The Worst Fate For a Wolf

Alexei’s POV

The drive back to the mansion was a blur of adrenaline and suppressed fury. Every time the image of my dead guard flashed in my mind, my claws threatened to shred the leather of the steering wheel. Mario wasn't just playing games; he was shedding pack blood to see if I would flinch. He was testing the fence, trying to see if I would reveal my mate.

By the time I pulled into the driveway, I was vibrating with the need to shift and run until my lungs burned. But then, a scent caught on the breeze, drifting from the open dining room window.

Maple syrup, warm skin, and life. Novel was awake.

The monster under my skin didn't disappear, but it went still. I forced my breathing to slow, smoothing the front of my expensive suit jacket. I couldn't walk in there looking like a butcher. I needed to be the man she could trust, not the one she should fear.

I pushed open the heavy oak doors. I saw Maya first steady, reliable Maya and then I saw her. She was sitting at the massive table, looking tiny and precious in an oversized shirt. A hint of color had finally returned to her cheeks.

The scowl I’d been wearing for the last hour evaporated. My wolf, who had been howling for blood just minutes ago, was now metaphorically wagging his tail.

“Novel,” I breathed, her name feeling like a prayer. I rushed to her side, my hand moving instinctively to her forehead. Her skin was cool. The fever had broken.

“I’m so sorry,” I murmured, my voice dropping to a low, sweet silkiness. I leaned in closer, needing to be in her space.

“I wanted to be the first person you saw when you woke up. I hate that I wasn't here.”

She reached up, her small hand caressing my jaw. The touch grounded me instantly.

“Do you like the room?” I asked softly, watching her with open admiration.

“Yes,” she smiled, looking around. “It is two times the size of my apartment.”

A small, genuine chuckle escaped me. “Really?”

“Even the dining room is as big as my whole apartment unit,” she laughed. The sound made my heart skip a beat, a rare, human sensation.

“I’m glad you like it,” I said, my thumb tracing her cheekbone.

“Do you want to take a look around, or would you prefer to rest”

“I have classes tomorrow, so I should probably sleep,” she pouted slightly, then nodded.

My protective instincts flared.

“School, You can’t go to school yet, Novel. You’re still recovering.”

She laughed a light, airy sound that didn't match the gravity of the situation.

“I’m not dying, Mr Alexei. I have to go, I don't like missing my classes.”

I sighed, not wanting to argue and ruin the moment. She stood up, her movements still a little slow.

“I feel sleepy. Goodnight, Mr. Alexei,” she said.

“Just Alexei,” I corrected gently.

“No titles between us.”

She looked at me, puzzled for a moment, then whispered,

“Goodnight, Alexei,” before scurrying up the stairs.

The second she was out of sight, the warmth left my face. I turned to Maya, my expression hardening into stone.

“Maya, I’m heading out. Watch over the Luna. If she so much as sneezes, I want to know about it.”

“I’ll watch her,” Maya said with a knowing, slightly sarcastic smile. I ignored her and walked out into the night.

The drive to the pack house was short, but it was long enough for the cold fury to settle back into my bones. When I entered, my mother rushed toward me.

“Welcome, son,” she said, beaming.

“I heard from your father that your mate is human.”

“She is,” I replied shortly. My mind was already in my father’s office.

“How wonderful I can't wait to meet her. When are you bringing her here”

“Soon, Mother. Hopefully very soon,” I said, though my voice lacked any real warmth. I bypassed the living room and headed straight for the Alpha’s office. I didn't wait for an answer after I knocked,I just pushed the door open.

“Dad.”

My father looked up from his desk, a pleasant, almost mocking smile on his face.

“Ah, look who it is. To what do I owe the visit”

“Why” I demanded, stepping into the room. I didn't sit. I didn't smile. My voice was a low, dangerous growl.

“Why what” he asked, feigning innocence.

“The Council. Why did you say what you did, I know you were trying to provoke me.”

He stopped writing and leaned back, his eyes turning serious. The air in the room grew heavy with the weight of two Alphas clashing.

“I wanted to see how far you would go for this human, Alexei.”

He stood up and walked around the desk, his presence looming.

“Having a human mate is the worst fate a wolf can face. They are fragile. They break. As your Alpha and your father, I don't want to see you shattered when she inevitably fails to handle our world.”

He tapped my shoulder, a gesture that felt more like a warning than a comfort.

“But as much as I fear for you, I also pray to the Moon Goddess that she stays. That she sees what you are and doesn't run. Because if she leaves, you’ll be a monster with nothing left to lose.”

I stared at him, my jaw tight.

“Thanks, Dad.”

I left the office without another word. My mother tried to stop me again in the hall, but I brushed past her. I was angry, confused, and terrified all at once.

If having a human mate was a curse, why had the Moon Goddess chosen her for me?

As I got back into my car, my thoughts drifted back to the girl in the oversized shirt.

Novel, what will you do when you find out I’m a monster