Page 39 of A Love Bite

I look away. “So, what’s the plan? How do we stop this rival pack?”

“We need to gather more information first,” Jake explains. “Find out what they’re planning and why they’re targeting people like Opal and Amelia. Once we have a better understanding, we can take action.”

I nod, my mind starting to clear as I focus on the task at hand. “Opal’s been through so much already. How do we keep her safe?”

“We’ll keep her close,” Jake says. “The pack has safe houses and places we can take her where she’ll be protected. We just need to make sure she’s not alone or vulnerable.”

“Okay,” I say, feeling a bit of hope despite the fear. “I’ll talk to her and make sure she understands the situation. We can’t take any chances.”

Jake reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. “We’ll get through this, Alex. Together.”

His touch is warm and reassuring, and I feel a surge of strength from his confidence. Despite everything, there’s a part of me that believes we can handle this—because Jake believes it too.

I squeeze his hand. “I’m going to have to tell her the truth.”

“That’s fine, but you can’t report it to the newspaper.”

I grimace. I understand why he’s saying that, but it feels wrong to admit that massively important detail. Bottom line, though…

“We need to find out what’s going on and put a stop to it.”

He nods, a determined glint in his eyes. “We will.”

As Jake and I finish our drinks, the tension in the room begins to ease slightly. I feel a bit more grounded, more prepared to face whatever comes next, but there’s still an underlying sense of uncertainty, a feeling that there’s more to this story than I understand.

Jake looks at me, his expression serious but soft. “Alex, there’s something else I need to tell you. Something important.”

I wince. I’m not sure I want to hear more I can barely accept what I saw, what I now know to be true—that werewolves exist—and now there’s more?

“What is it, Jake?”

He hesitates for a moment, as if searching for the right words. “In the world of werewolves, there’s a concept of mates. It’s a bond that’s deeper than anything else, something that connects us on a primal level. And, Alex, you’re my mate.”

His words hang in the air, and I stare at him, trying to process what he’s just said. “Your… mate?” I echo, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nods, his eyes full of sincerity and emotion. “Yes. From the moment I met you, I felt a connection, something I couldn’t quite explain. It’s why I’ve been so protective of you, why I’ve been so desperate to keep you safe.”

I take a moment to let this sink in, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. “So, this bond… it’s like destiny?”

“In a way, yes,” Jake says, his voice gentle. “It’s a bond that’s unbreakable, something that ties us together on a fundamental level. It’s not something I can control, but it’s something I feel deeply.”

I look into his eyes, seeing the depth of his feelings for me. It’s overwhelming, but there’s a part of me that feels the same connection, a pull toward him that I can’t deny. “Jake, this is… a lot to take in, but I think I understand. I’ve felt it too, this connection between us.”

He squeezes my hand, his eyes filled with relief and affection. “I know it’s a lot, Alex, but I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’m here for you. We’re in this together.”

I nod, feeling a sense of acceptance wash over me. “I trust you, Jake.”

He smiles, his expression one of determination and hope. “We’ll get through this, Alex. We will. I promise.”

The glint in his eyes… why do I feel like he’s promising me so much more than what his words are saying?

33

Jake

Seeing Alex tremble,her fear and confusion palpable, I can’t help but feel a deep pang of guilt and protectiveness. She’s been thrown into a world she never knew existed, and it’s my fault for not preparing her better. Her eyes are wide with a mixture of fear, confusion, and something else—maybe a bit of acceptance. She looks so vulnerable, and all I want to do is protect her, to make sure she knows she’s safe with me.

Without thinking, I reach out and gently pull her into my arms. She doesn’t resist, instead leaning into me, her body trembling against mine. I hold her close, feeling the warmth of her body and listening to the rapid beat of her heart.