Chapter 5

Alpha Cepheus

The encounter with Callista lingered in my mind long after she had left the packhouse. Her presence was like a fleeting shadow, always at the edge of my consciousness. I could sense her unease, her apprehension, and the fear she tried so hard to mask. It stirred something within me, a protectiveness I hadn't felt in years.

Returning to my office, I found myself replaying the events of the previous night. I had been patrolling the borders, ensuring the safety of our territory, when I saw her in the forest. Her scent was unmistakable, a mix of fresh bread and wildflowers, different from any other. I had watched her from a distance, curious and drawn to her in a way I couldn't explain. When she ran, it was instinctive to follow, but I held back. The fear in her eyes had stopped me cold.

"Alpha, you seem preoccupied," Beta Caxius observed as he entered my office, carrying another box of pastries.

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. "It's nothing. Just a lot on my mind."

"Is Callista a lot for you?" He teased knowingly.

Caxius placed the box on my desk and sat across from me. "Callista is a remarkable young woman, isn't she? She takes care of her Grandma well."

"She's different," I admitted, taking one of the cinnamon buns and biting into it. The sweet, delicious flavor filled my mouth, and I found myself savoring the taste more than I expected, my mate is great baker. "But she's also vulnerable."

Caxius raised an eyebrow. "Because she's wolfless?"

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "It's not just that, she's mine. She have not realize, because without a wolf, she will not get a confirmation of us being mates. It would be like being mated to a human."

"Why am I not surprised? You have been acting strangely around the poor girl, and that changes everything now. Who would have thought that the mate you have been searching for all these years, has been in here all along. Maybe you should talk to her," Caxius suggested. "Help her understand her place in the pack."

"I will, but she seems to fear me."

Caxius chuckled. "Well, you do have that intimidating aura about you, Alpha. Perhaps if you approached her differently, she'd open up more."

"Perhaps," I mused, considering his words. "I don't want her to feel like an outsider. She deserves to know that she has a place here."

"Well you are failing, today you made her feel like an outsider, have you seen her face? She was about to cry. You are a mean bad alpha."

"I did not mean to. I'm just worried about her safety. What if the pack members mistook her for some human stranger in our land and attacks her?" I growled.

"The pack members knows her Alpha, your over protectiveness might push her away from you. If you want your Female, you have to keep her close, take it slow, that girl has been through a lot, ever since her parents accident."

"Her parents..."That reminded me of how they were killed in a car crashed one snowy day, as they travelled to another town, it was a news all over the pack, Callista was young back then, I can only sympathize, and I— I was preparing to take over the pack, I have not paid so much attention to her, she was a child, finding her late would mean I would have to make it up to her, for all the years I missed the opportunity being with her, as my mate, "I don't know if I can take it slow Caxius. I have been searching for a long time, do you think she would be willing to move in with me?"

"Ha! No. Who would take care of her Grandma?"

"Well then, I will build a cabin beside her bakery."

—

Callista

A week later.

When the Alpha said that he will send someone to walked me in the forest, I did not expect it to be him. I expected someone else. The moment I entered the forest, just a few minutes later, Alpha Cepheus appeared, glaring down at me as if I disobeyed him.

"Alpha!" I called surprised when he came out of the big tree I was just about to pass by.

"Did I not tell you to not walk alone in the forest Callista?"

"Yes Alpha, but you said you're going to send someone to accompany me." I responded quietly. The Alpha let out a groan as if I won our first argument. His next words shocked me.

"I did, yes. It will be me. I will accompany you to your walks."

The revelation left me speechless. The Alpha himself would be my escort through the forest? My heart pounded as I tried to process his words.

"But Alpha, surely you have more important matters to attend to, I don't need you to ..uhm, b-baby sit me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I felt like a kid next to him, like a father and his daughter.

Cepheus stepped closer, his intense gaze never leaving mine. "One, I am not babysitting you, two, your safety is important to me, Callista. I need to ensure you are protected."

His words stirred something deep within me, a mixture of gratitude and confusion. "Thank you, Alpha. But why? I didn't expect...you—"

He softened slightly, the stern lines of his face easing. "I want to get to know you better, Callista. Walking together gives us that opportunity."

Surprised by the Alpha wanting to get to know someone like me, I just nodded, still reeling from the idea. "Alright Alpha. I appreciate you walking with me."

"Good," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Shall we?"

He extended his hand, my eyes widened by the offer and I hesitated for a moment before placing mine in his. He pulled me close to him, His grip was strong yet gentle, and as we started walking, I found myself feeling oddly comforted by his presence.

"Do you want to ride me?" The Alpha offered, breaking the silence and it confused me even more.

"Uhm, I'm not sure what you mean Alpha." My face must be red by now, I'm not innocent and I hate my brain for putting another meaning to it, I heard a low chuckle, the offer sound tempting but...

"I don't think that's appropriate Alpha."

"My wolf is big, I can give you a ride and we can roam around faster."

"I'm fine with walking Alpha."

