Page 12 of Alpha's Choice
“And your wolf is okay with that?”
I held back a growl. “My wolf and I have promised her time, but she will move in to the packhouse. Until she’s marked, my wolf needs her near.”
Jane rested her hand on Greg’s back, probably sensing the tension in her mate. “Honey, why don’t I take Emma upstairs to pack her things and you and Alpha Tobias can talk?” She led Emma from the room.
I motioned for us to sit, hoping to defuse the situation. “I’ve been waiting a long time for my mate, Greg. I have every intention of accepting her.”
“I’ve never heard of an Alpha with a human mate. The pack may have trouble accepting her.”
My wolf growled at his words. “They will accept her. She is our mate.”
Greg bowed his head in submission. “No disrespect, Alpha. I want the best for Emma. My wolf and I have accepted her as our daughter. I’m happy she has a mate. I just worry it will be difficult for her.”
I took a deep breath, pushing my wolf back with difficulty. “I’m glad she has someone looking out for her. And I can promise you I won’t allow anyone to disrespect her as my Luna.”
“Emma still has a lot to learn about wolves. She’s not used to the close ties living in a pack brings. She’s trying to fit in for her mother’s sake, but I don’t think she believes in the mate bond yet. And mating with you comes with extra responsibilities she may not be ready for.”
I thought about his words. “You know her better than I do. What do you suggest?”
“You said you and your wolf promised her time. That’s a start. She questions everything, so you’ll need to be patient.”
My wolf was already impatient to claim his mate. It would take all my control to hold him back from pushing her.
“Show her she belongs here. That would go a long way.”
“She does belong here. The Goddess chose her for me and for this pack.”
“That won’t convince her. She’s human and grew up in the human world. She’s used to the idea of choosing those things for herself.”
His words were foreign to me. I had grown up knowing my place. My father was Alpha, and I knew I would be Alpha when he stepped down. Everything in my life supported that direction. I always knew when I found my mate, I would accept and cherish her.
I didn’t understand what it was to be a human learning about werewolves and the mate bond. How was I supposed to convince Emma to choose me?
* * *
Emma
I watched Mom pull out my suitcase and start filling it with clothes. “Mom, you have no problem with me moving in with a guy I just met?”
“Greg speaks highly about the Alpha. Plus, he’s not just any man. He’s your mate.”
“And that’s enough for you?”
She stopped packing and sat on the bed. “I thought we explained mates to you.”
“You did. But it can’t be that simple. Even if I believe we’re meant to be together, that’s no guarantee a relationship will work.”
Mom patted the bed, and I sat next to her. “All relationships require effort, even with mates. But sweetie, it’s worth it. I’ve never felt for anyone what I feel for Greg. No one ever made me feel so loved and accepted for who I am.”
“It’s not like you have anything to compare it to. When’s the last time you dated?”
Mom gave me a look that only a mother could give. “Oh, Emma. I’ve dated plenty over the years.”
“What?” I thought back but couldn’t recall her seeing anyone before Greg. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
“It never went anywhere.” Her expression was pensive. “I used to think I was broken, because I didn’t feel anything for the men I dated. But I know why now. I was waiting for Greg.”
Mom wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “You’ve found your perfect match, and a place in Gray Rock that belongs to you. I know you’ve wondered what you were meant to do with your life. Now you know. Be brave. Reach out and take it.”
