Page 43 of Alpha Awakening
“Would you like to have a hot chocolate and then go to bed?”
“I would love that.”
He nodded and left the bathroom.
She took her time drying off and when she walked into the bedroom, Blake was already waiting for her. He was sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard with a mug in his hands. He’d laid out her pajamas, so she pulled them on and climbed on the bed with him. She settled between his legs, her torso slightly turned toward him, her cheek resting on his chest.
Sipping on her steaming hot chocolate, she soaked in his caresses. He was right, she wasn’t ready to talk. But only because she knew if she did, the flood gates would open and her emotions would drown her. She wanted time to process and calm herself and basked in the feeling that Blake was more than willing to give it to her.
Trust Broken
The next morning, Beta Fallon met them in front of their cabin. Just like last time, he had a backpack with him. He saw Blake’s gaze and smiled.
“When I told Viviane, my mate, that I was taking both of you on a hike again, she packed us a whole bag with food.”
“Maybe we can meet her and Kira before we leave,” Niev suggested.
“It would be an honor.”
Beta Fallon walked toward the west and around the lake. Niev weaved her fingers with Blake’s as they followed him. They walked silently, but it didn’t feel awkward. Beta Fallon seemed to be in his own thoughts and Niev was taking in their surroundings as they left the lake behind and walked onto a path that led them into the mountains.
“Was your father beta of the pack too?” Niev asked curiously.
“He was, and my grandfather before him.”
“It used to be like that for our pack, but our beta never had children, so that will change when my brother takes over the pack,” Blake explained.
“It isn’t mandatory for us, but often happens naturally.” He gave them a hesitant look and continued, his tone slightly insecure. “If you choose to stay with us, I’ll stand down if you feel more comfortable with someone else.”
“That is very kind, though I believe it would trouble the pack.”
Beta Fallon nodded. “Of course. I just wanted to give that option.”
“Are you afraid we don’t like you?” Niev giggled, her words much lighter than her mind.
Beta Fallon chuckled. “I hope you do. I enjoyed our hike last time and would like to show you more if you like.”
“As long as you don’t mind our hike turning into a leisurely stroll.”
“I don’t. It is quite refreshing seeing the territory like this. Usually, I just pass through it as my wolf.”
Blake enjoyed listening to both of them. They seemed to get along well, but he wouldn’t have expected anything less from her. Niev had the ability to get along with anyone and everyone. Though she seemed to be in a good mood, her soul seemed heavy, similar to when she grieved Kai’s death. She was hiding those feelings from him, but it also felt as if she was hiding them from herself too.
He wanted her to share his excitement. His wolf was over the moon and couldn’t wait to start this new journey, but he knew Niev was hesitant. She’d been cold toward the idea, more emotionally than anything else and hadn’t shown more than her buried feelings.
When she’d told him they would accept the offer, he’d expected her to be joyful, even ecstatic like he was. Instead, she hadn’t shown any kind of emotion. Her bond wasn’t wide open as usual and as promised, he would give her time. Forcing her to open up would only be counterproductive and push her further away from him.
Forty minutes into their hike, he gently tugged on her hand so she would slow down.
“How about we rest and have a drink?”
She looked around and sat on a nearby rock while he pulled out a water bottle for her. Sitting next to her, he looked up at Beta Fallon, who was pulling out a bottle for himself.
“On our run yesterday, we came by a waterfall. Will this path take us there?”
“Ah, Kareem spoiled my surprise,” Beta Fallon chuckled.
“Oh, a waterfall!” Niev cheered and gave the bottle back to him. “On we go, you’ve piqued my interest.”