Page 26 of Whisper of an Alpha
I decide to join Wyatt in the morning, to face whatever comes together. The Luna Ceremony is looming, and I refuse to let Rachel’s presence overshadow what we have. We’ll confront the rumors, the fears, and I will find a way to reclaim my place by his side.
I can’t sleep so head down to the coffee shop and hope it’s still open and Rachel isn’t the one working today. I need to get out of this pack house because I just need a spot to catch my breath.
As I walk through the coffee shop door, exhaustion washing over me, I day-dream of Wyatt. I see him smiling, his emerald green eyes bright with love, a future stretching out before us. I cling to that vision as I find a booth in the back, hoping it isn’t just a fleeting fantasy but a glimpse of what could still be.
Wyatt
I stareat the closed door like it’s just committed the gravest offense against me. A part of my heart feels like it’s been ripped away, leaving a gaping hole where Octavia’s warmth once enveloped me. The sharpness of our argument echoes in my mind, and I can still see the hurt in her eyes when she walked out, shutting the door behind her with a finality that sends shivers down my spine.
I can’t believe this is happening. A pregnancy scare with Rachel of all people. One time, one reckless decision, and now it feels like the world is crumbling around us. I knew the moment Dalton mentioned the rumors that it would be a disaster, but I never envisioned it would lead to this — my mate, my Octavia, feeling betrayed and lost.
Inside my head, my wolf is howling,“I urge you.. no, I demand you to fix this mess before it’s too late.”
He knows what I know: Octavia is my fated mate, the other half of my soul. The thought of another woman carrying my child is enough to churn my stomach into knots. It’s nauseating. I take a deep breath, but all I can smell is the remnants of her scent lingering in the air. It’s intoxicating and painful all at once.
I walk over to our bed, the place where we’ve shared laughter, secrets, and dreams. I lay down on her side, the sheets still rumpled from where she had been. I bury my face in her pillow, inhaling deeply, trying to cling to her essence, hoping it will calm both me and my wolf. The soft fabric holds her scent — cherries and a hint of juniper — and in this moment, it feels like a lifeline.
“I won’t lose her,” I whisper into the pillow, as if the fabric can absorb my promise. “She is my mate.Mine.” The desperation in my voice surprises me, but deep down, I know I have to fight for her. I won’t let a moment of weakness dictate our future.
The memories of our time together flood my mind, each moment more precious than the last. I think of her laughter, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her passions, the gentle way she touches my arm when she thinks I’m being too serious. I remember the warmth of her body against mine, the way she fits perfectly in my embrace, knowing she was made for me.
But now, I’ve jeopardized everything. I can’t afford to keep wallowing in self-pity. I need to act. I need to make things right.
I sit up, determination coursing through me. I can’t let her sleep anywhere other than in my arms tonight. I can’t let this be the end of us. I know I have to find her, to talk to her, to show her how much she means to me.
I grab my phone from the dresser and dial her number, but the call goes straight to voicemail. I can’t help but feel like that’s a sign — one that twists the knife deeper into my heart. I stand up and head for the door, the cool air of the hallway hitting me like a wake-up call. I don’t know where she’s gone, but I have to find her.
As I step out into the night, the moon hangs low in the sky, casting a silver glow over everything. The world feels eerily quiet, as if it’s holding its breath along with me. I can feel the tension in the air — the weight of my mistakes pressing down on my chest. I have to make this right.
I start walking toward the small café with the cozy booths and the best coffee in our little town. If she’s anywhere, it’ll be there, right? The streets are dimly lit, and I catch glimpses of shadows flitting in and out of the light. Each step I take feels heavier than the last, but I push forward, fueled by the thought of her, by the need to fix this.
As I arrive at the café, I pause at the entrance, taking a moment to steady my breathing. The bell above the door jingles softly as I step inside, and I scan the room, my heart racing.There she is, sitting in a corner booth, her head bent low over a cup of what I assume is her favorite chai tea.
I feel a mixture of relief and dread. She looks so small, so fragile, and it nearly breaks me to see her like this. I take a cautious step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. The atmosphere is thick with unsaid words, and I know I have to choose mine carefully.
“Octavia,” I say softly, my voice almost trembling as I approach. She looks up, her brown eyes wide and filled with a mix of emotions I can’t quite decipher — hurt, anger, sadness.
“Wyatt,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper.
I take a seat across from her, my heart hammering in my chest. “Can we talk?”
She hesitates, and I can see the conflict in her eyes. “Wyatt, I told you I needed a little time to process things,” she finally says, her tone sharp and defensive.
I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. “I know I messed up. I don’t expect you to forgive me right now, but please… just let me explain.”
Octavia crosses her arms, her posture rigid. “Explain what? How could you let this happen? How could you be so reckless, Wyatt?”
Her words cut deep, but they’re also a reminder of how much she cares. I can’t let that slip through my fingers. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. It was one stupid mistake. Baby, I’m not even sure she is pregnant.”
She shakes her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You hurt me, Wyatt. I thought we were building something real, something solid. And now… now I don’t know what to think. I’m so mixed up right now.”
The weight of her words settles heavily in the air between us. I can feel my wolf pacing anxiously, urging me to make her see how much she means to me. “I love you, Octavia. I’ve loved youfrom the moment we met in that diner. I don’t want anyone else. You’re my fated mate. I don’t want to lose you over this.”
Her gaze softens for a moment, and I seize the opportunity. “I know I have to earn your trust back. I swear, I’ll do whatever it takes. Just please don’t walk away from me. Don’t reject our bond.”
Octavia looks down at her tea, swirling the liquid absently. There’s silence, and I can feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. I wish I could take her pain away, erase the hurt I’ve caused.
“I need time,” she finally says, her voice barely above a whisper. “Time to think about everything.”
