Page 22 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

"We're with you, Alpha," he says, his voice firm.

As I look around at my pack, I feel a mix of relief and determination. They are my family, my responsibility. I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

"Our laws state that we are to protect the humans from the rogues," I say, my voice steady. "And I vow to protect both my pack and all humans, including Lila. I will not fail you."

As the meeting adjourns, Ethan catches my eye and gestures for me to join him in a quieter corner of the room. I approach him, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The sensation is comparable to the aftermath of a roller coaster ride – thrilling and somewhat disconcerting.

"Axel," he begins, his demeanor serious. "You need to be careful. This whole situation with Lila…"

"I know, Ethan," I interject, my voice low. "But it's more than that. I can't shake the feeling deep inside me. My wolf believes she is my fated mate."

Ethan's brows furrow as he processes my revelation. Watching him think is like observing a well-oiled machine, with gears smoothly turning in his head.

"You really think she's your mate?"

"Yes," I nod, urgency rising in my chest. "Every instinct tells me she's the one. I can't ignore this connection, this pull. It's unlike anything I've ever felt. My wolf feels it, and I can't turn my back on that."

He crosses his arms, skepticism written across his face. "But, Axel, what if you're wrong? What if this goes poorly? Fated mates can sometimes complicate everything—especially when one is human."

"I don't care about the complications," I insist, my voice firm. "I feel a bond with her. It's stronger than any rule or tradition. But I won't let my feelings compromise the pack's safety. I need you to trust me."

Ethan studies me, his expression softening. "I always trust you, Axel. But if you pursue this, you need to be prepared for the fallout. The pack won't accept it easily, and hunters could catch wind of it."

"I know," I reply, my determination steeling. "I'll protect her. She deserves to know the truth about us. My wolf needs her. I need her."

Ethan nods slowly, a reluctant acceptance in his eyes. "Just be careful. If the others catch wind of your feelings, it'll escalate quickly."

"I understand. But I won't walk away from Lila. She's my destiny," I declare, my resolve unwavering.

Ethan claps me on the shoulder, signaling his support. "Alright, just promise me you'll keep your head in the game. We need to focus on the rogues first."

With that, he turns and walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I can feel the rift growing between us, the tension that threatens to tear our pack apart. I cannot ignore the pull towards Lila. I feel like I’m being pulled in two directions at once.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I try to center myself. I know that I must find a way to balance my duties as Alpha with my growing feelings for Lila.

My phone buzzes with a message from an unknown number. The photo attachment makes my blood run cold - it's a grainy surveillance image of Lila entering The Cozy Bean's, taken just minutes ago. The caption reads: "She's quite beautiful. No wonder you're willing to risk everything."

Chapter 7

A Taste of Hope

Lila

My mind drifts, lost in the swirling vortex of my own thoughts, when Sophie's hand suddenly materializes inches from my nose, yanking me back to reality. Here I am, standing in the kitchen, supposedly helping her prep for our cooking class tonight, but all I can focus on is my encounter with Axel at the coffee shop, replaying it over and over in my head.

"Earth to Lila!" Sophie's voice snaps me back to reality. "You've been distracted all day. Spill the beans, girl. How was your coffee date with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Mysterious?"

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the smile that's threatening to give me away. "It wasn't a date, Soph. We just discussed some improvements for the food truck."

Sophie's not buying it. She raises an eyebrow, looking at me like I'm trying to convince her the sky is green. "Uh-huh, sure. And I'm the Queen of England. Come on, Lila, I saw the way he looked at you when he stopped by the truck. There's definitely something there."

I sigh, wiping my hands on my apron. How do I explain something I don't even understand myself? "I don't know, Sophie. One minute he's all business, and the next, he's looking at me like... like I'm the only person in the world. It's confusing."

Sophie leans against the counter, a knowing smirk on her face. "Sounds like someone's got a crush. And who can blame you? The man is a walking, talking romance novel cover."

I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Is it that obvious? "It's not like that," I protest weakly. "I mean, yes, he's attractive, but there's something else. Something I can't quite put my finger on."

"Ooh, intrigue!" Sophie wiggles her eyebrows, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. "Maybe he's a secret agent, or a vampire, or a werewolf!"

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