As Kellan enters the room, all eyes gravitate toward him, including mine. Tristan trails behind him, exuding an aura of quiet strength and loyalty. Kellan's presence commands attention, his tall frame exuding power and confidence. His attire, casual yet elegant, only adds to his allure.
With his raven hair pulled back into a messy bun and his sleeves rolled up, Kellan exudes a casual charm that is undeniably attractive. I find myself shifting in my seat, unable to tear my gaze away from him. Our eyes meet, and in that moment, the air between us crackles with electricity.
"Ember," Kellan's voice, deep and rich, pulls me out of my reverie. His gaze is intense, his eyes flickering with desire, mirroring my own emotions.
"Kellan," I respond, my voice barely above a whisper, my heart pounding in my chest. Suddenly, I feel a pinch on my thigh and snap out of my trance-like state. Glancing to my side, I catch Nate looking away innocently, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. I shoot him a glare, but he only shrugs nonchalantly.
"So, is the Alpha Prime... coming?" I manage to stammer out, attempting to divert attention away from my momentary lapse in composure.
Kellan chuckles, a sound that sends shivers down my spine and ignites a flurry of butterflies in my stomach.
He clears his throat, regaining his composure, before responding, "Ahem. I'm the Alpha Prime. I'm Kellan Grimlock." His words hang in the air, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with apprehension at the realization of who he truly is.
As Kellan declares his identity as the Alpha Prime, I'm struck by a whirlwind of emotions. Shock, disbelief, and a strange sense of realization swirl within me. How did I not know this before? It makes so much sense though, I don't think Kellan would be anything but Alpha Prime.
"I thought you knew, but I suppose I never brought it up so you wouldn't have," Kellan remarks, his voice tinged with amusement. I realize with a jolt that I must have spoken my thoughts aloud.
I gaze at Kellan with newfound understanding, seeing him in a different light. It all makes sense now—his commanding presence, his aura of authority, and the way other wolves instinctively defer to him. He's not just any wolf; he's the Alpha Prime, the undisputed leader of our kind.
As the realization sinks in, he's not just strong; he's the strongest.
And he's mine.
My mate is the Alpha Prime.
The realization that Kellan, the Alpha Prime, is my mate, sends a surge of desire coursing through me.
"I apologize for my informal tone, Alpha," I offer, relying on years of ingrained behavioral lessons as I lower my head in deference.
"Don't worry about formalities, Ember. I believe mates are exempt from protocol," Kellan responds, his gaze holding a mixture of warmth and intensity. He seems poised to say more, but our conversation is interrupted by the arrival of dinner, brought in by a pair of wolves.
The meal unfolds as a quiet and subdued affair, yet each bite is a testament to our resilience and the journey that has led us here. After weeks on the road, this hearty meal tastes like a small victory, offering a moment of comfort and nourishment amidst the uncertainty of our newfound circumstances.
After dinner, Kellan says to Tristan, "Lead Nate out. I would like to speak to my mate. In private."
Tristan stands, and Nate looks at me, unsure. I reassure him with a glance, and he leaves with Tristan.
After dinner, Kellan's directive to Tristan to escort Nate out leaves me alone with him. As the door closes with a silent thud, the charged atmosphere between us becomes palpable. My wolf stirs restlessly beneath my skin, eager for release.
I observe Kellan's fingers tapping anxiously on the dining table, alternating between human digits and wolf claws. It's evident that he's struggling to maintain control, mirroring my own internal battle.
Sensing the need for space and a change of scenery, I suggest going for a walk. I remind myself that we've only just met today, and I'm not ready to be mated with him just yet.
"Understood," he responds, his voice strained with desire. The intensity of his tone only heightens the magnetic pull between us, igniting a fire of longing within me.