selene abruptly stood nearly toppling over the chair she was sitting in “I’m going to train, see you guys later.”

“I’ll join you.” Rhys offers making Sel groan in annoyance.

My sister acted like she hated Rhys but I knew she saw him as a brother. It warmed my heart to know my stubborn and hard hearted sister viewed Rhys as family.

With Sel and my mate gone, Lucas and I were now left alone.

I took Selene’s spot and stared at my best friend impassively. He looked insanely nervous and it almost made me crack my facade. Almost.

“Adira just let me-“

I held my hand up stopping him “I don’t want to know.”

“But-“

“I don’t want to know. All I care about is the Gathering of Alphas.” I say honestly. I didn’t care about Lucas and Selene’s private lives. I was just happy they were finally together. At least I hoped they were.

Lucas sighed deeply and nodded his head “Okay. Everything is nearly ready. We’ll have to do a walk through of the event room before finalizing anything. There will be many she-wolves who want to talk to you about small details so it’s going to be a long day.”

I bit back a groan of annoyance then stood to my feet. Party planning was the last thing on my mind at the moment.

“Alright. Let’s get to work shall we?”

Next chapter is the Gathering of Alpha’s, what do you all think will go down?

I just want to say a quick THANK YOU to everyone who has read, commented, liked, and added this story to your lists! Seeing so much love for this book has kept me going and pushed me to write more. So again, thank you!

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