Get over it

Nolan’s POV

I watched her sleep as my heart battled itself. She belongs to Hunter, my alpha, so why do I feel so strongly? My wolf, Minx, is always happy around her. Maybe it's because from the start, she never looked at me with fear. I remember finding her crying in the rain behind the old shed; when I wrapped my jacket around her, she whispered, "Thank you." That moment sticks with me. She acts like a she-wolf, but she is human.

The day Kaden whipped her, my wolf howled. Kaden always hated outsiders and especially resented Emily for taking Alpha Hunter's attention. He punished her under any pretense, driven by rage and suspicion. Earlier, he'd sniffed her and kept nagging me about her scent. I argued like crazy when he said the word pup.

I couldn’t let her get hurt. My heart urged me to protect her, and I did. Alpha Hunter would kill me if he knew how I feel about her.

Sometimes she has nightmares and shouts the same name, terrified. I cover her and touch her hair, feeling like a perv. I’ve fallen for my alpha’s mate.

A soft knock on the door. I opened. Ted.

Alpha Hunter wants to have a word, so I keep a watch on her.

I hesitated, then walked toward the dungeon, trying to plan what to say. Does he know?

I entered the cell, lantern flickering. "Alpha, did you call for me?"

Nolan, I can never thank you enough for what you did and for all you do for her.

No need, alpha, it is my duty. You asked me, and I do my job.

He laughed. Emily is special, isn’t she? You might’ve fooled everyone but not me, Nolan.

What do you mean? I tried to play dumb.

"You look at her the way I do, Nolan, and protect her as I should. But remember, she is mine. She is carrying my baby."

Silence.

Do I have to worry about you now, Nolan? He asked me, and his eyes were glowing amber.

No alpha, I would never cross the line…unless

He growled, getting closer. Unless what?

Unless she chooses to, I finished.

He smiled. Emily would never cross that line, because she loves me. How did you know she’s pregnant?

My wolf told me, I noticed changes humans miss, the scent of new life, fear, or emotions. Minx always senses things before I do, especially with her.

Your wolf, how…he paused, how your wolf reacts around her? Nolan?

He is happy around her; she acts in so many ways as a she-wolf…

Hunter growled. I knew he was powerful; I had no chance against him. Yet for Emily, maybe I would challenge him.

"If I trust you to protect her, you must never cross that line, Nolan. Can you honestly promise that?"

I’d rather suffer than be away from her. So yes, I can promise.

He got closer to me. Be careful, because I would kill anyone who dares to touch her; I will have no mercy.

I swallow hard. You can trust me, I will not cross the line, ever.

"Good. Remember what I'm about to ask you next. The plan is harsh, but you must do as I say. There’s risk for all of us, and if anyone finds out, it could cost more than our lives. Do you understand what's at stake before I continue?"

I listened carefully. When he finished, he looked broken. "You’re sure about that?

Nolan, you understand that I love her more than this pack, the miserable world, and the life I will live. Without her, it means nothing to me. But because I love her, I have to do this. Why are you confused?

It seems to me that you’re choosing the pack over her, no offense.

So, it seems, doesn’t it, Nolan? I hope she’ll see that as you do. Your duty is to protect her and my pup at any cost. Do you think you can do that?

I know I can do that. Until you found me, I survived on my own, learned to fight, and ate scraps.

He got really close to me. You will protect her like she’s yours. Can you do that, Nolan? Can I trust you?

Yes, I will protect her like she’s mine, I promise.

I left, exhausted from our talk, walked into the room, and collapsed on the mattress. She whimpered, and I wanted to slay the man in her nightmares. Sometimes she screams the name Domus. I don't know all she endured before, but I’ve heard whispers that Domus took everything from her, maybe even her family. Whatever he did, sleep couldn't save her from his lasting fear.

I got up and moved closer to her bed. "Domus, stop," she yelled, kicking. "Don’t touch me!" she screamed. I tried to wake her; her eyes were unfocused. She clung to me, and I held her.

She pulled away. Nolan, I’m sorry I woke you up…

"Hey, don’t worry. Go back to sleep. You need rest." I covered her as she closed her eyes and drifted off.

I dropped onto the mattress, and I was out.

The smell of coffee is strong inside the room. I opened my eyes to see her smiling face.

I got you a cup since I kept you up last night, she said.

Drinking coffee, I watched her braid her hair. Her belly was growing. Minx sighed. Her scent was too much, and I struggled to ignore my feelings. I’m afraid I’ll sound like an ass-hole.

Get ready and stay out of their way, Emily. I will see you at lunch.

Nolan, she said, please forgive me for …

"Don’t worry, I’m fine," I brushed her off. Minx was mad at how I treated her.

Get over it, I told him. She’s not our mate. Emily will never be mine.