Page 37 of Link with Me
“He also personally apologized for the attacks and expressed a desire to meet with you, Alex, to apologize in person and discuss ways to ensure such conflicts do not occur in the future,” his father added, watching Alex closely to gauge his reaction.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Alex as he processed the information. The primal part of him, the part that had fought tooth and nail against the Hillside attackers, clamored for continued vigilance and readiness to defend. Yet, as a leader, he knew the value of peace and the benefits a stable relationship could bring to his pack.
“I appreciate Ethan’s outreach and his proposed apologies,” Alex finally said, his voice measured. “I am willing to meet with him to discuss these matters further and see if his intentions align with his words. However, I want to be clear that our pack’s safety is my foremost priority. Any sign of treachery or further aggression will be met with a swift response.”
His father nodded, approving of his cautious yet open approach. “That is wise, Alex. We will arrange a meeting under neutral terms with all necessary precautions in place. It is in our best interest to pursue a path of peace, but we will remain vigilant, ready to protect our own at a moment’s notice.”
The elders murmured their agreement, their expressions a mix of relief and the residual tension of leaders who had weathered many storms.
As the elders began to rise, signaling the conclusion of the meeting, Elder Marianne lingered behind, her gaze fixed on Alex. Her voice, when she spoke, carried a weight and sincerity that drew everyone’s attention back to the table.
“Alex, before we close, I want to personally apologize for any doubts we expressed when you were driven to defend Lena. We understand better now the depths of your commitment not just to her but to the safety of our pack.”
The other elders nodded in agreement, their earlier reservations giving way to a respectful understanding. Elder Thomas, whose counsel had always been tempered with caution, added, “It’s easy to forget in our position the intensity of the protective instincts that come with being a new mate. Your actions were driven by a just cause, and you’ve shown considerable restraint today by choosing to explore peace.”
Alex listened, his posture relaxed slightly as the elders acknowledged his position. “Thank you,” he replied, his tone firm yet grateful. “I respect and understand that wars should never be ignited by raw emotions alone. We are responsible for every life within our pack, and it’s a burden I don’t take lightly.”
He paused, his eyes sweeping across the faces of the council, each lined with the marks of experience and years of service to the pack. “Your counsel has been invaluable to me, and I hope to continue to rely on your wisdom and guidance. I know I’m only one person, and the knowledge and perspectives you all offer are crucial for the well-being of our pack.”
Elder Jensen, the oldest among them, leaned forward, his voice raspy but clear. “And you will have it, Alex. You’ve grown into your role as alpha more seamlessly than we could have hoped. We are here to advise you for as long as you need us.”
The warmth in the room was palpable as the elders expressed their support, but Alex felt it necessary to set one firm boundary, one non-negotiable term that underpinned his leadership. “I appreciate all of this, truly. But let me be clear—if Lena’s life is ever in danger again, if we face another situation where immediate action is necessary to protect her, I won’t hesitate. I won’t stop to convene a meeting or seek approval. Her safety is my foremost priority, and I will act.”
The elders met his declaration with nods of understanding. They recognized the unyielding resolve of an alpha protecting his mate—a fundamental law of their nature that no amount of civilization could dull.
Elder Marianne smiled, a glint of respect in her eyes. “That is the mark of a true alpha, Alex. You protect your own. We expect no less.”
EPILOGUE
Lena felt bad that she’d gotten up so early and left Alex in bed so she could work but this game idea wouldn’t shut up. The soft glow of computer screens illuminated Lena’s face as she sat in her office, fingers flying over the keyboard. The lines of code and colorful graphics on her screen were a language only she fully understood, a world where her imagination could run wild.
She was deep in the zone, working on her latest project - a fantasy adventure game with a twist. The hero, a shape-shifting wolf, was on a quest to save his human mate from an evil sorcerer. It was a story close to her heart, inspired by her own extraordinary journey with Alex.
A knock on the door broke her concentration. She looked up, a smile already forming on her lips. Only one person would visit her at this hour.
“Come in,” she called out, her heart skipping a beat as Alex stepped into her office.
“Hey, there, my brilliant game designer,” he greeted her, his eyes warm with affection. “I brought some food for my hardworking mate.”
He held up a bag of takeout, the aroma of her favorite Chinese dishes wafting through the room. Lena’s stomach grumbled in appreciation.
“You’re a lifesaver,” she said, pushing back from her desk and stretching. “I lost track of time again.”
Alex set the food down and moved behind her, his strong hands kneading the tension from her shoulders. “What are you working on that’s got you so absorbed?”
Lena leaned back into his touch, a contented sigh escaping her. “A new game, actually. It’s... well, it’s kind of inspired by us.”
She felt Alex still, his curiosity piqued. “Oh? Do tell.”
Lena turned in her chair to face him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “The main character is a wolf shifter, brave and loyal, just like you. And he’s fighting to protect his human mate, who’s been captured by an evil force.”
Alex’s expression softened, his love for her written plainly on his face. “That sounds amazing, Lena. You’re putting our story into a game?”
She nodded, suddenly feeling a bit shy. “It’s my way of celebrating what we have, of showing the world that love can conquer anything, even the divide between species.”
Alex pulled her up and into his arms, hugging her tightly. “I’m honored,” he murmured into her hair. “And so incredibly proud of you.”
Lena melted into his embrace, the stresses of the day fading away. This right here was what made everything worthwhile - the love and support of her mate.