CHAPTER SIX

MAVERICK

“Mate,” I hear my wolf call out.

I freeze.

Mate? What mate?

“Jax, go back to sleep,” I mutter.

Our mate is dead. Even after all these years, my wolf and I are still grieving. But today is not about us.

Then my nose catches that scent again, and Jax starts howling happily inside my head. I can feel how badly he wants out.

My senses sharpen instantly—my vision becomes clearer, my hearing more acute, my nose picking up scents faster than normal. I know I could shift at any moment.

“Jax, stop!” I say, struggling to restrain both myself and my wolf, which is never an easy task.

I scan my surroundings quickly, trying to locate the source of the scent. It’s close—too close—and whatever it is has my wolf on edge.

“Mate, mate, mate, mate,” Jax sings in my head, and a pounding headache follows.

I look around furiously, and then I see her.

Standing at the entrance of the Mate Meeting Arena is a beautiful woman dressed in purple. Her long curly hair cascades down her back, and she seems almost unreal, shrouded in a soft golden glow. The word echoes again and again in my head.

Mate. Mate. Mate.

I stare at her in shock, and our eyes meet. Her blue eyes widen in alarm. Without hesitation, she turns and runs, bumping into people as she pushes through the crowd.

“Stop!” I shout, taking off after her at insane speed.

She runs faster, her clothes tearing as she shifts mid-stride into her wolf—a stunning snow-white wolf. She bolts out of the pack territory and into the woods.

I shift as well, my wolf bursting free. As an Alpha, my wolf is larger and stronger. I chase her relentlessly, desperate to know who she is and how it’s even possible that she could be my mate. I catch up quickly and leap, tackling her to the ground to stop her from escaping.

She shifts back into her human form, unconscious—and naked.

I shift back too, just as exposed. I immediately look away and scan the area for clothes. Every pack keeps spare clothing hidden in the woods for situations like unexpected shifting or emergencies.

“You are an asshole,” Jax growls angrily. “Did you really have to jump on her like that?”

“If I hadn’t, she would’ve gotten away,” I reply, guilt weighing heavily on me. “I didn’t mean to hit her that hard.”

“If you had given me control, this wouldn’t have happened,” Jax snaps. “You’re too stubborn.”

“I’m confused,” I say, rubbing my hands over my face. “How is it possible for us to have another mate? This is crazy.”

“I don’t know either,” Jax admits. “I’ve never heard of anyone having two mates.”

“Let’s go back to the pack. Maybe someone can explain this,” I say, pulling on a pair of jeans and a shirt that miraculously fit. I wrap the woman—my mate—in a blanket. The word feels strange in my mind.

I lift her into my arms and begin walking back. I could run, but I need the time to think, to clear my head.

When we reach the pack entrance, several people are already waiting. Clearly, many witnessed what happened. I recognize Alpha Allen and his family, the beta and his wife—who looks eerily like the woman in my arms.

Before I can react, the woman rushes forward, snatches the unconscious girl from me, and runs into the pack.

“Alpha Maverick, you need to explain yourself,” Alpha Allen says as he approaches, struggling to keep his tone calm and respectful.

“Can we do this somewhere private?” I ask, glancing at the crowd. “This conversation should happen indoors. The pack can learn the details later.”

Without waiting for approval, I walk inside. They follow.

“Let’s go to the beta house since this concerns him directly,” Alpha Allen says, guiding us there.

The moment the beta opens the door, my senses are overwhelmed by her scent. She lives here.

I step inside and turn around, only to meet the hostile stares of everyone present—Alpha Allen, his Luna, their two children, and the beta.

“We’re waiting for your explanation,” the Alpha’s daughter says angrily.

“Beta…” I begin, unsure of his name.

“Beta Corey,” he snaps. “Get to the point, Alpha Maverick. Why did my daughter run away after seeing you? Why did you chase her? And why did you return with her unconscious in your arms?”

“Well…” I say awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. “We found out we are mates.”

“WHAT?!” everyone shouts at once.

They stare at me like I’ve just told the worst joke imaginable. I wish it was a joke. That would mean none of this was real.

“Yes,” I say firmly. “She’s my mate. That’s why she ran. And I lost control when I chased her.”

“That’s impossible!” Beta Corey roars. “She already had a mate—and he’s dead. She’s mateless!”

Alpha Allen places a calming hand on Beta Corey’s shoulder before turning to me.

“Alpha Maverick,” he says carefully, “we need more information. Something that helps this make sense.”

“I don’t have answers,” I admit quietly. “I had a mate too.” My voice shakes. “I lost her years ago—along with our unborn child.”

Silence crashes over the room.

Then heavy footsteps thunder toward the door, filled with rage.

“Shit—she’s here!” the Alpha’s son says nervously.

“Who?” I ask.

“Roseline!” Alpha Allen shouts. “Corey, hold her!”

Everyone scatters with supernatural speed, leaving me behind.

“Is she a threat?” I ask, preparing to follow—

“STOP!” they all shout.

The door explodes open, hanging loosely on its hinges. A woman stands there—Jasmine’s mother—half shifted, with wolf ears, fangs, and claws visible. She launches toward me at terrifying speed.

Before she reaches me, Beta Corey grabs her, lifting her off the ground until she calms enough for him to release her.

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY DAUGHTER?!” she growls, her wolf pushing dangerously close to the surface.