Eclipsed Bonds: Canine Whispers

Chapter 17 (Moving forward and getting closer)

James's POV:

The scent of Alex, my mate, filled the small inn room, making my wolf restless beneath my skin. It took all my self-control to focus on the simple task of scrambling eggs in the kitchenette.

"I hope you don't mind a basic breakfast," I said, glancing at Alex. He sat on the edge of the bed, looking endearingly disheveled. The sight of him wearing my shirt from last night made my heart skip a beat.

"It's perfect," Alex replied with a small smile. "Usually, I just grab coffee on the go."

We sat side by side on the bed, balancing plates on our laps. The proximity was both a blessing and a torture - so close to my mate, yet unable to reveal the truth.

"So," I started, desperate to know more about him, "what brings you to town? Business or pleasure?"

Alex paused mid-bite, his expression guarded. "Business, mostly. I'm here for... a job."

"Oh? What kind of work do you do?" I pressed gently, knowing I was treading on sensitive ground.

He hesitated before answering, "I'm in security consulting.'

I nodded, sensing there was much more to it. How I wished I could just tell him everything - about werewolves, about mates, about the bond I felt the moment I saw him. But I couldn't risk scaring him away. Not when I'd just found him.

"Security consulting," I repeated, sensing there was more to it. "Sounds interesting. Any exciting stories you can share?"

Alex's laugh was short and a bit forced. "Not really. Mostly boring stuff, to be honest. What about you? Are you local?"

Nice deflection, I thought. Out loud, I said, "Born and raised. I help run a family business in town."

It wasn't exactly a lie. Being the future Alpha of a werewolf pack was very much a family business.

Alex nodded, seemingly relieved to shift the focus away from himself. We finished our breakfast, chatting about safer topics - the town, the weather, anything but our personal lives.

We finished our breakfast, chatting about neutral topics. All the while, my wolf urged me to claim him, mark him, keep him close. But I knew I couldn't. Not yet.

As I gathered the plates, Alex stood up, looking uncertain. "I should probably get going. I've got some things to take care of."

My heart sank, but I nodded. "Of course. I understand."

There was an awkward moment as we stood there. Finally, gathering my courage, I stepped closer. "Any chance I could see you again?"

Alex looked up at me, and I saw conflict in his eyes. For a moment, I feared he might refuse. Then, to my immense relief, he nodded.

"I'd like that," he said. "But I might be busy this week. Can I... call you?"

"Absolutely," I said, perhaps too eagerly. I wrote my number on the inn's notepad and handed it to him, our fingers brushing. The contact sent a jolt through me, and I saw Alex's eyes widen slightly. Did he feel it too?

At the door, we hesitated. Unable to resist, I leaned in and kissed him softly. Alex tensed for a split second before melting into the kiss. It took every ounce of willpower not to deepen it, to not let my wolf take over.

"Take care, Alex," I said as we parted, my voice huskier than I intended.

He nodded, a faint blush on his cheeks. "You too, James."

As I walked down the hallway, my mind raced. How could I introduce Alex to my world without scaring him off? How could I protect him from whatever dangerous "security" work he was involved in?

Stepping out into the morning sun, I let out a deep breath. I had found my mate, but the path ahead was far from clear. Alex clearly had secrets of his own, and I had a whole supernatural world to somehow reveal to him.

But as I drove back to the pack house, one thought kept me going: I had found him. Against all odds, I had found my mate. And no matter what obstacles lay ahead, I would find a way to make this work. For both of us.