Page 19 of Whisper of an Alpha
“Mate,” he murmurs, kissing my hand and holding it tightly in his. The world around us fades as I focus solely on him, the way his presence calms my racing heart.
As dinner is served, the conversation shifts, and I’m grateful for the distraction. Dalton clears his throat, his expression growing serious. “We need to discuss the meeting I had with the warriors today. There’s been chatter among the other packs as I told you Wyatt, and they might see this as a time to strike.”
I can feel the tension in the air shift, the lightness of the moment dissipating with Dalton’s words. “What do you mean?” I ask, my stomach tightening.
“They see the Waterton Pack gaining a Luna as a sign of strength,” Dalton explains. “With you as Wyatt’s mate, they might think it’s the perfect time to challenge us. We need to up our security.”
Wyatt’s grip on my hand tightens, his jaw set in a hard line. “We will not let anyone threaten what we’ve built. I’ll double the patrols and ensure that everyone is on high alert. Make sure that morning training is extended an hour also.”
I look around the table, my heart pounding. This is my new reality, a world filled with power dynamics and the weight of expectations. But as I glance at Wyatt, I feel a surge of determination.
“Maybe we can set up a meeting with the other packs or even invite a few of the other alphas to our ceremony,” I suggest, surprising even myself. “If they understand our strength and unity, maybe they’ll think twice about challenging us.”
Wyatt raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “You believe we can negotiate?”
“Why not?” I reply, feeling a rush of confidence. “If they see that we’re not afraid to stand together, they might reconsider their options.”
Harrison nods, his expression thoughtful. “It could work. If we show that we’re united, it might deter any aggressive unnecessary actions.”
“Let’s arrange it,” Dalton agrees, his tone more optimistic. “But we’ll need to be strategic. Your representation as a strong Luna will play a significant role in this.”
I feel the weight of their expectations settle on my shoulders, but it’s a weight I’m willing to bear. This is my family now, and I’ll protect them just as fiercely as they’ll protect me.
Dinner continues, the conversation flowing between topics of pack dynamics and security strategies. I listen intently, my mind racing with ideas and possibilities. With Wyatt by my side, I feel more capable than ever.
As dessert is served — an exquisite triple layer chocolate cake that melts in my mouth — I can’t help but steal glances at Wyatt. He catches me looking and smirks, a teasing glint in his eyes.
“What?” I ask, feigning innocence.
“You’re thinking too hard,” he replies, his voice low and playful. “It’s supposed to be dinner, not a war council.”
I laugh, the sound ringing out in the room and breaking the tension that had settled earlier. “Maybe a little of both,” I say, nudging him playfully.
“Fair enough,” he concedes, but I can see the seriousness lurking beneath his playful demeanor.
As the evening wears on, I find solace in the camaraderie of Wyatt’s family and the sense of belonging that surrounds us. The laughter, the shared stories — these moments feel precious, and I’m determined to protect them however I can.
When dinner finally concludes, and we all move to the living room, I lean into Wyatt’s side, feeling the warmth of his body against mine.
“Are you okay, baby girl?” he asks quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
I nod, my heart full. “I am. I just… I want to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
He kisses the top of my head, a reassuring gesture that sends a wave of comfort through me. “We will be. Together.”
As the night stretches on, laughter fills the air, but beneath it all, I can’t shake the feeling that change is coming. The future holds uncertainties, but with Wyatt by my side, I feel prepared to face anything.
After all, I’m not just Octavia Bellmont, the lone wolf, I’m not alone anymore. I’m a part of the Waterton Pack, and I intend to fight for my place in this world. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I’ll face them head-on, fueled by the love of my mate and the fierce loyalty of my newfound family.
10
NIGHTY NIGHT
Wyatt
I takea moment to savor the warmth coming from the couch, the lingering scent of the blueberry pie we had for dessert still wafting through the air. Octavia is beside me, her head resting against my shoulder, a soft, sleepy smile playing on her lips. We've just spent the evening with my family — my parents, our Beta, and Gamma — discussing everything from pack politics to the upcoming Luna Ceremony. Now, it’s just us, and I feel a surge of excitement as we rise from the couch.
Octavia stifles a yawn, her eyes fluttering open as we make our way toward the stairs leading to the alpha floor of the pack house. It’s a familiar path for us now, but tonight it feels charged with a different kind of energy. I can’t help but glance at her, the soft halo of her hair catching the dim light, her features illuminated in a way that makes my heart race.
