Page 16 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

I resist the urge, but then our hands accidentally brush as I'm pointing something out. It's like an electric shock, and I hear Lila's breath catch. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the tension between us is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Mate,my wolf insists.Claim her.

I force myself to pull back. I'm supposed to be here as a professional, damn it. But it's getting harder and harder to remember that with every passing second.

"Sorry," I murmur, clearing my throat. "So, as I was saying, if you rearrange your storage area like this, it'll be easier to keep track of your inventory and maintain proper food rotation."

Lila blinks, as if coming out of a daze. "Right, yes. That makes sense." She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"That makes so much sense," Lila says, her finger tracing the diagram. "And what about the prep area? I've been worried it's too cramped."

"I've got a solution for that too," I say, flipping to another page. "If you move the prep station here and install a new countertop along this wall, you'll have more space to work."

Lila's eyes light up. "That would be amazing! But... it sounds expensive. I'm not sure I can afford all these changes right now."

I hesitate, weighing my words carefully. "Well, I might be able to help with the renovations, that will cut out the labor cost."

Provide for her,my wolf insists.Show her our strength.

Patience,I remind myself.She doesn't understand our ways.

But even as the idea takes root, I feel a cold twist of fear. Lila's human. She has no idea of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, the constant threat of rogues and rival packs. If I bring her into my life, I'd be putting her at risk.

As Lila smiles at me, her eyes warm and appreciative, I know I'm fighting a losing battle. Sooner or later, I'll have to confront the growing attraction between us, the undeniable pull that seems to draw us together.

"Really?" Lila asks, her voice hopeful. "That would be incredible, Axel. But I don't want to impose..."

"It's no imposition," I assure her, perhaps too quickly. "I want to see you succeed, Lila. Your passion for cooking, it's... inspiring. It makes me want to go after my dream of opening a bar and grill."

A blush creeps up Lila's cheeks. "Thank you, Axel. That means a lot coming from you."

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. The urge to reach out and touch her is almost overwhelming.

As we talk, the rest of the world fades away until it's just the two of us, huddled over our coffee, lost in conversation. I know I'm treading dangerous ground, letting myself get too close. But with Lila, it feels right, somehow. Like this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

Kiss her, claim her,my wolf insists, his voice a low growl in my mind.Mark her as ours.

I push back against the urge, my hands clenching into fists beneath the table. I can't let my instincts override my reason. Lila deserves a choice, a chance to live a normal life without the burden of my world.

I clear my throat, forcing myself to look back at the plans. "So, um, about these new recipes you mentioned. What did you have in mind?"

Lila's face lights up again. "Oh, I have so many ideas! There's this amazing truffle panini sandwich that Nonna used to make..."

As Lila enthusiastically describes her grandmother's recipe, I find myself captivated not just by the mouthwatering description, but by her passion and energy. She speaks with her hands, her eyes sparkling, and I can't help but be drawn in.

She's perfect,my wolf sighs contentedly.Our mate.

"It sounds delicious," I say when she pauses for breath. "I'd love to try it sometime."

"Really?" Lila asks, a hint of shyness in her voice. "Maybe I could make it for you sometime. You know, as a thank you for all your help."

My heart races at the suggestion. "I'd like that," I say softly.

How can I pursue a relationship with her, knowing the risks? How can I ask her to share my life, my secrets, when they could put her in constant danger?

But even as my mind wrestles with the dilemma, my heart knows the truth. Lila is my mate, the one I'm meant to be with. Denying that bond would only bring pain to us both.

Suddenly, a familiar scent catches my attention. My head snaps up, scanning the café. My muscles tense as I spot Ethan, Kate, Finn, and Elena entering through the front door. Their eyes widen as they see me sitting with Lila, and I can see the questions forming on their faces.

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