Run From The Alpha

Chapter 5

I stood, staring at the tree line. Peter wasn't able to make it to his flight back to New York on time, leaving him with the option to leave in the early hours of the next morning. After the emotional rampage we had both dealt with together, we retired to my bedroom. Peter took a nap while I laid there, unable to sleep. My head was filled with thoughts of Lucas, which I felt was betraying Peter. Instead of focusing on either of them, I thought about running. 

Remembering an old spot on pack lands, I slipped out of the bed and changed into shorts and a t-shirt suitable for a run. My parents either didn't notice me leave or didn't want to bother me, as I had left the house in silence and jogged down the road until I came along a clearing. My feet carried me into the small field until I came to a stop by the tree line.

I hadn't gotten the chance to run again since the storm. I picked my foot up.

"Where are you going?" 

My breath caught as Lucas stepped up behind me. I glanced backwards and saw his car in the distance where the road would be. Was he headed to my house?

"I thought I'd go run." I didn't like the compulsion I felt to tell Lucas the truth about things. A part of me believed that maybe it was the alpha in him, but I never felt the need to follow demands of a titled wolf. In reality, I knew it was the mate bond. 

"Maybe that's not the best idea," He suggested. 

I turned my head to look at him. The wind was blowing his hair around his eyes, and he was staring right at me. I felt my hand move up to push the hair from his face.

Lucas stood perfectly still as my fingers skimmed his forehead. After a second, I pulled my hand away.

"That wasn't appropriate. I'm sorry," I whispered, looking back to the woods. I had already slipped out of my shoes. 

"You are my mate, Eve. I'm not going to force that on you, but I've told you that I'm waiting for you." The words made me feel like tearing up.

"I'm going for a run." I stated, because I didn't want to be harsh to Lucas and say something meaner. It hurt when I saw that I hurt him. 

 I heard Lucas sigh. He opened his mouth to speak.

"You can join," I quickly stated, not sure of what came over me. I pushed my senses out and could tell that his heart was racing. It made me smile. 

Lucas hesitated, which confused me. I almost backed out of my offer.

"Yes," Lucas rushed out. I wondered if he knew I was about to back out. "I'd love to."

My heart jolted as I thought about what this might mean. We'd be spending time together, alone. On the other hand, I'd get to run with someone who could keep up with me. He was an alpha, surely he would outrun me now. 

"I'm not sure it'll be a fair run. You're an alpha," I commented.

"I remember how fast you were. It always seemed impossible." Lucas' voice was mesmerized, I could tell. It made me feel pride spark up in me, but also nerves. What if I couldn't live up to my past?

"Well, try to keep up," I joked softly and stepped to take off. Lucas grabbed my arm before I had the chance to.

The touch made me gasp as tingles spread everywhere up my arm. My body stopped all movement. I didn't run away, though I didn't get closer to him.

Lucas slowly let go of my arm. "Don't you want to shift?" He inquired.

"It's been a while," I replied. Why was I so nervous about shifting in front of him? "Besides, I'd like to not rip through my clothes. Not all of my stuff is here."