Chapter 24: Mate!

~ Nathanael/Nate ~

My heart beat fast when I saw Lisa. I paid little attention when she visited our pack before because, in my mind, she was Cam’s mate. But now, when I stared at her short blonde hair, I was itchy to touch it.

Then, before I could say something, I suddenly heard it in my head, ‘Mate! Mate!’

I gaped, as it was unexpected. I looked around to see if there was another she-wolf in the room, but I couldn’t find anyone but Lisa. Her eyes widened too, and she put her hand on her chest. As she panted, her bosoms attracted my eyes. Lisa bit her lower lip and blushed. Then she glanced at me.

Our eyes met, and her eyes swept me from head to toe. Then her eyes went to my crotch. Darn! My blood pumped to the region as she stared. Then finally, she licked her lips, and all I wanted was to claim her to be mine.

Cam must sense something as he glanced to see both Lisa and me, then grinning. “I wonder if both of you need some time alone to talk. I don’t mind going elsewhere.”

Before Lisa and I could say anything, the door opened. Alpha Fred walked in. His eyes were sharp in Cam’s direction. We stood to honor him.

Alpha Fred nodded a little as he sat. “Please sit down. What business brought you here, Cameron?”

“I came here to apologize to Lisa and you, as I can’t be Lisa’s mate.”

“What?!” Alpha Fred hit the table before him hard.

Lisa held her father’s hand and said in a persuading voice, “Daddy, don’t be mad. Let’s talk first.”

Alpha Fred shook his head but sighed after seeing Lisa’s face. “Okay. I will listen to him only because you asked me.”

“Sure, Daddy.”

That was when Alpha Fred realized I was in the room too. “And who is this?”

“It’s Nathanael Thorn, my brother,” Cam said.

“Your brother?” Alpha Fred frowned. “Why do you have different last names?”

“Because Nate is my foster little brother. But he will be an Alpha soon.”

Alpha Fred’s eyebrows rose to hear what I said. “I see. So, why did you bring Nathanael with you?”

Cam took a deep breath. It was the most determining moment. If Alpha Fred agreed, Lisa would be mine; our mission would be accomplished. I caught my breath, waiting for Cam to say something.

“Alpha Fred,” then he glanced at Lisa and bowed a little, “Lisa, I apologize for not being able to fulfill our agreement. But my foster brother, Nate, has agreed to replace me. So if you agree, he will be Lisa’s mate.”

Alpha Fred creased his forehead. Lisa bit her lower lip but secretly stole a glance at me. She was so pretty! I enjoyed her beauty though I couldn’t do it openly as Alpha Fred was still here.

“Nathanael, why do you want to be Lisa’s mate?” Alpha Fred asked.

“Alpha Fred, I’m Cameron’s best friend and the Delta in our pack. When Cameron admitted he couldn’t continue to have Lisa as his mate, he asked me if I wanted to do it.” I stopped and gazed at Lisa. She blushed and smiled a little. “I paid little attention to her when you came to our pack. But now, I’m sure I want her to be my mate.” I coughed. “My wolf confirmed it too that she was my mate.”

Alpha Fred then glanced at Lisa. “What do you think?”

“Can I talk with Nathanael first, Daddy?”

“Sure!”

Nathanael bowed his head a little to Alpha Fred. “Alpha Fred, I have brought a dowry for Lisa. With your permission, I want to ask her hand in marriage. I hope you will consider my request.”

“I can’t say anything for now.” Alpha Fred let out a long sigh. “It’s a big matter to decide. But I will allow you to get to know my daughter first. If,” Alpha Fred emphasized, “if I give you my permission, there will be no way back. I won’t let our pack be humiliated twice.”

“Alpha Fred, I won’t change my mind. I want Lisa,” I glanced at Lisa, “really want her.”

“I see. Go! I will give you two hours to talk, then return here. If Lisa wants you too, I will consider your request.”

I stood. “Thank you, Alpha Fred.” Then I approached Lisa. Reaching out my hand to her, I said, “Shall we go elsewhere?”

She nodded and blushed. Taking my hand, we walked to a rose garden. She guided me to keep walking to a secret passage. It was a tunnel with roses. The rose fragrance filled my nostrils. Then Lisa turned her body to face me. Her eyes were wide. She was so gorgeous!

“Are you sure? Is it true your wolf confirmed me as your mate?”

“Yes, Lisa. I didn’t lie. Did your wolf confirm me as your mate?”

Lisa shook her head. “No. my wolf said nothing, but I felt something different about you.” She bit her lower lip. “But some people said not all of us can hear our wolves’ voices.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’m one of the unfortunate ones.”

“Don’t say that.” I couldn’t stop myself as my hand lifted itself to Lisa’s hair as if it had its own mind. “You are stunning. You are the most beautiful she-wolf I’ve ever met.” She blushed again, and I loved seeing the crimson creep up her cheeks. I touched her cheek with my thumb. “I’m sure you are bored to hear praise like that. Every man you meet must say the same.”

She licked her lower lip. “Not every man, but I must admit something.”

“Oh, what is it?”

She said nothing but pulled my hand to walk further. Finally, we arrived at a fountain. It was beautiful. The air was colder, but the sound of the fountain and the sweet fragrance of roses created a romantic and magical atmosphere.

Lisa brought my hand to her chest. “When you said that, my heart beat fast. I have never felt that way with other men.”

“Oh, Lisa!”