The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE]

Chapter 19

Ellie's P.O.V

2 weeks later

It's been two weeks since that day and we haven't gone out on our date yet. We've both caught up with the safety of the pack since Kyle's has become more bold with his attacks lately. Jacob and I barely see each other with him undergoing the remainder of his Alpha training with Alpha Brian while Uncle Ted and I have been coming up with different training simulations that are related to the real world to prepare the new recruits. Safe to say, we've been a bit busy these past few weeks.

It's been quiet for the past 3 days though. We're finally able to breathe but we are keeping our guard up. But it also means this is the third day back to my normal routine.

I've always preferred to do things on my own. That way, everything gets done my way, and faster. I train alone. I lead drills alone. I run alone. It's nothing personal, it's just the way I am and everybody knows that. So, they let me be. They don't offer to join nor do I extend an invite.

So imagine my surprise when I felt someone tailing me on my run. They weren't so close that if they jumped out of hiding right now they could probably tackle me, but they weren't too far behind either. One thing was for sure, they were chasing me. At first, I thought it was another one of Kyle's surprise attacks, and if so, I was ready for the fight. But then I felt a familiar presence. It was calm and soothing. Which makes me think the invader was friendly. As they got closer, I could hear the footsteps more clearly. They were steady and non threatening. Still, I picked up my pace, darting through the trees like the wind was chasing me.

But they kept up.

After about ten minutes, I finally stopped near the clearing just west of the ridge, where the fog still clung to the ground. I turned slowly, already knowing who I'd see.

Jacob.

He emerged from the trees a few seconds later, a grin spreading across his face like he'd just won a game he wasn't supposed to know we were playing.

"How the hell did you find me?" I asked, half out of breath, half annoyed.

He shrugged, hands on his hips. "I've seen you head this direction every other morning since I got back. You think I wouldn't figure out your favorite trail?"

I blinked. "You've been watching me?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I observe. There's a difference."

"Creepy difference."

His grin widened. "You're just mad I found you. Are you always this cranky in the mornings?"

"I'm not mad," I said, turning away. "I'm just impressed you didn't trip over your own feet on the way here."

"Please. I was pacing you. I could've passed you a long time ago." We both know he could, but I liked to think I had a chance of outrunning him.

I turned, deadpan. "Pacing me?"

He walked closer. "I've got stamina."

"You've got an ego." I matched his step

"Admit it, you love it." A playful smile found his face.

I snorted. "You're delusional."

"And yet..." He tilted his head, giving me a pointed look. "You agreed to go on a date with me. Or was I still being delusional."

I rolled my eyes, stretching one arm behind my back. "Yeah. Weeks ago. You never know, my response could've changed."

"Has it?" he countered and I stayed quiet.

"You never said when." I said after a while.

"We both have been kinda busy."

I paused, then gave a quiet, "Fair."