I roll over in bed, and analyze the most beautiful girl sleeping next to me. She lays wrapped only in a blanket, and my mind replaces the night before interactions, and the way my hands touched her. I know this girl is my life's purpose moving forward. I was always told finding your mark mate was going to be a defining moment in your life. Now I fully comprehend the warning. 

Kiara just came out of a relationship with Chetan. Well, softa, she claims she doesn't technically know what she wants. I know our relationship will not come one-hundred percent easily. It's a hard fact to face, but she loves him and he equally loves her. He has told me the only reason why he stepped aside was because he knows what it's like not being with your mate. The nonsense between Ajay, Chetan and Zare blows my mind. If I was Ajay, I couldn't have sex with someone else's mate. I don't see how special she is, I don't think she is any more attractive than her sister. For Chetan, I understand, he has no control over his feelings. When destiny chooses your mate, it doesn't care who you're in love with. What time and effort you put into your relationship it doesn't matter. Your heart, soul and body needs to be with your mate. You can never give another person your love that isn't your mate, because a big part of your heart belongs to your mark mate, way more than any of us likes to admit. 

"What do you want to do?" I hear Ajay ask, as I sit on the log by the fire. All the pack members were sleeping. I came to realize this is the time Ajay does his secret bidding. I see him escaping and running deeper in the forest. 

"About?" My eyes study his face. I know deep down inside, he is a far better alpha than me outside of his love interest that is. 

"The pack, Kiara."

I feel the warm breath escape my lips. 

"I don't know."

"You must understand I can't let you leave with her."

I nod. "She's my mate, I won't live without her."

"You stay here, I led my cubs and you yours." I see him gently smile, I know he is trying to be fair.

"We both know you do a better job at making decisions."

"But you don't want to step down from being alpha."

I shake my head. I know that would bring my father shame. I always tried to make him proud. 

"We were both keeping our tiles, but I'll just boss your crew around, step in and help you."

I laugh. I am happy to have Ajay here to help make the serious decisions, that was alway the part I secretly hated about being Alpha. Yes, I feel like my wolf inherited all the knowledge that Ajay did. But some werewolves have that extra smarts, that strong bond with their wolves that makes them a powerful leader, and Ajay has that more than me. 

"Cricket?" Kiara's voice rings in my ear, which is still new to me, but very much dominating my heart.

"Yeah sweetheart."

I noticed she was shaken up about something. Just because she is my destined mate doesn't automatically mean I know everything about her. I mean, she's still a stranger to me in many ways. 

Then I see Chetan walking towards us. I won't for very long put up with him comforting her, but I'm going to try to be understanding considering this is all new for everyone.

Then, I see the look on Kiara's face, and I know it was him she needed. I wouldn't necessarily describe the feelings as jealousy, more like this disgust that sat in the pit in my stomach, making me want to vomit.

"Bad dreams again?"

She nods. I see the pain on his face, I know he is having a hard time backing off and turning her over to me. 

I see her rush to his arms, and I have a hard time watching her find comfort in him. I know it's a fight I need to wait to have. I need to be patient. 

He whispers words in her ear, I don't completely understand. 

She nods and he kisses her forehead. " It's not like that Kiara," I hear him say.

My eyes watch as she goes back to bed, and Chetan walks off in the opposite direction.