Page 13 of A Love Bite
She smirks, giving me a knowing look. “It’s because of her, isn’t it? Alex?”
I don’t deny it, instead focusing on mixing the new drink. “I don’t know why I get so nervous around her,” I admit. “She’s just… different.”
Lila chuckles, patting me on the back. “Well, maybe that’s a good thing. Just be yourself, Jake. She seems to like you just fine.”
I nod, taking a deep breath before heading back to the ladies with Alex’s new drink. “Here you go. Again, I’m really sorry about that.”
Alex smiles, her eyes twinkling. “It’s really okay, Jake. Thanks for getting me another one.”
As I carefully place Alex’s fresh drink in front of her, our hands brush for just a moment. It’s a fleeting touch, but it sends a shockwave through me, a jolt of electricity that seems to resonate deep within my soul. I look up, meeting her eyes, and in that instant, everything clicks into place.
“Mate!”my wolf growls.
Yes. She’s my mate.
The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and for a moment, I’m completely taken aback. This is why I’ve been so nervous around her, why I can’t stop thinking about her. It all makes sense now. She’s the one I’ve been waiting for, the one I’m meant to be with.
Alex must notice the change in my expression because she tilts her head slightly, a curious look in her eyes. “Jake? Are you okay?”
I blink, trying to regain my composure. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I say, though my voice sounds a bit unsteady. “Just… thinking about something.”
Her smile is gentle and understanding. “Well, thank you for the fresh drink. I appreciate it.”
I nod, my mind still reeling from the revelation. As I sit down with them, I can’t help but steal glances at Alex, marveling at the connection I feel. It’s more than just attraction. It’s a deep, instinctual bond that I can’t ignore.
As the evening progresses, Alex and Opal are both great company, and the conversation flows naturally. Beneath it all, the knowledge that Alex is my mate hums like a steady pulse, filling me with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The thought is both exhilarating and daunting. There’s so much I need to figure out, so much I want to tell her.
But she only got her friend back, and who knows why her friend had been taken in the first place. I need to be mindful that she might not be looking for a relationship.
Especially with a werewolf.
A werewolf in a pack that might be heading toward war with another pack.
12
Alex
A waveof relief washes over me. Opal is safe, and the weight of the day’s stress is finally starting to lift.
I pull out my phone and decide to call Kathy to give her the good news.
“Hey, Kathy,” I say when she answers, my voice bubbling with excitement. “We found Opal. She’s safe and with us now.”
“Oh my God, Alex, that’s amazing!” Kathy’s voice is filled with relief and joy. “Where are you guys?”
“We’re at Luna’s Moon, having a few drinks to unwind. Why don’t you join us? We’d love to see you.”
There’s a moment of silence on the other end, and then Kathy speaks, her tone more serious. “Alex, are you sure that’s a good idea? Luna’s Moon… I’ve heard some things about that place. It might not be safe for you and Opal to be there right now.”
Her words catch me off guard. “What do you mean? We’re just having a few drinks, and Jake, the bartender, has been really helpful.”
“I know, but I’ve heard rumors. Something about the place being connected to some rough types. Just be careful, okay? I don’t want anything else to happen to you guys.”
I glance over at Jake, who’s busy behind the bar but still keeping an eye on us. He seems genuine and trustworthy, but Kathy’s concern plants a seed of doubt in my mind.
“All right, Kathy,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “Thanks for the heads-up. We’ll be careful, but seriously, come join us if you can. It would be great to have you here.”
“I’ll think about it,” she replies, her tone softening. “Just promise me you’ll stay safe.”