Page 19 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

I nod, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me. "I know, Ethan. I haven't forgotten."

"See that you don't," Finn adds. "We can't afford any... distractions."

"What Finn means," Elena interjects, her tone softer, "is that we care about you, Axel. We don't want to see you get hurt. Or worse, be rejected by the pack."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I understand your concerns. But I assure you, I have everything under control."

"Do you?" Ethan challenges. "Because from where we're standing, it looks like you're getting awfully close to exposing our secret."

"I would never do that," I growl, feeling my control slip. "You know me better than that, Ethan."

"I thought I did," he replies. "But lately, I'm not so sure."

I take a step towards him, my wolf rising to the surface. "Are you questioning my leadership?"

Ethan holds his ground, but I see a flicker of submission in his eyes. "No, Alpha. I'm just... concerned."

I force myself to take a deep breath, reining in my temper. "Your concern is noted. But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

There's a moment of tense silence before Ethan nods. "Yes, Alpha. I trust you."

"Good," I say, my voice firm. "Now, I need to prepare for the pack meeting tonight."

Finn's voice carries back to me as they leave. "This isn't over, Axel. The pack will want answers."

I watch them go, my mind racing. How can I explain my feelings for Lila to the pack? How can I make them understand that she's not just a human, but something... more?

She's our mate,we can have both,my wolf assures me.Pack and mate. It's our right as Alpha.

I hope he's right. The battle between my heart and my duty is just beginning, and I have a feeling it's going to be a long, hard fight.

Soon,my wolf purrs contentedly.She'll be ours soon.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to focus. How can I protect Lila, pursue this connection between us, and still fulfill my duties as Alpha?

It won't be easy, but then again, nothing worth having ever is. And Lila... she's definitely worth it.

With that thought in mind, I square my shoulders and pick up my pace. I've got a pack to lead, a mate to court, and a future to fight for. And for the first time in a long time, I feel truly alive.

As I walk back to my office, my mind's a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. On one hand, I'm exhilarated by my growing connection with Lila. Her smile, her scent, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her passion for cooking - it all calls to me in a way I've never experienced before.

But on the other hand, the weight of my responsibilities as Alpha feels heavier than ever. My pack's concerns aren't unfounded. Getting involved with a human is risky, not just for me, but for all of us. If our secret gets out, it could mean disaster.

And yet... I can't shake the feeling that Lila is meant to be part of our world. Part of my world.

I reach my office and slump into my chair, running my hands over my face. The pack meeting tonight is going to be challenging. I know they'll have questions, concerns. Some might even challenge my leadership outright.

But I'm the Alpha for a reason. I've faced down rival packs, rogue wolves, and threats to our territory. I can handle this.

I start jotting down notes for the meeting, trying to anticipate their concerns and prepare my responses. As I work, my mind keeps drifting back to Lila. To the way her hand felt brushing against mine, to the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about her grandmother's recipes.

Focus,Axel, I scold myself.You've got a pack to lead.

But even as I try to concentrate on pack business, I can't help but smile at the thought of our upcoming cooking lesson. I wonder what she'll teach me, how it'll feel to work side by side with her in the kitchen.

My wolf stirs contentedly at the thought.Mate,he reminds me.Ours. Perfect.

"Not yet," I mutter aloud. "But soon. If she'll have us."

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