Submitting to the alpha

FIRST ENCOUNTER Edited

Lily

I'm at a loss for words. I pretend I didn't hear what Daniel just said. But what do I call him now—Daniel, mate, or alpha?

A cold wave of panic rushes through me, and I slip out of the pack house, my feet carrying me into the woods before I can even think. I know he's behind me—I can feel the pull—but I force myself to focus on running. My wolf, Zassa, isn't making it easier, her voice in my mind relentless:

"Why are we running from our mate? Go back to him!"

I feel his paws on my back, and suddenly, he's on top of me, pinning me down. My wolf fights for control, and I find myself licking his face—a gesture of surrender I never imagined I'd make.

He growls, low and threatening, and I shift back into my human form beneath him. He's bare now, too—he shifted the moment I did. The weight of him against me sends a strange jolt through my body—something between fear and fascination.

I feel a flutter in my chest, but he pulls away, and Zassa whimpers at the loss of contact.

Daniel (POV)

I'm standing with my parents, just returning with some drinks, when a scent hits me, sharp and sweet like a fresh breeze after rain. I track it to its source and there she is. A low growl rumbles from my throat, and I murmur, "Mate."

I know her—she's my mother's friend's daughter. The one who used to come around but then stopped. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I think she might stay. But then, in a heartbeat, she bolts, shifting mid-stride.

I don't think. I follow, the wolf in me pushing me faster, harder. She's quick, but I know these woods better than anyone. I catch up, pressing her to the ground. She licks my face in what should be surrender, but there's something defiant in her eyes that I can't look away from.

I growl softly, willing her to shift back, and she does. I shift too, still on top of her, letting the silence stretch between us. I mind-link my best friend to bring clothes, but I stay there, hovering, just trying to make sense of what I feel.

Lily (POV)

Daniel's face is inches from mine, but he's unreadable, as always. Does he care? Does it matter?

("Why would he chase us if he doesn't want us?") Zassa nudges me in my thoughts.

I pull my hand away from his, thinking of all the rumors about his fiancée. His confusion mirrors my own.

("You have someone else. Why are you chasing me?")

He sighs, exasperated. ("Could you stop running for once?")

("Why did you run?") His voice is softer now, but I don't answer. I turn to leave, but he's behind me again in a flash, pulling me back with a force that catches me off guard. I've never seen him like this—so... lost.

He studies my face, and I know he's searching for answers I'm not sure I have. The way his hands grip my face is surprisingly gentle, and when he kisses me, it's like he's pouring out all the things he can't say—anger, confusion, a desire I didn't expect. I feel the heat of it all against my skin, and without thinking, I kiss him back, hard, like I might never get another chance.

Author's note
I would really appreciate if you vote or even make a comment of anything you feel is out of place . Am really busy these days but it would mean so much to me if you vote or comment or even both

thank you😊