CHAPTER 69

"Alph, now that you're the Alpha of this pack," Trevor began, slouching in the old leather chair. His sharp eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Why not find your mate?”

Alph rested his elbows on his knees and looked straight ahead at the flickering flames dancing in the fireplace. The question was innocuous enough, yet somehow it made him ill-at-ease. His jawline tightened a mite as he considered Trevor's words.

"Can't just find one," Alph said, his voice firm yet detached. "Leave it to destiny."

Trevor raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Destiny sucks. Finding is the easy way to find one," Martin chimed in from his spot on the couch, tossing a small wooden token between his hands. His playful demeanor didn't mask the truth in his words.

"Easy isn't always better," Alph whispered, standing up and walking toward the window. He needed space. The air inside the room felt too thick, too stifling from the weight of their carefree conversation, which to him was anything but carefree in any