Page 2 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

Rifling through my cupboard, I yank clothes off hangers, flinging them onto the bed, my frustration growing as the pile does: jeans, T-shirts, hoodies…none of them right for meeting Theron. My three years of college life, gathered into a wrinkled mess, stare back at me. There’s a beautiful floral dress at the back of the closet, but it’s faded and everyone has seen me in it.

Everyone except Theron.

I pull it out and hold it up in front of the mirror. Maybe if I accessorize it well, that would distract from how faded it is. I frown as my phone rings, but I answer immediately when I see the name flashing on the screen.

“Ren, baby, we finally did it! The homeowner closed the deal with our final offer. We can move in by September!”

Jane’s voice is practically vibrating with excitement, and I can’t help but let out a loud whoop. “Fucking finally! I’m so happy for you guys. I hope your name is on the deed too?”

“Yeah.” Her voice drops an octave. “I still feel iffy about it, but I’ll be paying my share of the mortgage, so I guess it’ll be okay.”

“Gunner is good for you,” I say, remembering the way her boyfriend treats her. I wonder if I’ll ever have that: someone who includes me in his decisions, makes time for me, and most importantly, is loyal.

“Listen, Dade wanted me to tell you that Cushman and Sedgwick didn’t come for campus recruitment, but they’ll be hiring in two months. In case…you know you’re his favorite student, so…”

I flop onto the bed while staring at my reflection in the mirror. “Nah. I’ll find something here. It’s only been a week since I got back, so I’m not freaking out yet. And I know Mammoth Lakes isn’t NYC, but I’m sure I’ll find something decent.”

“Listen, babe, Gunny is here. I’ll catch you later, okay?”

After we hang up, I push the clothes to the side, throw my head back down, and exhale a sharp breath. Leaving New York to return to Mammoth wasn’t a decision I’d made. It was a given. I want to contribute here. I want to give back to the community and the Blackwoods by doing something good.

And I want to be close to Theron.

I take my time primping and polishing, and an hour before Theron’s arrival, I’m almost ready. I’m looking through my stash of costume jewelry when I notice a bag hidden in the back of the closet. It’s the dress I’d bought for Theron’s nineteenth birthday. I never had a chance to wear it because that year he didn’t come home for his birthday. In fact, he hasn’t returned even once since his eighteenth birthday. It’s why the dress is still in the bag, and unlike what I’m wearing right now, it’s not faded.

I immediately switch my dress and sit by the massive picture window, where I can wait and watch the winding road leading up the hill. Unlike the other bedrooms, which face the gardens or the lake, I chose this one. I was eleven then, but I still think I made the right choice. There’s always some movement, something new to look at. And at night, with all the lights on, it feels like a magical trail that could lead anywhere in the world, promising freedom and endless possibilities. Most nights, I fall asleep here in the window seat. There’s a sense of comfort that no other place in this house gives me.

While I stare at the road, a memory flashes through my mind.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Theron murmurs, his voice a low rumble beside me as we sit on the old log.

I turn to him, a genuine smile on my lips. “Always.”

His hand brushes against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me. He squeezes lightly, his eyes holding mine. “There’s something I want to show you.”

He stands, a playful glint in his eyes as I murmur, “What?”

My heart skips a beat as I start to rise alongside him, but he presses his hand down on my shoulder, pushing me to remain seated.

“Wait here,” he says, disappearing behind the thick trunk.

A moment later, a low growl pierces the silence. I gasp, fear gripping me. Hesitantly, I stand, and before I can decide whether to run or hide, a massive wolf emerges from behind the tree. His fur is raven-black and his eyes are piercing blue, just like Theron’s. I gasp.

“Oh my God! It’s your wolf!”

Without an iota of fear, I run my fingers over his head, just as I do with his human form. The wolf chuffs, dipping his head under my hand repeatedly. I giggle before leaning in and placing a kiss on his furry forehead. The wolf races back behind the tree and within moments Theron is back, wearing only his boxer shorts. I put my arms around him.

“Thank you for trusting me.”

Theron has a wide grin on his face. “His name’s Titan. Isn’t he magnificent?”

I nod and he leans in, his face a breath away from mine. Our lips are practically touching. I can hear my heartbeat in my ear, thudding so loud it drowns out all other sounds.

“He likes you,” he whispers. His warm breath makes me feel so hot inside that my eyes close.

Then, his lips meet mine.

The kiss is warm, wet, electric. I feel like I’m flying.

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