Chapter:-4

When Alex is sure that Ash is fully asleep, he closes his eyes and concentrates on the sound. He hears the growling get closer, and Alex knows what he must do. He shifts back into his wolf form and starts to walk towards the cave entrance. When he gets there, he sees the same wolf that tackled Ash to the ground in the first place.

The next thing that the other alpha wolf does surprises Alex. Seth turns into his human self. Seeing Seth shift back to his human side, Alex does the same.

"Where is he? Ash is mine." Seth growled as his claws came out and he showed his white canines.

"He's not yours, and he never will be. Now leave." Alex growled back.

Seth laughed. "I know he's here. I can smell his delicious scent."

Alex grew and took a step closer. "Do you know who I am?"

"Of course. You're Alex. That doesn't mean anything to me. Now I'm going to take the little omega, and you can't stop me." Seth replied and took a step.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that?"

What happened next happened very quickly. Alex shifted back into his wolf form and lunged at Seth. Fortunately, Seth wasn't quick enough to get out of the way, and Alex now had him pinned to the ground. Alphas were strong, very strong, but no one was stronger than Alex. Alex looked Seth right in the eyes and growled. He then turned back into his human self.

"Now I suggest you get out of here and find your own Omega; that or I will rip your throat out with my teeth right here and now."

Seth's eyes widened, and he nodded. "Yes, Alpha."

Alex got off of Seth and picked the other Alpha up by the collar. "If I ever see you near my Ash again, I will kill you. Now leave."

Seth looked at Alex once before running off in the other direction of the cave. Alex smirked and walked back over to where Seth was. He crouched down and stroked the omega's face gently. "No one is ever going to hurt you, not when I'm around," Alex whispered.

An hour later, they heard the gunshot, letting everyone know that the run was over and to come out of the woods. Alex sees Ash still asleep and gently scoops him up into his arms and heads in the direction where the woods begin or end, depending on where you're coming from. When Alex exited the woods, he heard many other people whispering about him.

"Oh my god. Is that Alex? What is he doing here?"

"Since when did he come to the Mating Run?"

"He chose him? Are you kidding?"

"Why can't I be that Omega?"

Alex rolled his eyes as he made his way over to the tent. There were cots and tables filled with water bottles and snacks. Alex gently laid Ash down on one of the cots and carefully shook his Omega so he could wake up. When Ash didn't open his eyes, Alex laughed quietly to himself and leaned over him, placing his lips close to his ear.

"Wake up, bunny," Alex whispered.

Seconds later, Ash's eyes fluttered open. He looked up at Alex and then shook his head. Ash couldn't believe this. Someone had chosen him. Someone wanted him. He was now someone's mate—not just anyone's, but Alex's mate. Ash did not see this coming.

"Come on, gorgeous, we've got things to do," Alex said softly.

Ash sighed and stood up. He felt a little dizzy due to his head injury, and Alex helped him walk to his car.

"Where do you live?" Alex asked.

"Uh, why?" Ash replied.

Alex laughed as he started the car and started to drive. "You don't know how these work, do you, little omega?"

Ash huffed. "I have a name."

"I know, Bunny, I know."

"And no, I don't really know anything about this." Ash said as he looked down at his lap, embarrassed.

Alex frowned. "It's totally fine, Ash. I need to go to your place so you can pack. You're going to be living with me now."

Ash nodded. Oh, okay. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why me? Why did you want me as your mate?"

"You unlocked something in me. To be honest with you, I've never really wanted a mate. But that night in the woods, when I saw you, I thought you were gorgeous, and you still are. Not just that, but your scent drew me in right away, and I couldn't get enough. Also, you're not like anyone else I've ever met. I like you."

"Oh..." Ash said quietly.

After Ash gave Alex his address, the two drove in silence until they got to Ash's apartment. Once there, Ash packed his things, and then they headed towards Alex's home.