My father paced back and forth while I sat behind the desk watching him. He’s been going on and on about the fact Zira was carrying a white wolf. A wolf our lineage hasn’t seen for four generations. Apparently this was a great opportunity for our pack and making us stronger, but I had other plans.
“Look all I’m saying, Isaiah, is this is an opportunity not only for you as an Alpha, but for this pack. If I was the Alpha I would do this in a heartbeat,” my Dad kept going on.
“But you’re not, Father. I am,” I said, keeping my eyes on his. “I gave Alaia my word and I’m going back on it. Not for you, not for the council, not for anyone.” I wasn’t backing down from this. I made a promise and I was keeping it.
“Just think about Isaiah. That’s all I’m asking.”
“Fine.” I got up from my seat and walked to open the door. “I need a minute to think about it,” I said, motioning him out the door.
He looked at me a bit shocked. Being a former Alpha, he wasn't used to someone telling him to leave. It’s usually the other way around but now he was pissing me off. Well, not just him, but everyone. Everyone is trying to tell me what to do without considering what I might want.
At this moment, I wanted my mate not to feel left out or unimportant. After finding out Zira was having a white wolf I could feel how it affected Alaia. She’s probably thinking I would bow to whatever the council says regarding the Alpha’s position, but I wasn't about to let that happen.
My father got up and straightened his clothes before walking past me. “Forgive me if I’m just concerned about the affairs of my pack,” he said.
“My Pack,” I said with an emphasis on ‘My’. “It's my turn now. I get to decide what’s good for them. Right now I have to make sure my mate and our baby don't get overlooked. Wouldn’t you agree that’s important?”
I thought he was going to get mad at first with the way his eyes changed, but he just smiled and nodded.
“Of course, son. You are Alpha, now.”
The moment my dad left my office, I went to search for Alaia. Her scent was strong when I was talking to my father, so I suspected she must've heard some of the conversation. I followed her scent to her office. On my way I saw Mary looking a bit distraught, quickly moving down the hall.
“Mary, are you okay,” I asked, stopping her in the hall.
She kept her head low and every once and a while she would look over her shoulder. Like she was scared of something down the way.
“I’m fine, Alpha. Thank you. I should get back to my duties. Excuse me.”
She scurried away and I continued to follow Alaia’s scent. When I got close I saw her standing in the doorway, whispering to Lisa before spotting me. She looked at Lisa who nodded and left. She walked into her office and I followed behind her.
“You look radiant today,” I started, trying to ease the tension in the room. Though looking at her, she looked a bit tired and pale.
“Don’t,” she said. “Don't try to butter me up before asking me to do something I don't like.”
“Alaia, I know you heard what my father said…”
“Of course I heard what he said. My daughter is not even here yet and already she’s being labeled as plain and unworthy for the Alpha’s title.”
“Alaia, I don't care what my father wants and you shouldn't either.” I moved closer to her to grab her hands. That’s when I noticed markings peeking from the bottom of her long sleeves. I ignored it for the moment. “Look I made you a promise and I’m going to keep it. Stop worrying about what other people say.”
“I just feel like I’m already being overshadowed, Isaiah. Like no matter what I do I…”
I kissed her before she could finish. I needed to feel what I felt for her. I wanted her to know no one could make me feel the way she does. The way my body reacts to hers, the way my heart pounds when she’s near. I just wish it was enough for her to believe in us. I pulled back so we could catch our breath. She was staring at me as if I did something unbelievable.
“I really wish these doubts didn't trouble you so much. You will always be first in my life. You have to believe or even feel how true that is for me.”
She leaned her head against my chest and nodded. “I do believe you, Isaiah. I just don’t want anything to come between us. I don't want to be pushed aside again.”
I started rubbing circles on her back. “You won't, Alaia.”
We stood there for a few more moments, holding each other. It was nice to have a moment like this with her. She looked so innocent and all I wanted to do was protect her and make her happy. Knowing her past I could understand why she feels the way she feels.
Hopefully when our child is born, she will realize that I’m here to stay. Though I would think the ceremony and the marking would be enough. She pulled back as I wiped away the tears falling down her cheek.
“So, we’re having a daughter,” I asked, remembering what she said earlier.
“Yeah. I can tell. It’s like a mother’s magic intuition,” she said, placing her hands on her belly.
I bent down so my face was level with her belly and placed a kiss on both of her hands.
“Hey there my little princess. I know you can’t understand me but I want you to know how much I love you already. I cannot wait to meet you and give you the world.”
I looked up at Alaia who was smiling now. She rubbed her hands through my hair sending waves throughout my body. “But first you need to stay in there and get strong. You’re going to be running this pack someday and I need you at your best. No doubt you will be. You have the best parents in the world. Both strong, smart, and might I add are very beautiful people.”
Alaia laughed as I stood up. I pulled her closer to me. “See I would never break a promise to either of my girls. So don’t worry.”
Alaia pulled me into a kiss. It felt different this time around. It felt good and more genuine. It even had Devon purring in my ear. She pulled back and placed her head on my forehead.
“I wish I had met you sooner,” she whispered.
“You have me now,” I said and I meant it.