The Supreme Alpha

Author's note: This is from Seraphina's point of view

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I got out of the bathroom, ready for bed, only to see that Duke was not in the bedroom.

My dejection grew when I realized that Duke went to do his evening routine in the guest bathroom.

I invited him to join me, but he said that he needs to deal with something and that something was to not allow his wolf to see me naked.

How long will he be at odds with his wolf?

Yes, I am aware that Duke is struggling, but with neither of them willing to give in, it will take forever. Does he think this is easy for me?

Of course, I'm not comfortable knowing that his wolf is watching our every move, but the fact that Duke is so against it it's only making me feel more awkward. 

I feared that so many things could go wrong with awakening his wolf, yet now that we avoided or overcame all challenges, the biggest problem is that Duke can't adjust to the idea of sharing a body with his wolf. This should be the easy part!

The door opened, and just as I guessed, Duke entered in a t-shirt and sweatpants, ready to join me in bed.

But I was not in bed. I was on the sofa, waiting for him.

"We need to talk.", I told him, and he approached me gingerly.

Duke sat next to me and held my hand in his without a word.

We both knew what I was about to bring up, but he didn't say anything until I asked,  "Do you have a plan on how you will settle things with your wolf?"

Duke's endlessly blue eyes were focused on the carpet, telling me that he is stuck.

I put my hand on his cheek to make him look at me. "Duke, my heart is aching to see you in this stalemate with your wolf. If you don't have an idea, how about you let me try? Do you trust me?"

"With my life.", he responded without missing a beat.

"Is your wolf listening?"

"Yes."

"Can you let him come in front? I want to talk to him."

Duke frowned. He definitely didn't approve of that idea.

"Please.", I urged him and gave his hand a squeeze.

Duke released a slow breath and closed his eyes.

…

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Duke's eyes opened, and I could see that his gaze changed. It was deep and domineering, unfathomable, like it could devour my soul.

A chill passed down my spine and I suppressed my urge to let go of his hand.

Yes, that was Duke's body, but I was holding hands with a stranger, a dangerous creature who is impulsive and driven by urges.

Before the incident that caused me to lose my memories, I believed that Duke's wolf won't harm me, but now I can say that he wouldn't harm me on purpose. At least, I hoped I got that part right.

Duke's wolf was strong and wild, and facing him was playing with fire.

However, no matter how uncomfortable it was, he was part of Duke and I had to do my best to make this work.

I hoped that the sparks he can feel upon our touch will soften him up.

I didn't bother with pleasantries or introductions, because I knew that he was listening, probably from the moment Duke entered the bedroom.

"Can't you compromise with Duke?", I asked.

"Why am I the one who needs to compromise?"

I could see his dejection and stubbornness. I guess this is what a true Alpha is, used to get his way without bending. 

I had to give it my best, for Duke's sanity and mine.

"Because you came second.", I said. "I'm not telling you to surrender to whatever Duke wants, but I hope you can understand that Duke and I had our lives long before you woke up and that the right approach is to listen and observe and slowly integrate yourself as part of our lives and society overall."

Duke's wolf sneered. "If Mateo was not a reckless weakling, I wouldn't end up losing more than two decades. It was his duty to keep me safe until I'm ready to awaken, yet he failed. And now you are asking me to keep a low profile because it's more convenient for him. Selfish."

He was right, but… "Mateo was a child. It's not fair to blame him for..."

"And whose fault is it!?", he snapped at me.

I didn't have an answer to that question.

"Sometimes, it's nobody's fault. You need to let go of past grudges and focus on the future.", I said.

"What future? The one where I'm suppressed to the point of not being able to be with my mate?"

The biggest dispute between Duke and his wolf was related to me, and I wanted to help fix it. But how can I do that?

"It doesn't need to be that way."

He extended his hand and touched my cheek and I used all of my willpower not to flinch. "I can feel your reluctance to be close to me. You are enduring my touch like I am a stranger and not your mate."

His pain was tangible as he retracted his hand and I grabbed it with my hands and pressed my cheek back against his palm.

"You are right.", I admitted. "I am treating you like a stranger because that's who you are to me. I don't feel the mate bond, but I am not rejecting you either. I want to get to know you. Don't you want to know me?"

He was interested. "How?"

"Why don't we start with a date?"

He was visibly surprised. "A date? With Mateo present?"

"I can't deny him watching, but that's not a bad thing. He can see us interacting and when he sees that you won't harm me, he will be more accepting of your presence."

Duke's wolf thought about it for a second. "Mateo will not give me control."

I realized that Duke's wolf could hear Duke who was definitely raging on the inside. "Why don't you take turns?"

Duke's wolf frowned. "What?"

I knew that Duke hated how his wolf was interfering, especially when it was related to me.

Technically, Duke could suppress his wolf from taking over, but in order for us to have privacy, his wolf would need to cooperate. The same applies to the other way, but we need to worry about that scenario only if Duke shifts into his wolf form.

By staying in human form, Duke had an advantage over his wolf, and that was one of the reasons why his wolf hated him. No one should control the Supreme Alpha.

That gave me an idea.

"During the day, Duke has daily activities set, and you will start with observing and getting chunks of time when his schedule allows it. In the evening Duke spends time with me usually and I want you to take turns. Tonight, give me time with Duke, and tomorrow the two of us will have a date. We can start with dinner, and for anything beyond that, it will depend on how dinner goes."

Will Duke agree with this? He better agree with this.

"Alright.", he said.

I couldn't believe it. I mean, I hoped both of them will agree, but I was prepared for more resistance. "Really?"

"I don't trust him, but I will trust you. This time."

I was happy with this outcome. "I won't betray your trust… Uhm… Do you mind if I call you, Wolfie?"

His grimace told me he doesn't approve. "What?"

"You didn't tell me your name, and I won't force you, but I need to call you somehow so…"

"Nox."

That was a strange choice for an alias. "Is that your real name, or did you make it up?"

"What do you think?"

An inexplicable feeling bloomed in my chest. That was his name. His real name.

Duke's wolf didn't trust me only with our date tomorrow, but he also entrusted me with his safety.

Werewolves have a strong physique but are weak to magic. The name of their wolf can be used by witches to cast spells and strip them of their powers and then a werewolf will become no more than a human. Fragile.

Nox. It means night in Latin. Considering that his true appearance is a black wolf, that's very appropriate.

"Thank you for trusting me, Nox."

His eyes flashed with a longing which he suppressed quickly. "As we agreed, I will give you privacy. I will see you tomorrow."

"Wait!"

Nox exhaled sharply. "Mateo is anxious to get back in control and his emotions are spilling on me."

"This will take only a minute. Please, be patient.", I said, more to Duke than to Nox.

I put my palm on Nox's cheek and I inched closer.

His whole body tensed when I pressed my lips against his cheek.

"Good night, Nox."

"Good night, Serina…", he breathed, and I could imagine that he exerted a lot of self-control not to kiss me and probably much more, considering that his instincts to claim me as his mate must be raging.

The fact that didn't make a move made me trust him more, and I hoped that Duke felt the same. Nox won't hurt me, and he won't do anything against my will. That must count for something.

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