Page 18 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

It’s a promise I intend to keep as I nod, determination flooding through me. “I promise I’ll handle it. Just focus on your food truck. I’ve got your back.”

"Thank you for all your help, Axel," she says. "I really appreciate you taking the time to go through all this with me."

I smile, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms. "You're welcome, Lila. And remember, I want to help, no matter what."

"I should get going," Lila says reluctantly. "I have some prep work to do for the truck."

Don't let her leave,my wolf whines.Keep her close. She belongs with us.

"Of course," I say, my voice strained. "And call me if you need anything, anything at all."

Lila's expression softens, her hand resting on my arm. "I will, Axel. Thank you, for everything."

“Your welcome.”

"I had a great time, Axel," Lila says softly, her hand brushing against mine as we walk side by side. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through me, and I fight the urge to intertwine our fingers.

"Me too, Lila," I reply, my voice rough with emotion. "I'm glad we could talk, really talk."

As we reach the edge of the sidewalk, I remember our earlier conversation, the promise she'd made. "Hey, didn't you mention a cooking lesson yesterday?" I ask, a teasing note in my voice.

Lila laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "I did, didn't I?"

I grin, the tension easing from my shoulders. "Well, I want to take you up on it. I need to learn how to cook something besides mac and cheese. How about we plan for next week sometime?"

She nods eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "That sounds perfect. I can't wait to see you covered in flour."

"I really should get going," Lila says reluctantly, as if reading my thoughts.

I nod, my jaw clenching with the effort to maintain control. "Later then."

With a final smile, Lila turns to go, her scent lingering in the air. I watch her walk away, my wolf whining at the loss of contact.

Follow her,my wolf insists.Protect her.

Patience,I remind him, even as my own heart clenches.We'll see her again soon.

But I hold firm, knowing I have other matters to attend to.

Now, it's up to me to figure out how to keep my distance, while still keeping Lila safe from the dangers of my world. It won't be easy, but I know in my heart it’s the right thing to do.

Outside the café, Ethan, Finn, and Elena are waiting for me.

"We need to talk about this, Axel," Ethan says, his voice low and urgent. "The pack is worried. You've been distracted lately, and now this... involvement with a human? It's not like you."

I square my shoulders. "My personal life is my own business, Ethan. It doesn't affect my ability to lead the pack."

Finn scoffs. "Doesn't it? You're the Alpha, Axel. Everything you do affects the pack. If you're compromised—"

"I'm not compromised," I growl, my wolf rising to the surface. "I'm more than capable of balancing my responsibilities."

Elena steps forward. "We're just worried about you, Axel. Getting involved with a human... it's dangerous. For all of us."

I take a deep breath. "I appreciate your concern. But I need you to trust me. I know what I'm doing."

The three of them exchange glances, clearly not satisfied.

"Just be careful, Axel," Ethan says, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, the pack comes first. Always."

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