The Alpha's mate

Unity Through Blood

Matthew's POV

The aftermath of the battle left the Blue Moon and Blood Moon packs shaken but resolute. The rogue alpha had fallen, but his declaration before death hinted at deeper dangers. As Raphael’s mate and the second son of the Blue Moon Alpha, I stood in the middle of it all, trying to process not only the victory but also the bonds that were now solidified by blood and fire.

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I woke to the comforting warmth of Raphael’s body wrapped around mine. The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, illuminating the hardened lines of his face as he slept. For a moment, I let myself simply exist in the quiet intimacy, my bond with him a steady hum that eased every lingering tension.

But peace was fleeting.

A knock on the door shattered the tranquility. Raphael stirred, his eyes snapping open with an alertness that betrayed his alpha instincts. “What is it?” he growled, his voice rough with sleep and annoyance.

“It’s urgent,” the muffled voice of his beta called from the other side. “We’ve spotted movement near the western border.”

Raphael sighed, pressing a brief kiss to my forehead. “Stay here,” he ordered, his tone brooking no argument as he rolled out of bed.

I, of course, had no intention of staying put. Dressing quickly, I followed him downstairs, where the rest of the leadership had already gathered. The tension was palpable, the room thick with the weight of impending decisions.

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Raphael’s beta—Felix—was already in discussion with Carlos, my boy best friend, who happened to be his mate. Their body language was an interesting study in contrast. Felix’s protective stance and firm grip on Carlos’s shoulder spoke volumes about his determination to shield his mate from harm, while Carlos’s slight fidgeting betrayed a lingering unease. Despite being mated to one of the strongest wolves in the pack, Carlos still carried the scars of past insecurities, especially when it came to relationships.

When I entered the room, all eyes turned to my, including Raphael’s. His gaze softened for a moment before hardening again as he returned to business.

“What’s the situation?” Raphael demanded.

Alice, my witch/vampire best friend, stepped forward, her presence commanding despite her petite frame. “The rogues are regrouping,” she said, her tone clipped. “My spells detected movement near the western border. It’s not just stragglers—they’re organizing.”

Felix growled, his fingers tightening on Carlos's shoulder. “They’re testing us, trying to see if last night’s victory weakened our defenses.”

Raphael’s expression was unreadable, but I could feel his anger through the bond. “We can’t let them gain any ground. We’ll patrol the borders and ensure they understand what happens when they challenge us.”

“I’m coming with you,” I said, stepping closer to him.

Raphael turned to me, his jaw tightening. “No. You’re staying here.”

I crossed my arms, standing my ground. “I’ve fought beside you before, Raphael. I’m not sitting this out.”

Before Raphael could argue further, Alice interjected, her tone laced with dry humor. “He’s right, you know. You two are stronger together. It’s not just about love—it’s strategy.”

Raphael let out a frustrated sigh, clearly torn between his instincts to protect me and the undeniable truth of our shared strength. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. But you stay close to me at all times.”

Carlos, meanwhile, was having a similar conversation with Felix. The beta’s protective nature was clashing with Carlos’s determination to prove himself, and their whispered argument ended with Felix reluctantly agreeing to let Carlos join the patrol.

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The patrol group moved through the dense forest, every sense on high alert. I could feel the unease rippling through the pack, the anticipation of another attack hanging heavy in the air. Raphael’s hand brushed against mine occasionally, a silent reminder of his presence and his promise to keep me safe.

Carlos and Felix followed close behind, their bond almost tangible. I couldn’t help but notice the way Felix’s gaze lingered on Carlos, filled with a mixture of pride and worry. Carlo, for his part, seemed more at ease than I’d ever seen him, his confidence bolstered by the support of his mate.

The tension finally broke when Raphael suddenly stiffened beside me, his head snapping up as a faint rustling reached my ears. A scent—faint but unmistakable—drifted on the breeze. Rogues.

Raphael’s command was immediate. “Stay together. No one separates from the group.”

The patrol spread out in a defensive formation, with Raphael and Felix at the front. I stayed close to Raphael, my body coiled like a spring as I prepared for a fight. The rogues emerged from the shadows moments later, their eyes gleaming with malevolence.

The battle was quick but fierce. Raphael was a force of nature, his movements precise and devastating as he tore through the rogues with ease. Beside him, Felix fought with equal ferocity, his protectiveness over Carlo driving him to new heights.

I held my own, my training and instincts guiding me as I fought side by side with Raphael. Despite the chaos, I felt an odd sense of harmony—the bond between me and Raphael strengthening with every shared move.

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The last rogue fell, silence descending over the forest once more. But as the patrol regrouped, Raphael’s sharp eyes caught something carved into the trunk of a nearby tree. His expression darkened as he approached it, his fingers brushing against the crude marks.

It was a message, scrawled in blood,“He belongs to me.”

My stomach turned as I read the words, the implications chilling. Raphael’s rage was palpable, his fists clenching as he stared at the declaration. “This isn’t over,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

I placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. “We’ll face it together,” I said firmly.

Carlo, standing nearby with Felix, shivered. “That’s... unhinged,” he muttered, leaning into his mate’s comforting presence.

Felix wrapped an arm around Carlos, his expression hard. “It’s a desperate act. Whoever wrote this is trying to scare us.”

“They’ll regret it,” Raphael said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “Anyone who threatens what’s mine will pay.”

As the patrol returned to the pack, I couldn’t shake the lingering unease. The rogue threat wasn’t over—but with Raphael by my side, I knew I could face whatever was coming. Together, we were stronger than anything the rogues could throw at us. And with my friends and pack behind me, the future, though uncertain, was something I was ready to fight for.