The Alpha’s Request
Amber sat stiffly on the plush leather couch, hands neatly folded in her lap. She had been summoned to the Alpha’s residence, and now she was waiting in his living room, heart hammering against her ribs.
She had heard stories about Alpha Damon—his strength, his authority, his unshakable demeanor. But meeting him in person?
That was something else entirely.
The sound of approaching footsteps made her back straighten instinctively. And then, there he was.
Alpha Damon strolled into the room, his presence commanding without effort. He wasn’t just powerful—he looked every bit the leader he was rumored to be. Broad shoulders, sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes that flickered with curiosity as they landed on her.
Amber quickly rose to her feet, lowering her gaze respectfully. “Alpha.”
He tilted his head, studying her. “So, you’re the matchmaker?”
She nodded, clasping her hands together. “Yes, Alpha.”
He smirked, folding his arms. “I’ve heard about you. Heard you’ve set up quite a few successful mate pairings.”
Amber felt heat creep up her cheeks at his intense gaze. “I do my best.”
His eyes swept over her once more, lingering for a second longer than necessary. “You’re not what I expected.”
She blinked. “Oh?”
Damon chuckled. “I assumed someone who spends their life setting up others would be…older. Maybe less attractive.”
Amber’s breath hitched slightly. “I—I appreciate the compliment, Alpha.”
His smirk deepened. “Tell me something, matchmaker. Why are you so passionate about this? What is it about setting up mate dates that excites you?”
Amber hesitated before answering. “Many wolves struggle to find their mates. Some lose hope before they even get a chance. But with my help, they meet others who could possibly be their fated mate. I create opportunities where there might have been none.”
Damon nodded slowly, considering her words. “Interesting. And yet…” His gaze flickered with amusement. “You don’t seem to have a mate yourself.”
Amber’s fingers tensed slightly, but she forced a polite smile. “I prefer to focus on others for now.”
His brow arched. “You’re avoiding the question.”
She sighed, waving a dismissive hand. “Let’s just say I’ve been too busy helping others to think about myself.”
He studied her for a long moment before finally letting it go. “Fine. Let’s talk about why you’re here.”
Amber exhaled in relief as the conversation shifted. “Of course, Alpha. What qualities are you looking for in your mate?”
His expression turned serious. “The future Luna of this pack must be strong. She must be able to lead beside me, to make decisions, and to stand her ground when necessary.”
Amber nodded in understanding. “Strength is important.”
“Kindness, too,” he added. “She has to care for the pack, not just as a Luna, but as one of them.”
Amber scribbled an imaginary note in her head. Strong. Kind. A leader.
Damon watched her thoughtfully. “Do you think you can find someone like that?”
Amber smiled. “I believe so, Alpha. But…” She hesitated before continuing. “What about you?”
His brows furrowed. “What about me?”
“Well,” she said, tilting her head. “It’s important to know what you bring to the table as well. If I’m going to introduce you to potential mates, I need to be able to tell them what kind of man you are.”
Damon smirked. “Are you interviewing me, matchmaker?”
Amber chuckled. “Call it research.”
He exhaled through his nose, thinking. “I’m loyal,” he said after a moment. “Protective. I take care of what’s mine.”
Amber nodded, waiting for more.
“I’m fair, but I don’t tolerate weakness,” he continued. “I believe in pushing those around me to be the best versions of themselves.”
She raised a brow. “Sounds like you’re a demanding mate.”
Damon smirked. “Is that a problem?”
Amber shook her head. “Not at all. Some wolves prefer that in an Alpha.”
He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, before his eyes darkened slightly. “I do have one priority, though.”
Amber met his gaze. “What is it?”
He tilted his head, staring at her intently.
“I want a woman as beautiful as you.”
Amber’s jaw dropped.
Silence stretched between them.
She blinked, her brain scrambling for a response. “I—”
Damon’s smirk widened.
Amber quickly cleared her throat. “I—I don’t think physical appearance should be a top priority, Alpha.”
“Maybe not,” he mused. “But it is for me.”