Page 18 of Whisper of an Alpha
Octavia looks up, catching me staring. She raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. “What’s going on in that head of yours, Wyatt?”
I shake my head, trying to hide the unease swirling inside me. “Just a message from… someone,” I say, keeping my voice light. “Nothing to worry about.”
Her eyes narrow slightly, but she doesn’t press. Instead, she returns her focus to the seating arrangements, flipping the parchment over to jot down a few notes. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.
“Do you think the seating plan is alright?” she asks, her voice soft but laced with the hint of uncertainty.
“Looks perfect to me,” I reply, leaning back in my chair.
Octavia’s cheeks flush slightly at the compliment, and I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth spreading through me as I watch her. “Thanks, Wyatt. It’s just… I want everything to go smoothly.”
Her determination inspires me. I lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk. “You’re doing great, Octavia. They’ll see the strength you bring to this pack, just like I do.”
She meets my gaze, and for a moment, the air between us crackles with unspoken words. The bond is forming, binding us in ways I never expected. And yet, in the back of my mind, the message looms heavy, a reminder that danger could be lurking just around the corner.
As the minutes tick by, I can’t shake the feeling that I need to confront whatever is waiting for me tonight. But at the same time, I don’t want to leave Octavia alone, especially not with the stakes rising as they are.
“Why don’t we take a break?” I suggest, hoping to lighten the mood. “I could use some fresh air.”
She nods, her smile returning. “Sounds good. I could use a break from all this too.”
We stand together, the tension in the air dissipating as we step out of the office and into the cool evening air. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over the landscape, and for a moment, I forget about the looming threats. I’m just Wyatt, and she’s just Octavia, two mates enjoying a moment of peace.
As we head toward the kitchen, I ponder the midnight meeting. I’ll have to figure out a way to go without alerting Octavia. The last thing I want is to drag her into something dangerous.
But deep down, I know I can’t protect her from everything. The world outside is shifting, and if the rumors are true, we may soon face a darkness that neither of us is prepared for.
9
DINNER’S READY
Octavia
I watchthe sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, as Wyatt and I finish up the last bits of work in his office. The smell of juniper berries, amber, pine and leather fills the air, a comforting reminder of the sanctuary we’ve created within these walls as I inhale our scents. Wyatt’s fingers run through his hair as he glances at the clock, and I feel the familiar flutter in my stomach. Dinner awaits, and I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.
He reaches for my hand, his warmth enveloping me as we step out into the hallway. Together, we make our way down the stairs, the sound of our footsteps echoing softly in the otherwise quiet house.
As we enter the dining area, the atmosphere shifts. The room is alive with laughter and chatter, the long table adorned with an array of colorful dishes that make my mouth water. Wyatt’s parents, Jeanette and Camden, are seated at the head, their smiles welcoming. To the left side, Beta Dalton and GammaHarrison share an animated conversation, their voices rising above the clinking of silverware.
“Octavia and Wyatt!” Jeanette calls, her voice bright and warm. “I’m so glad you could join us for dinner.”
I feel a rush of affection as I meet her gaze. “Thank you for having me,” I reply, stepping further into the room.
Wyatt pulls out a chair for me, the gesture both sweet and possessive. I sit down, feeling the weight of everyone’s attention. His chair is close enough that our knees almost touch, and I relish the connection.
“Octavia,” Harrison says, his tone shifting from jovial to sincere, “I wish you would have asked me to go with you earlier today. I feel like the situation could’ve been avoided.”
I shake my head, my heart tightening at the memory. “It’s not your fault, Harrison. I needed to make it known that Wyatt is mine. He’s my mate, and I won’t stand for anyone thinking they can take him away from me.”
Wyatt’s eyes darken, and he leans closer, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “That’s right. Baby, no one will ever come between us.”
The intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine, but it’s not fear — it’s a thrill of excitement. In a swift movement, he leans over the arm of his chair and presses his lips against mine, a possessive kiss that leaves my heart racing.
Jeanette watches us with a fond smile, turning to Camden. “We’re so lucky to have such a loyal daughter-in-law who loves our son so much. And we both know Wyatt can be a handful, so good luck to Octavia since he’s her problem now,” she says, her voice soft with humor.
Camden smirks at his wife and says with a laugh, “Jeanette, don’t tease the boy. He’s found his mate and I know we couldn’t be happier but give her some room to breathe.”
I feel the rush of tears prick at my eyes, the warmth of her words washing over me like a blanket. Family. It’s a concept I’ve longed for, something I’ve been without for so long. I blink back the tears, but they spill over, and Wyatt catches them with his finger, his touch gentle and reassuring.
