Page 4 of Whisper of an Alpha
As we share a lingering look, a sense of certainty settles over me. She’s my mate, my fated other half, and I’m determined to protect her and make her smile every day. Whatever challenges lie ahead with the pack, I’ll face them as long as I have her by my side.
As we reluctantly part ways, I feel a mix of exhilaration and anticipation. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. I may have walked into this diner looking for answers regarding rogue wolves, but I’ve found something infinitely more precious — mymate. And I’m ready to claim her, to show her just how deep this connection runs.
I step outside, the cool evening air hitting my face, and I take a deep breath, letting the scent of cherries linger in my mind. The world feels different now, brighter and full of possibilities. I glance back at the diner one last time, a smile playing on my lips.
This is just the beginning.
The sun hangslow in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the diner as I pull into the parking lot. I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. It’s just a date — one I’ve been anticipating since yesterday — but it feels monumental, like the first step into a world I’ve almost forgotten existed. My heart races as I spot Octavia through the glass windows, her silhouette framed by the diner’s pink neon sign.
As I climb out of my Land Rover, my eyes greedily trace her figure. She’s dressed in tight black yoga shorts that hug her curves perfectly, paired with a mint-colored sports tank. The combination makes my mouth water more than any meal I’ve ever tasted. I take a moment, leaning against the car, allowing the scene to settle in my mind before I step inside.
“Hey, you,” I say, my voice a mix of casual and sincere as I approach her.
“Hello, Wyatt,” she replies, a smile lighting up her face. It’s a smile that instantly puts me at ease, one that seems to hold secrets and stories waiting to be shared.
“Did you dream about me last night?” I tease, though there’s a hint of truth in my words.
Octavia laughs, a sound that dances through the air like a gentle breeze. “Maybe I did. Or maybe I just thought about how you’re taking me out of my comfort zone today.”
“Comfort zone? I thought we were just having fun,” I respond, raising an eyebrow playfully.
“The diner and my loft are about as far as I’ve strayed in a long time,” she admits, her tone shifting slightly, revealing a flicker of something deeper.
I nod, intrigued. “How come?”
Octavia takes a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the floor for a moment. “It’s a long story,” she says, her voice softening. “I lost my parents when I was a teenager. They were killed in a freak rogue attack in my old pack. After that, my alpha made me leave. I’ve been on my own ever since. That tragedy had left me orphaned, abandoned by those I thought would protect me. After a rogue attack took my parents and shattered my world, I retreated into the shadows of the forest, living a solitary life in Sweet River. I kept my head down, waiting for the storm to pass, and learned to navigate the complexities of a world that has turned its back on me.”
The words hang in the air between us, heavy and laden with the weight of loss. I stay quiet, letting her share what she’s comfortable with. My mind races, though. It’s not just about her past; it’s about the rogue problems we’ve been facing in the area. I can’t help but wonder if they’re somehow connected to her story.
“Octavia, I’m so sorry,” I finally say, my voice low and sincere. “That must have been incredibly hard for you.”
“It was,” she replies, her eyes meeting mine once more. There’s a depth there that I hadn’t noticed before — something raw and unguarded. “But I’ve learned to manage. I keep my head down, work at the diner, and that’s been my life.”
I reach out, gently taking her hand in mine. It feels natural, like it was meant to be. “Well, how about we change that for today? Let me show you a little bit of the world beyond the diner.”
Her eyes flicker with curiosity as she nods. “Okay, I’m in.”
We step outside, and I lead her to the Land Rover, grabbing the picnic basket I had prepared with my kitchen staff. Octavia raises an eyebrow, impressed. “You really went all out, huh?”
“Only the best for my favorite diner waitress,” I joke, but in truth, it’s more than that. I want to impress her, to show her that I care.
As we drive toward a nearby trail, I can’t help but steal glances at her. The way the sunlight dances through her hair, the way her laughter fills the car — it’s intoxicating.
When we arrive, I park the SUV, and we step out into the fresh air, the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves surrounding us. I lead her down the trail, casually holding her hand as we walk. It feels right, like a natural extension of everything that’s been building between us.
We find a perfect spot by a bubbling stream, the water sparkling under the sun. I lay out the picnic blanket and set the basket down, revealing a spread of delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit, and homemade pastries.
Octavia’s eyes widen. “Wow, this is amazing!”
“Only the best for you,” I say again, a bit more serious this time. I want her to know I’m invested in this, inus.
As we settle down, I can’t help but ask, “So, what do you do when you’re not working at the diner?”
She shrugs, looking a bit sheepish. “Honestly, not much. I read a lot. Sometimes I take walks, go have a girls night at one of my two besties places but usually I just… hang out in my loft.”
“Why not explore more? There’s a whole world out there,” I say, genuinely curious.
“Fear, I guess,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard to shake the past, you know? Sometimes I feel like I’m still that scared girl who lost everything in just a week's time.”
