The Forbidden Alpha

I sat in the lobby and tried not to fidget as I waited for the Princess to come down from her high tower. A smile pulls at the corner of my lips. The sound from the elevator announced Gabe’s arrival. I jump to my feet and turn around as the doors open.

I have to stop myself from crying. Gabe is looking the best I’ve seen him in a long time. I rack my brain and realize I haven’t seen him look this much like himself since before Olivia’s disappearance.

His hair is a little unruly and he’s sporting a five o’clock shadow. He’s gone for a relaxed look for brunch. He’s wearing gray sweat shorts and a loose striped teal and white crew neck. His eyes dart around the room before spotting me.

“Took you long enough!” I joke as we meet in the middle.

“You’re so dramatic Hun,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I was gone MAYBE fifteen minutes. You know all of this,” he said, motioning to his body, “takes a little bit of time.”

I smile as I link my arm with his. I remember reading when a wolf loses their mate, they often commit suicide due to grief and loneliness. Not only is their heart aching for their loved one but the loss of physical touch only makes it harder.

“Thanks, Ady,” he murmurs.

“For what?” I ask as I cock my head.

“For getting me out of the room… I needed a reason to get out of bed today.”

Don’t blink.

“Of course,” I breathe.

Damn you tears.

Don’t blink.

I dab at the runaway tear and tighten my grip around his arm. “Anyway,” I said, clearing my throat. “I have a place in mind for brunch if there isn’t a specific place you’re wanting to go to.”

“I don’t care where we go. All I know is one second I was sleeping, the next my Luna was demanding I get out of bed,” he says dramatically. He slaps his hand to his chest for emphasis. We make our way to the front door.

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes. “I didn’t use any Luna power on you,” I giggle.

“Where do you do you have in mind?” Gabe asked.

When we reach the front door, Sasha appears out of thin air and opens the front door for us. I don’t know where she’s disappeared to but lately, I’ve been noticing her more. I fight the scowl that has already started to make its way onto my face.

Be nice.

I have to bite back a growl when she gives Gabe a slow seductive look over. Gabe stiffens for a second before relaxing. As much as I want to tell her to get out of the way, she hasn’t done anything to warrant her Luna going off on her.

“I can think of a few reasons to rip her head off,” Korra hissed.

“Kor,” I whispered while stifling a laugh.

“One, she’s a bitch,” Korra growls. “Olivia hasn’t been gone long and she’s already trying to sink her slutty claws into Gabe. She’s disgusting.”

She’s starting to make more sense the more I listen to her. I tune her out as she starts to list off more reasons why we should take a bite out of her.

I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth slowly as we walk out. When I’m calm, I steal a peek up at Gabe. His face doesn’t give anything away and he doesn’t say anything. I’m not going to say anything. I know it’s too soon. Since he hasn’t said anything, I’ll keep my mouth shut.

After the door is closed behind us. I pull on his arm and lead him to the beauty parked out front. She’s a 2021 all-black Bronco. Ethan had given it to me for if I ever wanted to go exploring or go into town to shop. And I quote, “We can run everywhere but it doesn’t mean you should run anywhere.”

Beside me, Gabe let out a low whistle.

“Damn, she’s pretty,” he said, in awe. I’ve always wanted a car for back roading or to go exploring in. I was always working for the room over my head so I never had time to get a paying job to save for one.

“She is. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being handed a car or anything else Ethan offers me,” I tell him. I swallow the lump in my throat and ignore the tinge of guilt I feel.

Gabe stops and turns to face me.

“Don’t even go there. You’re his mate, what’s his is yours. This car or any other car for that matter. We just picked out your dress for the Luna Ceremony yesterday. You’d think you would know by now that this is all yours now. I’m going to need you to get used to it, Hun.”

“Mm… It’s going to take some time,” I mumble.

We continue walking to the car and Gabe follows me around to the driver’s side.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t like to hear you speak this way,” Gabe says, as he reaches over and opens my door for me. After I hop in, he closes the door and walks around the car. He opens his door and gets in on the passenger’s side.

“You get me?” He asked.

“I get you,” I answer.

“Good,” He sighs but doesn’t say anything more. I start the car and put it in reverse.

“You never told me where we’re going,” Gabe says. It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement but Gabe rolls down his window.

“It’s this cute place in town called The Sweet Note,” I said with a smirk. He’s going to love it. I haven’t gone since my first date with Ethan.. Gabe loves all things sweet and even though it’s brunch, I know he’s going to get the waffles with the Nutella, mixed fruits, and special syrup.