The Wanted Alpha

Chapter 30 - Ghosts

Ethan

The nuzzling against my cheek stirred me awake, my mate's shining smile greeting me as I opened my eyes.

"And here I thought you wore me out last night" she grinned down at me.

My brows furrowed in confusion. I took in my mate's appearance, fully dressed with a clean, fresh meadow scent and daylight shining through the crack in the curtains. 

What time was it?!

Looking over at the bedside clock it read 9:07am. I hadn't slept in late like this in years, good job I wasn't leading the training today till noon. Maybe it was sleep catching up on me from the other night, constantly checking on April. I don't remember waking at all last night.

"You better hurry up and get ready. I haven't eaten yet and Jude mind-linked me to say there's oat and berry pancakes with my name written all over them" she said while slapping my behind to get me up.

"Ok, ok" I laughed "no need to get physical. I know not to get between you and food."

She gave me a swift kiss as I went to get showered and dressed. As I was pulling on my sweater, I could feel a slight apprehension from my mate and looking her way, her lips were pursed together as though she was contemplating whether to speak or not.

"Why do I feel you wanna say something?" 

She seemed to hold her breath a second before replying "Can I ask you something?...About last night."

I sighed, having a pretty good idea what it was she wanted to ask. I hadn't meant it to come out sounding so fucking pathetic. I sat on the edge of the bed she had neatly made and patted the spot next to me. I knew I couldn't lie or brush off what I'd said but telling her the truth was going to be awkward as hell. I was really getting sick of every problem in my life originating with Maria. After two years, her manipulations were still affecting me when I least expected it.

"You can ask me anything, sweet."

I could already see her cheeks reddening, my own face had started to feel hot too knowing I would have to talk about some very intimate things I did with that woman to my mate. 

Goddess, just bury me in a hole now.

"When you...I mean, when I went to, you know, turn round...and you stopped me...why?" she asked, pretty much looking anywhere but directly at me.

"This is probably going to be awkward for both of us" I said while stroking her hand and trying to look her in the eye "whenever Maria and I...slept together...she would always want to face away from me...and want me behind her. I just thought that was how she liked it...now, I know it's because I disgusted her and it was the only way she could stomach having sex with me...I don't need to see you that way."

There was no offense or distaste shining through her features, just acceptance and understanding. She snuck onto my lap, resting her forehead against mine and stroked my hairline.

'I could never be disgusted with you, I love you, I always will. It just makes me hate her more, what she did to you...what she's still doing' she mind-linked while kissing me softly 'just so you know, I could probably look at you all day if I could' she smiled.

I nuzzled against her 'I really love you too. Let's go get you some pancakes before you start smacking my ass again' I grinned, standing us both up.

We headed into the fairly quiet dining hall and went over to the table I usually sat at with Jude in the alcove corner. Carrick and Greer were sat with him, looking a little animated in whatever silent conversation the two of them were having. Their attention was instantly on us as we approached, I say 'us', as it was my mate that three of them were tripping over themselves to greet and welcome to the table.

'I guess we're invisible now' my wolf commented in amusement as we watched April being fawned over by our pack.

As she sat, Jude slid a huge stack of pancakes over to her with a jug of syrup making her face shine with a radiant smile. Goddess, I would do anything to keep that smile on her face.

"What? You didn't grab anything for me?" I said to my Beta, feigning hurt.

"Last time I looked, I didn't have 'Alpha's Bitch' written on my forehead, so tough break" he replied sarcastically.

"Really? I thought that's exactly what the Beta's job description was supposed to be?" my mate said without missing a beat, with that innocent, doe-eyed face where you weren't sure whether she was teasing or being serious.

Carrick and Greer were beside themselves laughing while Jude was struggling to form a response. 

'I think I love you more every time you speak' I mind-linked, earning a proud smile from her in return.

"Damn I get you breakfast and this is the thanks I get? Now I'm not gonna ask if you want to come with me to see some earth wiccans" he said in a requital.

Wait, what?!

April looked beside herself with glee. She had expressed an interest in meeting the wiccan Family to our north but I hadn't meant for her to go while she may still possibly be under threat. I gave my Beta a murderous glare.

'You are not taking her out of this pack, period' I glowered at him.

'What about what she wants?' 

'I really want to go' I heard my mate's voice in my mind.

That sneaky bastard had included her in our mind-link.

'Sweet, I can't allow it' I linked back to her gently.

'I thought you said I didn't need to ask permission for anything, or were they just empty words yesterday?'

Oh, so she was going to use my own words against me now?

I released an irritated growl, knowing she was right and I had no leg to stand on with this. When Jude got back afterwards, I was going to kill him.

"Told ya she'd win" Carrick uttered under his breath to his brother-in-law, the pair of them sniggering.

'I know you'll be worried, but I'm tired of that man controlling my life over what might happen.'

She was trying to console me though it wasn't working much. But I did understand her, having someone influence your life beyond their presence.

"Fine, but you are taking guards. That I won't back down on!" I said with finality.

"I got a free day today, I can go with them if you want Alpha?" Greer spoke up.

I had wanted to question him today after I led training, but Jude must have sensed why I hesitated to answer.

'I can do it as I drive. And I can keep an eye on him, see how he is, discreetly.'

'Thanks, but I'm still murdering you when you get back for all of this' I linked in mock-threat. The prick just grinned back at me, like I wasn't serious.

'Take Janine with you too, April really seemed to like her. And maybe Jaime as well' I instructed. 

"Ok, Janine and her brother are coming with the three of you."

My mate looked elated at the prospect of spending some time with her friend, albeit in a SUV with three other men. 

With our breakfast finished, we headed for the garage where Janine and Jaime were waiting for us. While the others readied a vehicle to take, I pulled my mate aside capturing her lips in a deep kiss as though I would never see her again.

'Don't do anything reckless. And if anything does happen, don't be a hero, just run. They can take care of themselves and you can outrun anything.'

'We'll be fine, the only people who know I'm leaving and where to, are right here.'

Again, this didn't do much to soothe me. The newly strengthened mate bond was pushing me to keep her glued in my arms. I reluctantly let go after another kiss, reminding my warriors - and Jude - that their necks were on the line in keeping my mate and Luna safe, as I watched them pull out of the drive and head off.

I should have gone myself but I had a class to train in a few minutes and with it being for self defense for my non-warriors, I didn't want them feeling they were unimportant to me. Sighing alone, I picked myself up and got on my way.

I was already starting to regret agreeing to this.

Chapter 31 - The Wanted Alpha