The Alpha's Reluctant Mate

The party was in full swing at the Wisteria mansion. I had been here before but not for a party. It was held in the ballroom of the west wing of the mansion, and the chandelier seemed to sparkle enchantingly. I imagined that it was polished before the day of the party.There were also appetizers being served such as veggie and cheese tartlets and grilled garlic toasts. Champagne was served to anyone who was the legal age. The decorations included black tablecloths, a beautiful arrangement of flowers, and an expensive crystal vase.I admired the decorations and atmosphere of the high-class party briefly before trying to find my boyfriend. He stood by a tall girl with black hair down to half of her back. I didn't feel jealous as I knew he only had eyes for me. Seconds later I was next to my boyfriend, Ash. We had been dating for a few months now, and it seemed destined as he was going to be a future Alpha of his pack too. I still couldn't believe that he was my boyfriend. He was tall

I stared outside my window at the woods outside the pack headquarters. Sometimes I needed to just think about any worries I had as a future Alpha. It always helped me with figuring out solutions to my problems. My heart rate also slowed down. A knock came on my door a few minutes later. My dad stood on the other side as I opened the door. I definitely had my dad's long nose and his eye shape. He had the same shade of hair color as me too. He motioned for me to follow him which I obeyed. He seemed even more serious than usual as we walked side by side down the hall. "Cleo, I think it's time you started doing more Alpha responsibilities. It's nearly your time to take over for me," dad said while we kept walking. "I completely agree and need to get more experience. There's so many things I need to learn still." He smiled wide and wrapped me in a hug, "I'm so happy that you want to learn more about being an Alpha. I can rest easy when you take over for me one d

Ash and I had breakfast. He looked at me intensely after we were done. His eyes felt like they were staring into my soul. I looked back at him and felt myself reddening.Ash suddenly asked, "When do you want to get married?" He added, "I'm hoping for sooner than later."I frowned and said, "I don't think we can until my training is done. I'm sorry." I looked into his green eyes and added, "I really do want to get married, Ash."Ash suddenly got a mischievous grin on his face and asked, "Why don't we just elope? We could go today." He ran a hand through my hair and added, "It isn't crazy. Other people do it."I shook my head no and told him, "We can't. That wouldn't be right. I…" I paused and took a deep breath and continued, "I met my destined mate. But I rejected him. I only want to be with you." Ash's face looked as if I had struck him. His mouth was set into one of disgust, and no sign of his previous happiness held. I reached up to touch his shoulder, but he pushed my hand aw

Zander POVHe stood beside my chair. Great. I needed to be bothered by a stranger. I set my hand underneath my jaw and stared at him unamused.The guy gave me a death glare and had his arms crossed over his chest. I assumed this was Cleo's fiancé. His testosterone was showing. How did he know we were even at the café? I found it a little creepy. We hadn't openly told everyone about this date. I thought her parents were the only ones who knew about our plans. Had someone within our pack spread rumors that reached his pack? I've never seen him around ours, so I knew he was from a different one."Ash, what are you doing here?" Cleo's voice sounded up an octave than usual as she asked the question. She seemed almost scared with her unusual pitch of voice. I wasn't scared at all. He didn't look intimidating. He wore a dress shirt and top of the line jeans and shoes. Ash seemed like someone who thought he was better than everyone else. It was the way he stood up straight and tall.

Zander gazed into my eyes before pulling away quickly. My heart was racing so fast. I wondered if he heard my heart beating. It felt as if it would leap out of my chest.He said apologetically, "I don't know what came over me. Please forgive me."Forgive him for trying to kiss me? He shouldn't have apologized for that. Wait, what was I saying? I had Ash. But I couldn't ignore what I felt for Zander. He still had my heart rate up just by looking at me.Finally, I said, "It's okay. Let's just forget about this.""Good idea."I turned my gaze away from him and tried to calm myself down.He seemed different tonight, and I felt more aware of him than usual. Part of me wanted that kiss from him. I shook my head and noticed he was watching me."What are you thinking about?""Nothing." I tried to avoid eye contact and added, "We should get back on the road."He nodded his head in agreement and paid the bill for us without asking me. On the way out the door he held it for me. I tried t