Stepped Up [COMPLETE]

7

Hope's POV:

I woke up early in the afternoon, my body still carrying the weight of the night's events, leaving me far from well-rested. In an attempt to shake off the lingering fatigue, I brewed a strong cup of coffee and allowed the invigorating aroma to fill the room. As I sipped the steaming liquid, I changed into simple jeans and a tee, hoping the routine would prepare me for the challenges that lay ahead. The day loomed large, and a series of phone calls awaited, demanding my attention.

Interrupting my thoughts, an insistent knock echoed through the door, prompting a groan of annoyance. I hurriedly approached the entrance, swinging it open wide, only to be met by an overwhelming and intoxicating scent that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. My wolf stirred within me, responding with an elated yip. The man standing before me was none other than my mate, an Alpha wolf—a realization that left me feeling utterly vulnerable.

He stood tall, his broad chest and commanding presence filling the doorway. The height difference was notable, enough to suggest a potential kink in my neck from looking up at him. His hair, short and dark with subtle brown specks, framed a face dominated by eyes the color of rich milk chocolate. Every aspect of his appearance exuded strength and allure, his clothing clinging to him like a second skin. In that moment, he embodied the epitome of every woman's fantasy.

"Shit," I sighed. He just wasn't my wet dream. He was more like my nightmare.

"Hello to you too," He joked, and I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Are you going to invite me in?" He asked, and I did not want to, but leaving him on the front porch would be weird. Also, I had seriously nosey neighbours.

I took a step back to allow him entry, and as he walked into the house, I closed the door behind him. The atmosphere tensed with a mixture of uncertainty and the undeniable connection we shared. Making my way to the living room, I settled onto the couch, my hands wrapped around the comforting warmth of my coffee cup.

My mate joined me, opting for the other sofa, a respectful gesture that afforded me a sense of personal space. The room held a charged silence as we navigated the unspoken complexities of our newfound connection.

"You're the wolf from last night," I said as I recognised his scent.

"Yeah, my name is Jack Travis, and you are?"

"Hope, Mayson, but I suspect you already knew that, considering you found my address,"

"I did," He said, not an ounce of embarrassment. "Why are you a rogue?"

"Personal choice,"

"Do you know what we are to each other?"

"I'm not stupid; we're true mates,"

"You don't seem pleased," He said, and I wasn't. This was precisely the scenario that I did not want to happen. He was high up in his pack because I could practically smell the power radiating off him, meaning he would like me to join his group to be by his side. I can't do that; I cannot go back to pack life and risk Elena.

"I don't like being in a pack,"

"But you're a wolf; we're designed for packs,"

"I'm not,"

"Did your old pack hurt you or something?"

"Or something,"

"Why are you so cryptic?"

"Look, let's just get this straight and out there now. I will not be part of a pack; clearly, you're high up in your pack. So this between us will never work or happen, so I think it best to end this conversation now." He stared at me for the longest time, never moving or making a sound. He then leaned back into the sofa, making himself comfortable.