Page 14 of Whisper of an Alpha
He raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Okay, so we need to go over the rules baby. You can’t wander into the woods alone. Take Harrison with you if you go.”
I huff, crossing my arms. “I don’t need a babysitter, Wyatt. I’m not a child.”
“I know,” he replies, his voice warm. “But it’s not just about you. It’s about the pack, and I want you to be safe.”
There’s a tenderness in his gaze that melts some of my irritation. I relent, knowing he’s right. “Fine. If I decide to go for a walk, I’ll take Harrison.”
His lips brush against mine in a soft kiss that makes my heart flutter. Then, with a playful smack on my ass, he nudges me toward the door. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I glance over my shoulder as I step out. Just in time to catch Beta Dalton rounding the corner, his expression a mix of curiosity and something else I can’t quite place.
I leave the office, the warmth of Wyatt’s kiss lingering on my lips. My heart is buoyed by the affection we share, but it’s quickly grounded as I make my way to the tiny town nestled within the protective walls of the Waterton Pack. The quaint, historic feel of the place tugs at my heartstrings, a sense of belonging washing over me. I can see why Wyatt loves it here, and why he is so dedicated to protecting it. It’s the alpha’s job, afterall.
The café is just a few steps away, a cozy little spot with a rustic charm that beckons me inside. As I push open the door, a small bell jingles overhead, and I step into a world filled with the rich aroma of coffee and baked goods. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, but as I approach the counter, everything shifts.
The blonde woman standing behind the counter scowls at me, and her blue eyes narrow as if I’ve just committed the gravest of offenses. “What do you want?” she snaps, her tone clipped and laced with disdain.
I’m taken aback, momentarily speechless. “Um, just a chai tea with oatmilk, please,” I manage to reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
She rolls her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “You think you can just waltz in here, don’t you? You’re the new mate, right? Octavia?”
I swallow hard, my heart sinking. “Yes, I am Wyatt’s mate if that’s who you’re talking about.”
“Good for you,” she sneers, her lips curling in a derisive smile. “But let me clue you in on something. You can’t satisfy Wyatt like I can. I know he likes it rough and sometimes wants you to play submissive. You should pack your ratty clothes and leave. He deserves someone who can really be with him, not someone like you.”
With each venomous word, the air feels thicker, suffocating. My wolf stirs inside me, whimpering in response to the hurtful remarks. I want to stand tall, to defend myself, but my voice falters. Doubt slithers into my mind like a serpent, and I begin to question everything — the bond I share with Wyatt, the love that once felt so certain.
I force a smile, though it feels brittle on my lips. “That’s not true,” I say, trying to sound confident. “Wyatt and I are meant to be together. We are fated.”
This has to be her. Rachel— her name comes to me like a punch to the gut—cackles at my declaration. “You really think so? Just because the Moon Goddess made you his mate doesn’t mean you’re right for him. You’re not even worthy of standing in this café, let alone by his side.”
The sting of her words cuts deep. I can feel the tears welling in my eyes, the burn of humiliation creeping up my cheeks. I turn on my heel, heart racing, and dash toward the bathroom in the back, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere.
As I splash cold water on my face, I try to steady my breath. My reflection stares back at me, eyes wide and filled with uncertainty. The wolf inside me howls in distress, and I can’t help but wonder if Rachel is right.
I focus on my wolf and ask, “What if I’m not enough for Wyatt? What if the Moon Goddess made a mistake?”
“You can’t be serious. Wyatt loves us. He wants us. The Moon Goddess didn't make a mistake, Tavia.”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I can’t let Rachel get to me. I won’t. I’m stronger than this.
Just as I’m about to step out of the bathroom, I hear hushed voices in the hallway. I freeze, instinctively pressing myself against the wall to listen.
“I can’t believe she’s here,” a voice hisses, low and furious. It’s unmistakably Rachel. “She doesn’t belong with him. We need to do something about it, before it’s too late. I refuse to let her have what should be mine.”
“What do you mean?” a second voice asks, laced with curiosity. “She’s already his mate. Didn't you see the mark? What can we do?”
“There’s always a way,” Rachel replies, her tone dripping with malice. “If we play our cards right, we can make sure she never stands by him again. It’s time to remind him of what he’s missing.”
A chill runs down my spine. Fear and anger swirl inside me, a tempest of emotions that nearly overwhelms my senses. I take a step back, my heart pounding in my chest as I process what I've just overheard. It shouldn’t surprise me, given Rachel’s hostility, but the idea that she’s plotting against me — against Wyatt — sends a shiver of dread coursing through my veins.
I can’t let her win. I won’t let her tear apart what Wyatt and I have built together in this short time.
Gathering my courage, I push open the bathroom door and step back into the café, determined not to let Rachel’s words shatter my spirit. I keep my head high as I stride toward the door, ready to confront my doubts and reclaim my place at Wyatt’s side.
As I step outside, the cool air hits me like a refreshing wave, and I take a moment to breathe deeply. The path ahead beckons,and I know that I need to find Wyatt. I need to tell him what I heard, to share my fears and insecurities. He deserves to know, and I can’t let Rachel’s poison seep into our relationship.
With a newfound resolve, I head down the path, my heart racing with both fear and determination. I can’t let jealousy and betrayal dictate my fate. I am Octavia Bellmont, soon to be Octavia Saltman, and I will fight for my love.
The café fades behind me,and the trees whisper secrets as I walk. Each step feels heavier as I replay Rachel’s words in my mind. I can’t shake the feeling of inadequacy that clings to me like a shadow. What if Wyatt believes her? What if he sees me as she does — a mere placeholder that fate stuck him with rather than the true mate he would pick?
