The Alpha's Mate

{4}

Authors pov

Jake kept walking, his mind racing as he wandered farther from home. The frustration of being hidden, the mystery of the woman in the locket, and the weight of living in a world where he was never truly accepted—it all swirled together, making his steps heavier with each passing minute.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the trees as he ventured deeper into the forest that bordered his home. It was a place he rarely went, but today, it seemed like the only place where he could be alone and away from the constant pressure.

As he walked, he could hear the faint rustling of leaves and the soft whispers of the wind through the branches. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of calm. Out here, away from the pack and the watchful eyes of his parents, he felt free.

But as he ventured deeper into the woods, something caught his attention. At first, it was just a sound—a low, rhythmic thud, like someone’s footsteps. Jake stopped, his senses suddenly alert. He wasn’t alone.

His heart raced as he scanned the area, his eyes darting between the trees. For a moment, the forest seemed eerily quiet, as though holding its breath. Then, out of the shadows, a figure emerged.

It was a man, tall and imposing, with dark eyes and an air of authority. Jake instantly recognized him—it was the Alpha of the neighboring pack. The same Alpha his parents had told him to avoid at all costs.

Jake’s body went rigid, fear creeping up his spine. He hadn’t expected to run into him here, in the middle of the woods. He had no idea how to explain his presence without raising suspicion, especially if the Alpha had any clue about who Jake really was.

The Alpha’s sharp gaze fell on Jake, his brow furrowing slightly as he stepped closer. “You,” he said, his voice deep and commanding. “What are you doing out here?”

Jake’s mind raced for an answer, but the words wouldn’t come. The Alpha’s presence was overwhelming, and Jake could feel the strength of his aura pressing down on him. He was no ordinary wolf—this was someone who could crush him without a second thought.

“I was just… walking,” Jake finally managed to say, trying to keep his voice steady. “I didn’t know anyone was out here.”

The Alpha narrowed his eyes, clearly not satisfied with the answer. His gaze swept over Jake, as if he were searching for something. For a brief, terrifying moment, Jake wondered if the Alpha could somehow sense what he was—an Omega hiding in plain sight.

“You’re from the neighboring pack, aren’t you?” the Alpha asked, his tone sharp.

Jake nodded, his throat tight. “Yes, sir.”

The Alpha’s expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his eyes, a flicker of curiosity or perhaps suspicion. “You’re not one of the usuals I see around. What’s your name?”

Jake hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. Should he lie? Or would that only make things worse? His parents had always told him to avoid attention, but now, standing face to face with the Alpha, he had no choice.

“Jake,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

For a long, agonizing moment, the Alpha simply stared at him, as though trying to piece something together. Then, to Jake’s surprise, his expression softened—just slightly.

“Be careful out here, Jake,” the Alpha said, his voice low and serious. “It’s easy to get lost.”

With that, the Alpha turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving Jake standing there, breathless and shaken. He didn’t know what to make of the encounter, but one thing was clear—the Alpha had noticed something. And it wasn’t just that Jake was from the neighboring pack.