"Fine." He grumbled, as if disappointed that I did not agree to him. He is right, for someone small and human like me, I can easily ride the Alpha's wolf, but that would make him look like a horse and I don't want that.

We moved through the forest in silence at first, the sounds of nature enveloping us. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustle of leaves underfoot created a soothing rhythm. I stole glances at Alpha Cepheus, his powerful form moving with an effortless grace that reminded me of his status as Alpha.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Tell me about your grandmother. She seems very important to you."

A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of her. "She is. She's the only family I have left. After my parents died, she took me in and raised me. She's always been my rock."

"I see," he said thoughtfully. "And the bakery? It must be a lot of work for the two of you."

"It is," I admitted. "But it's also rewarding. I love baking, and it brings joy to the people in the pack. It makes me feel connected to everyone."

He nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You have a gift, Callista. Your pastries are the best I've ever tasted."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks at his compliment. "Thank you, Alpha."

"Call me Cepheus," he corrected, his voice becoming gentle as if he's being careful that he'd hurt me.

"Thank you, Cepheus," I repeated, the name feeling strange yet pleasant on my tongue.

We continued our walk, the conversation flowed more easily. He asked about my favorite recipes, my childhood memories, and my dreams for the future. I found myself opening up to him in a way I hadn't expected, sharing stories and thoughts I usually kept to myself. I noticed how the Alpha is so interested to know about me, I didn't even get the chance to ask him anything about himself.

When we finally reached the edge of the forest, I realized how much time had passed. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over everything.

"Thank you for this...Cepheus," I said, feeling a genuine warmth towards him. "I enjoyed our walk."

He smiled, flashing me his white teeth and fangs, a rare and beautiful sight, I gulped, the Alpha is very good looking specially when he is smiling, "So did I Callista."

I nodded, a sense of contentment settling over me. The alpha is giving me the flutters in my stomach I never felt before. I muster some courage to ask him the question I've been wanting to know. I halt on my step and face the Alpha, looking up at him. The question that has been bothering me.

"Alp— I mean, Cepheus. Are you not angry with me?"

"Why would I be?" His brows furrowed as looked straight into my eyes.

"Because I'm wolfless?"

"No."

"Then during the Mating Ceremony, why– why were you angry at me?"

"Do you really want to ask me this question now?"

I nodded.

"Because," he leaned down, until his forehead is close to mine, "You are my mate, and I regret not finding you sooner."

I froze.

Did he just say I'm his mate?

Alpha Cepheus is my mate.

"I'm your...That's...impossible." I breathed. The Alpha pulled me closer to him, his height towering mine, at this point I'm convinced that he can hear my heart beating loudly against my chest.

My mind raced with different thoughts. The idea that Cepheus considered me his mate was both exhilarating and terrifying. The air around me seemed to buzz with the energy of his words, and I felt a mix of emotions I could barely comprehend. I can feel his arms tightening around my waist, He inhaled the scent of my hair.

"I've been longing to do this. I gave up searching for you, I also thought it's impossible Callista. But you're here, in my arms. And I promise to take care of you."

Oh Moon Goddess.

I have no words, I can't believe it!

At the same time, I felt my anxiety and overwhelming feeling filled me.

"I..don't—Can...you take me home please...?" I mumbled against his chest, my face burried against his chest, it was hard but comforting, I don't even want the moment to end but I have to. Alpha Cepheus heard me, but ignored me.

He didn't seem to listen at first, he keeps his face burried against my hair, hugging me close to him, one of his hands found it's way to my head, fingers playing with my hair, he let out a satisfied growl, as if my presence calms him.

"A moment." He whispered with such longing I never heard before. I never had someone express their feelings for me like The Alpha did.

I closed my eyes, finally releasing a shaky breath and enjoy that little moment Cepheus made me feel.

—

The sun dipped lower, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, but I barely noticed. I was too lost in thought, trying to process what had just happened. Cepheus wanted me to be his mate, and he didn't see my lack of a wolf as a barrier. His words echoed in my mind.

"You are my mate, and I regret not finding you sooner."

"Callista, are you alright?" she said, setting aside her knitting.

"I'm alright Gran. Don't worry about me..."

She studied me for a moment before nodding. "Why don't you rest? I can finish up here."

"Thank you," I said, grateful for the opportunity to gather my thoughts. I headed upstairs to my room, where I could be alone.

As I sat on my bed, I replayed the walk with Cepheus in my mind. His protectiveness, his genuine interest in my life, and the way he had spoken to me—all of it made me realize that perhaps he wasn't the intimidating Alpha I had always feared. There was a softness to him, a desire to connect and protect that I hadn't expected.

I couldn't deny the fluttering sensation in my stomach whenever I thought of him. The idea of being his mate, of having someone who cared for me so deeply, was overwhelming.

How can Alpha Cepheus be my mate?

Moon Goddess, give me strength for What's to come. For I feel like I'm not ready for it.

Author's Note:

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-Intimate_Ivy