Page 41 of Alpha's Choice
I filled them in about the autopsy results and they were just as confused as me. We were no closer to an answer.
After dinner, Emma and I went back to our apartment and slid into our usual evening routines. I loved how easy it was with her. It felt so right to reach past her to grab something and brush my teeth as she washed her face.
She pulled back the covers and cuddled close to me after getting in. Her head rested on my chest and her leg slid over my hip. I wanted her from the start, but now, after spending time with her, the desire was even greater.
I thought my wolf would get restless over time, but he seemed content. He wanted to mark and mate with her, but he also didn’t want to rush her.
The instant love of the mate bond had morphed into something deeper. I couldn’t imagine how great it would feel when we completed the bond.
As much as I thought I understood mates, nothing prepared me for how deep and real it was. Before, it was something I witnessed from the outside. Now I felt it inside me, living, growing.
My arms tightened around her. I saw how she anchored Jenny to the pack after Neil died, but if something happened to her, I suspected nothing could anchor me.
* * *
Emma
The reinforcements from the Council were all business when they arrived. I could feel their eyes on me, measuring, when Tobias introduced me as his mate, but no one commented on me being human.
Patrick, who finally came up for air after finding Elliot, and Danny led them to the guardhouse. Elliot had also skipped the morning class, so we headed over together.
“I wonder what everyone will talk about at lunch today.” I tapped my chin before giving Elliot a grin. “I have to thank you. I’m no longer the newest thing around.”
“It’s my pleasure.” He wagged his brows. “Lots and lots of pleasure.”
My phone dinged, and I glanced down. It was from Gina. I hadn’t texted her much since I met Tobias, and she was getting suspicious. I didn’t enjoy hiding things from her, but how was I supposed to explain that I found my mate? And if I told her I had a boyfriend, that would inspire even more questions.
I put my phone away. I’d figure it out later. “Hey, do you mind if we swing by Jenny’s place? I’d like to check in on her and make sure she’s doing okay.”
“Sure.” Elliot nudged me. “I’d love to see our next Luna in action.”
“How about the next Gamma mate?” I nudged him back. “What’s your role in this situation?”
He thought about it and shrugged. “Not a clue.”
“Guess you’ll be spending lots of time with Patrick’s mother, learning the ropes.”
He cursed. “I guess that’s the drawback of being mates with a titled wolf. Lots of one-on-one time with the in-laws.”
“Welcome to the club. I anticipate many hours with Louisa.”
I knocked on Jenny’s door, and her mother opened it, looking reserved when she saw me. “Luna Emma. We weren’t expecting you.”
“I had some time and wanted to check in on Jenny.”
“That’s not necessary.” Helen was stiff. “I’m sure you’re very busy.”
“Never too busy for this.” Her reaction confused me. The last time I was here, they welcomed me into the home. “This is Elliot. He’s Gamma Patrick’s mate.”
Elliot held out his hand to shake. She glanced over her shoulder, brow wrinkling, as Jenny approached, stopping short when she saw me. “Luna Emma.”
“Hello Jenny.” I reached for her hand, but she shoved hers in her pockets, out of reach. “I wanted to stop by and say hi.”
“Um. Hello.” She shifted on her feet, not meeting my gaze. “I’m sure you have more important things to be doing. You don’t need to keep checking in on me.”
“I don’t mind.” Something was wrong. Last time I was here, Jenny’s wolf had a strong presence, but today she felt strangely empty. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine.” She tried to smile, but it got stuck halfway there. “I’m going to lie down now. Thank you for stopping by Luna Emma.”
