Chapter 8 The Alpha's Vow
Chapter 8
Zayne's POV
My mind was a mess, and that was putting it lightly. The plan was simple: avoid her like a plague because the moon goddess had to have made a mistake…second chance mates were rare and unheard of. But for some reason, I couldn't get her out of my mind
Her smell hung to my skin like a tattoo and wide grey eyes kept me awake. And that kiss…even though I hadn't meant for it to happen, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Her soft lips felt like a reminder of something I couldn't have.
And the moment at the mall when the man raised his hand to touch her, I lost it. It took every ounce of restraint in me to not snap his neck right there.
Alyssa had already been through a lot, I didn't want her to see me all covered in blood. She already looked so scared of me, and the last thing I wanted was to add to it.
But I couldn't do this again, I couldn't get close to her and end up losing her as well. It's going to kill me. At the same time, the urge to take her in my arms anytime I was close to her became stronger with each passing second.
“We're not going to lose her,” Kael growled, his voice firm and certain. “she's ours and we're going to protect her.”
I wanted to believe him because I wasn't sure how long I could keep fighting the bond which keeps growing.
The door opened, breaking through my thoughts and Xavier entered, holding a document with him. His expression was grim. “I found the man from the mall.” He announced, and my head snapped towards him. “And?”
He handed me the documents. “He's from the neighbouring Pack but was banished alongside five other wolves after they were caught working with rogues to attack their Pack.” He explained.
My jaw tightened as I scanned through the file. Banishment. That was far too easy a punishment compared to what I had in mind when I lay my hands on him.
“Double patrol at the borders,” I started, “and I want him found immediately.” I ordered.
Xavier nodded, “Yes Alpha, I already have warriors looking for her.” He replied. “It shouldn't take long before they find him.”
He paused before turning to leave but he'd barely taken a step when he stopped and turned to face me again. “Have you spoken to her yet?” He asked.
I didn't need to ask what he was talking about before shaking my head. “I want her to warm up to me first.” I replied. “I think that if I say the wrong thing, she's going to completely shut down.”
After our last conversation where we almost lost our minds when she said she had a mate, I concluded that it was either he died as well and just like me, she wasn't over him. Or that she was rejected and she left the pack. The second one made sense especially as she didn't smell like she'd been a rogue for a long time before we found her.
“How's Lori holding up?” I asked, shifting the topic after a brief moment of silence.
He shrugged, “angry,” he admitted. “But she's better than before.” He replied and I nodded.
It was understandable as Leon was her twin brother and it was because of her that he became a warrior…which turned out to be a bad idea. Although Xavier had given me a report about what happened that night, I still couldn't get my head wrapped around the fact that she'd taken down a wolf that was twice her size.
Xavier finally left, and I didn't waste time going in search of Alyssa.
The sound of her laughter echoed off the walls as I neared our room. It sounded like pure music to my ears, I wished that she would laugh with me too. I wanted to see her face while she laughed but held myself back and listened to her instead.
After what felt like forever, I pushed the door open, causing both of them to turn to me. And maybe it was my imagination, but there was a hint of a smile on her face replacing the frown that was associated with my presence.
“Alpha,” Aria called, standing up. “I'll see you later, Luna.” She whispered to my mate, who nodded.
Once we were alone, she turned to pick up the now empty shopping bags. I could feel my wolf trying to claw himself to the surface, murmuring something along the lines of me embarrassing the both of us.
“I like her,” Alyssa's soft voice said, jolting me out of what would've turned to a back and forth with Kael.
“Yea, Xavier's got his hands full with her.” I replied, and she chuckled but didn't disagree
Using this opportunity, I moved towards her, I collected the bags despite her protests and put them away while she watched but didn't say anything.
“I'm scared, Zayne” she said, and my head whipped to her. I ignored the way my name rolled off her lips and was beside her in a moment.
“Why? I'm always going to be right here.” I promised her but she shook her head causing a frown to deepen. But before I could ask why…since I haven't given her any sign that I didn't want her, she continued.
“You might think you want me now,” She whispered, her voice breaking. “but that's going to change. You'll find someone you think is bet…”
Kael let out a growl before she could finish talking, “someone better?” I doubt that. I didn't want anyone in the first place but since I saw her, it was the only thing I could think about.
“Listen Red,” I began, my voice dropping. “You're mine, and that's not going to change…not now and definitely not in the future.”
Her lips parted, trembling as if she wanted to argue, but I didn’t let her.
“I, Zayne King,” I continued, “accept you, Alyssa Crestwood as my mate and Luna.”
And for the first time since I lost my first mate, I felt the weight I've carried since her death become lighter. I reached out, my thumb brushing her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere, Red,” I whispered. “Not now. Not ever.”