Page 47 of The Alpha Wolf's Bullied Bride

My Beta nods. “Howard just informed me that they're already gathering in the hall.”

I turn back to the others to inform them that we need to leave. The impromptu meeting was only called to inform them that the rogues have discovered our location, and since Blood Moon is on the furthest end of the region, we all need to be on high alert.

“Thank you, Alpha Flynn, for your cooperation in this alliance.” Cyrus offers a hand. “I know this is new for all of us.”

I take the man's hand and shake it. “We're doing what's best for the safety of our packs.” I glance at Dorian. “Let's just hope everyone is on the same page.”

***

Doing things differently means that apart from the special ops wolves who've received extensive training to protectthe pack, we now have to recruit younger males who are capable of fighting.

Everyone older than eighteen with the ability to shift into wolf form has gathered in the pack den, the moon casting light on their fresh faces. I've just announced that we'll commence training this weekend to strengthen our forces and protect the pack from outside threats.

They're made aware of the danger from rogues and the kidnappings that have been taking place in other packs. Their young faces become pale with worry, and I have to assure the group that we're doing everything to ensure the safety of our members.

We've doubled down on nightly patrols, and I would have liked to be on guard myself tonight. But one of the measures I need to take to protect my pack awaits me at home.

It's the only way I can protect her, if she knows the truth.

I end the meeting and wait until the members of Blood Moon have left the den before taking my own leave. It's a steady jog toward the house, my heart pounding as adrenaline rushes through my veins.

I'm about to make the leap of faith.

A fleeting frown flits over my face when I notice the front door left ajar. I shake my head to dismiss any ideas that might have me cowering and going back on my decision, and I head inside, locking the door behind me.

“Hah.” I chuckle under my breath as I take the extra precaution, just in case Lila decides to run the moment I tell her that we're fated mates.

I've mentally processed every probable outcome once I've told her the truth. I'm hoping that tonight doesn't end in anotherheated argument, though I'm not opposed to the idea when a wave of awareness courses through me and settles in my core as I ascend the stairs. I have to clear my throat to compose myself, wanting to remain as level-headed as I can until I've said everything I've been rehearsing in my mind.

I knock on the bedroom door despite finding it open just a crack. Every night since the ceremony, this door has been sealed shut. As the Alpha and her mate, I could have burst in any time I wanted to, but it was privacy she asked for that first night, and I had to give that to her.

After running out on her in a moment of pleasure, it was the least I could do. She didn't deserve that, and I hope she'll understand why I'd been caught in a frenzy of shock.

“Lila…?” I call out gently, my voice dropping to signal that I'm not here to fight or banish her from the pack center, even after hearing that it's where she spent her day today. The only way I can truly protect her is by giving her the truth. I'll just end up wasting time wracking my brain for ways to keep her safe while we're barely on speaking terms.

It doesn't help that she doesn't know what's going on in the pack she's meant to lead with me. As the Luna, I've done nothing but treat her like a disposable member of the pack.

Tonight, that changes. That's why I push the door open when she doesn't reply, finding a row of scented candles on the nightstand and lavender petals spread out on the bed.

Hm…

She really is my fated mate, I think with a cocky smirk that has me tiptoeing into the bedroom. Perhaps she sensed that I would come to see her, and had the room set up to create the ambiance I'm looking for tonight.

“Lila,” I call out again, noting the closed bathroom door. “It's me, Flynn. We need to talk…”

“Uh-huh,” she concedes from the bathroom in a sing-song tone that has me smiling.

I can do with seeing her in a good mood for a change, so I take off my jacket and take a seat on the bed when I find a note and a blindfold beside me.

“Put this on and wait for me,”the note reads.

Frowning, I do as instructed and call out, “I have the blindfold on. You can come out now.”

The splish-splash of bathwater is followed by the sound of the bathroom door opening up. Gentle footsteps come padding across the carpet, my breath hitching in my throat when I sense how close she is.

“What's with all of this?” I chuckle lowly.

“Shh…” she urges sweetly, palms resting on my shoulders.

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