Page 54 of Whisper of an Alpha
I set the phone down, rubbing my temples as I fight to regain my composure. I glance back at Octavia, her peaceful expression grounding me. I want to be the leader my pack needs, but more than that, I want to be the mate she deserves.
Letting out a long breath, I lean closer to her, brushing my lips against her forehead. “I’m here, baby girl,” I whisper, hoping my words seep into her dreams. “I’ll protect you. Always.”
The fire crackles softly, and I lose myself in the moment, allowing the warmth to wrap around me. But as the minutes tick by, I can’t shake off the sense of dread. The rogue threat looms like a shadow, and I know our time is limited.
But for now, I’m content to simply watch her sleep, to let the world fade away as I cherish this quiet moment. I know that when she wakes, we’ll face the chaos together, hand in hand. Because that’s what being a mate is all about — facing the storms of life with unwavering loyalty and love.
As I settle back against the rug, gazing into the mesmerizing dance of the flames, I silently vow to Octavia. I will figure this out; I will protect our future. And when the time is right, I’ll make sure she knows just how deeply she is loved — beyond theceremonies, beyond the expectations. Just her and me against the world.
Time drifts lazily, the night wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. I can nearly feel the pull of sleep, but I resist, wanting to savor every second of this peace. I watch Octavia’s lips part in a soft sigh, her dreams taking her to places I can only imagine.
But as my thoughts meander, they inevitably return to the problem at hand. I know Rex won’t give up until he gets what he wants. The Howlite Pack is strong, but their borders are vulnerable, and the rogues are a menace we can’t ignore.
I’ll have to gather the war council soon, to strategize and put a plan into action. But for now, I’m here, in this moment, and I’ll hold onto it as tightly as I can.
The first rays of dawn begin to filter through the curtains, painting the room in soft golds and pinks. I can hear the distant sounds of my pack stirring, the hustle of preparation for the day ahead. I know I should be joining them, but I can’t bring myself to leave this sanctuary just yet.
Finally, Octavia stirs, her eyelids fluttering as she wakes. She blinks against the light, and a slow smile spreads across her face as she meets my gaze.
“Good morning, mate,” she murmurs, her voice still thick with sleep.
“Good morning, baby,” I reply, my heart swelling at the sight of her. “Did you sleep well?”
“Better than I have in days,” she says, stretching like a cat before turning to face me fully. “What about you?”
I hesitate, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down once more. “I had a lot on my mind, but watching you sleep helped.”
“Always the protector, huh?” she teases lightly, but I can see the concern in her eyes.
“Just trying to keep everything together,” I admit. “Rex is breathing down my neck about the rogues, and we have a ceremony to prepare for.”
Her expression shifts, the reality of our situation settling in. “I know it’s a lot, Wyatt. But we’ll get through it together. We always do.”
Her reassurance warms my heart, and I reach out, taking her hand in mine. “Together,” I echo, squeezing her fingers gently.
Octavia sits up, her hair cascading around her shoulders. “Let’s get through today first. We can worry about the rogues later, right?”
I chuckle softly, grateful for her unwavering optimism. “You’re right. Let’s tackle one thing at a time.”
With that, we rise from our cozy spot by the fire, ready to face the day ahead. But as I step back into the reality of our pack, I can’t shake the feeling that the calm before the storm is about to break. And when it does, I’ll be ready to defend everything I hold dear.
Whether it’s against the rogues threatening our territory or the pressures of leadership, I’ll stand firm with Octavia by my side. After all, love is the greatest power of all, and together, we can overcome anything.
As I look into her chocolate eyes, I know we’ll face whatever comes our way. And with her love to guide me, I feel stronger than ever.
28
EVER AFTER
Octavia
The soft lightof the late afternoon sun filters through the sheer curtains of my suite, casting delicate patterns on the floor. I stand before the full-length mirror, my heart racing as I take in the sight of myself in the wedding gown. The fabric shimmers like moonlight, hugging my curves in all the right places, while the delicate lace accents whisper secrets of timeless elegance. I never imagined I would be standing here, just minutes away from my Luna Ceremony, a celebration of my bond with Wyatt Saltman, my mate, my Alpha.
My wolf paces restlessly within me, her excitement palpable. She nudges me, reminding me just how incredible Wyatt has been through all of this.“We should give him a spicy surprise tonight,” she whispers, her voice sultry and playful.I can’t help but grin, the thought igniting a wave of heat coursing through me. The idea of surprising Wyatt, of being his Luna in every sense, sends shivers down my spine. I can already picture his smirk, the way his eyes darken with desire when he sees me.
“Octavia, dear!” Jeanette’s voice breaks through my reverie, her head peeking around the door. She steps inside, her maternal energy filling the room. “It’s time.”
The word hits me like a drumbeat, and I nod, feeling a mix of joy and nerves fluttering in my stomach. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
