Chapter 10

Autumn

Clint took a deep breath and texted someone on his phone while turning quickly. I didn’t want to ask anymore questions, because he seemed like he just didn’t need me asking right now. How did he talk to this Beta person? I wondered in silence. He twisted and turned down the road until I noticed we managed to get to my apartment. I had never been so relieved in my life to see that old building.

He parked in the garage, that was now crowded with extremely fit men and women, and we made our way upstairs. Oliver’s assistant was already there on the 10th floor, waiting for us with an old man in a 3-piece suit. He had grey dreadlocks, and shades, even though we were indoors.

They went in first with Clint, leaving me with the 3 men that road with us and everyone seemed to relax. I could hear them sniffing the air like wolves, and moving furniture, as if to make sure that no one was hiding, even under the rug. I smiled a little amused at this, but I know it was necessary.

“We’re clear… damn Luna sitting is hard…” Clint said with a small laugh. The others smiled, and I was now being protected by what seemed like 10 security guys. “Damn bloodsuckers.” Growled Chase.

“I don’t smell them here, but I’m sure they might get curious, and Alpha won’t answer the damn phone!” said Clint, trying to call Oliver. “He said he’d be back by 4.” Said Chase, putting a hand on Clint’s shoulder.

They all sat down, wherever they could, even getting chairs from Oliver’s place, and made lots of coffee. They all seemed to be in a dazed glare, facing each other, and they would change their facial expressions, like they were talking. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were.

I honestly can’t explain it, but my mind went to Oliver. I worried about him. I know what Clint said, that he was the strongest, but that didn’t stop me from feeling this way. I hoped he was okay, and not out doing something dangerous by himself. Why do I catch myself worrying about someone I just met? Why do I trust all these strangers… was this whole mate thing to blame? I scrolled my phone, looking at all the updates on BookFace from my mom and dad, cousin who seemed to never get old, I swear, and gave them a half lie. I was safe, but stuff did happen. They weren’t about to know what though.

“Who are you talking to?” Said a gruff voice from behind, making me jump. It was the weird man with dreads and shades. “My parents, I forgot to call yesterday. Don’t worry I’m not going to tell them your secret.” I let out a forced laugh, because I could see his teeth, and he didn’t seem to be messing around. Under his shades, I could see why he wore them, his eyes were bright orange.

“Step away from the Luna, Elder, unless you choose to die.” Growled Oliver’s assistant, who I learned was Beta.

“I was simply curious, because this entire time, she smells human… yet in all my life I only know of one wolf who ever mated to a human, but if she were related to whom I speak of, surely she would smell at least a little wolf… yet she doesn’t.” He said casually, getting a snarl from a few. They knew he ate people, and didn’t like him near me.

“You’re not here to be curious, you’re here to share your knowledge with the Alpha.” Growled Beta, causing him to back away from me.

They all started to crowd me, and it made me nervous.

---------Oliver----------

I didn’t care who saw, I ran to my car, trying to keep my speed looking somewhat human. I got in and sped off. As soon as I got into town proper, I got stuck in traffic. I curse myself for being so stupid. I should have been there. My wolf was silent, waiting for news. I mind linked Clint. How did they find her?! He was silent for a second. She wanted to go to the park, and the bloodsuckers were there. I took her to our side, they didn’t belong there Alpha, they were attracted to her scent. I lost them though. Linked Clint all at once.

Once I had a little more wiggle room, I went the most direct route I could, making my way to her. If they find out she’s different… And especially my Luna, they won’t just kill her like they did my father, she’s human…. They will bleed her dry to spite me since I cut them out the hospital chains on the East Side…. They might even turn her. I shuttered at the thought. Having a human mate is so fucking stressful. If I screw up once, she’s dead. I would be alone the rest of my life, and it would be my fault.

I am going to mark her Oliver. You had your chance. You will not stop me. Growled my wolf. I shut him out, I didn’t need him acting up right now. At this moment, I needed to see our Luna. I ran up the stairs, and unlocked the door with my spare keys.

My Luna was fine, surrounded by 10 warriors, Beta, an elder, Clint, and I froze… I could explain all the ‘friends’… but not this. Shit. They bowed and she stared at me, with an expression I couldn’t quite read.

“Fuck it. Autumn I know this breaks human customs, but I love you. I bought this shit complex, I moved into that room, and I have been actively protecting you every night since you moved here… and trust me when I say you needed it. I know I sound like a weird creep who’s lying but look.” I made my eyes turn yellow. “I’m the dog you like so much…. I’m a werewolf, and You’re my mate. I love you so much it physically hurts that I can’t have you with me. Please don’t hate me. I get it if you reject me and move back home, but just know that I would drop everything to be with you!” I say in 2 breaths.

Everyone laughs, Autumn included. I was confused. She got off the couch and held my hand, looking up at me. “I realized something was up when you wrote the second note ‘Alpha’.” She said with a small smile. “I can’t say that I love you, but I do really like and trust you… and for some reason, I should be creeped out… but I’m not. It’s like I can’t be mad at you for wanting to be with me.” she said, looking down at the floor shyly. I hold both her small hands now. I was willing to do anything to make this work. Anything. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I practically had East in a chokehold.

“Would you please give this foolish wolf a chance? I swear I’ll do whatever you want to make this work.” I look into her eyes, and she looks deeply in mine. Just holding her hands was electric. She closed her eyes, and slowly craned her head up, and stood on her tip toes. I leaned down, and she kissed me on the cheek. It sent shivers down my spine. “Yes, foolish wolf I will give you a chance.” She said sweetly. I felt her acceptance and it made me feel wanted for once. I almost felt like I was a marked man, and I just couldn’t control myself in that moment.

I kissed her on the lips. They were soft as silk, and delicate as lace. She was shocked, but she slowly returned it. She felt like she had never kissed before, and I was there to teach her what I knew with my instincts. I laced my fingers with hers, and pulled her in closer. Her warm body on my chest sent East wild, and I had to break our kiss. “Sorry, it’s hard to control myself around you.” I blurt, looking her in the eyes now.

“Whys that?” She says, catching her breath, looking up at me innocent to my wicked desire. “My wolf wants to mark you. It will tell other wolves that you’re taken.” I tell her, looking at her lips. “You’ll also share my immortality because it will join our souls…” I tell her honestly. She has to know all of it.

“Wow… that sounds… really serious…” she said, looking down. I could understand it, but East couldn’t. He howled in emotional pain. I struggled to keep it together and not show it. The other wolves noticed, but she didn’t. “Maybe if we get to know each other better, but that sounds…like allot right now…. I’m sorry I kissed you.” She tried to yank her hands away and I didn’t let her.

“Don’t be. You wanted to test the connection, and if I didn’t want that kiss, I would have moved. You’re my mate Autumn, I meant it when I said I would wait.” I said with a smile, and pulled her into a hug. I made sure not to be too rough. She was my little butterfly, and I was her wolf.

She buried her face into my suit, and I swear I heard her sniff me. We stood like this for what seemed like moments, until I heard a loud throat clear. I watched her turn rosy pink and I smirked. She was so embarrassed, and I didn’t care. I had finally got her acceptance; and now she knew most of what made marking so important. But I can wait if it means I can have her. My mate decided to give me a chance and I was going to try my hardest not to mess this up.