A Secret Alpha Mate

(1sla)

I don't know how long I stayed there.

I can't move.

Every part of my body feels like it's buzzing.

My head is clouded and the scenes I just saw keep repeating themselves over and over, like my own personal horror film. I try to make sense of it, but it's not clicking.

The Jackson with me and the Jackson with her are two different people. I couldn't imagine them as one. I tried to sift through our conversations in the past, seeing if there was any indication that he was lying.

He said he would give up his title for me, not that I would ever let him do that, but the promises he made to me and ther not even having the balls to be honest with me about the test.

Did he want to just have fun with me and try to keep me here? The Jackson I thought I knew wouldn't have played with m emotions like this.

Cold. Powerful. Dark. The rumors of the Alpha of Moonstone, before I knew him as my mate, came swirling back in my hez I tried to fit together the Jackson I knew, the Jackson I just saw with Jennifer, and the rumors about the ruthless Alpha of Moonstone together. They didn't fit at all.

But maybe they weren't different pieces of the same puzzle. Maybe they were all one piece.

I would have to accept the fact that this new Jackson was the only one that existed, the one that lied to me, the one that accepted Jennifer without even talking to me.

it would make it easier to leave. At least there was that.

I forced myself up from the forest floor, not bothering to brush off the leaves and dirt from my jeans. It didn’t matter anymore, nothing did at the moment.

Abigail

Where are you?

'm coming back. I need to leave.

'm ready when you are.

No, I need to leave the pack.

What?

Today.

I cut off the link and headed back. My emotions fight for control over my body.

Hurt, rage, sadness, heartbreak, loathing, and confusion all mixed together, threatening to explode in something I didn't want to deal with.

I slammed my door open. Abigail is sitting on my bed, worried. I didn't even register she was there for a minute.

“What happened?” She rushed to my side.

“It's his baby."

“Oh sweetie, I was hoping for a miracle. When did he tell you?”

“He didn't She looks confused.

I £0 to the closet and throw a few random things on my bed, looking around for something to put it in.

“Then how?”

“I saw him." I couldn't find anything that could work.

There has to be a suitcase around here, even a plastic bag would do.

Abigail grabs my arm and sits me on the bed.

“I know it's hard, but can you please explain to me what happened? Then I can help you with whatever you want to do."

I took a deep breath and tried to force myself to say what I saw out loud. She looked shocked when I finished telling her. “I can't imagine, there must be an explanation.” I gave her a look.

“There is none.”

“Maybe he just found out” She suggests,

“They were looking at photos, they must have had another appointment. He knew. I'm not sure for how long, but he knew I looked at my hands, it hurt to say.

“Then Jim must have.” Abigail trailed off. I looked up at her and saw the pain in her eyes. I was so worried about myself I didn't even think that the doctor would have lied to her too.

I took her hand in mine, “Oh Abigail, I'm sorry. Maybe.” She shakes her head and sighs.

“Ill have to talk to him. Can you wait until tonight to leave, please? I might be coming with you." She says resolutely.

I nod, as much as I want to leave right now, I had to be logical. I couldn't react on pure emotion, I had to pack and decide where I was going.

Maybe I wouldn't join another pack right now. Maybe I would head into town and get a job. I could live in the human city. I've heard of werewolves doing that before. Yes, that's what I would do. A fresh start away from the packs, something completely new.

My own place and working to make a living didn't sound so bad actually. Not as bad as joining another pack as an omega made up my mind.

“I need a suitcase,’ I muttered.

“You stay here and get your things together. I will find one for you."

“Thanks. I don't look at her face.

“Don't leave.” She squeezes my hands in hers, “Please. Wait for me to come back”

“l will,” I promise her.

Now that I had somewhat of a plan, I could focus on that, make a list of things I needed to do.

I would have to find a place to stay, and without money that would be impossible. I could ask Abigail for the money that were going to take shopping. I would pay her back and that might get me through a night or two somewhere inexpensive while I found a job.

I surveyed the clothing I had laid out on my bed. I needed to pack some practical things that would last for a while.

I checked the clock and barely an hour had passed after I had everything I needed laid out.

I grabbed the remote and flicked through the channels, settling on a cooking show. I lay on the bed and tried to focus on memorizing the recipe so that I couldn't think of anything else.

I woke up with a start, the light in my room bright against the gray sky outside. I rubbed my eyes, and it all came crashing back.

I had to clutch at my stomach to try to stop the physical pain of it all. My breathing was shallow and I dragged myself intc the shower. I sat on the floor letting the warm water run over me, trying to take deep breaths.

It was no use.

I couldn't help the sobs that shook me to my core. I held onto my legs and pulled them into me and cried until I had nothing left.

The water must have gotten cold at some point. When I came back to myself, out of my misery, I noticed I was shivering. I reluctantly pulled myself from the floor and shut off the water, not wanting to look at myself in the mirror.

I knew 1 must have looked how I felt.

I dried off and tugged on some leggings and a sweater. That was the last breakdown I would let myself have, at least for today. Today I needed to focus, I needed to plan.

The last thing I needed was to see if I could get some food from the kitchen to pack. Last time, the food I grabbed was barely enough for a few days, and if I was moving to a city, I couldn't just let Adrastea go out and hunt.

I checked the time. It was after dinner. I was surprised, but I didn't know how long I slept or how long I was in the shower let my hair partially dry before I left my room, softly closing the door behind me.

I snuck down the stairs. To my relief, the kitchen was empty. I almost forgot that omegas here didn't have to work all hou of the day. I found a canvas bag and stuffed it full of fruit and pastries leftover from breakfast. I made a few sandwiches and threw in some water bottles and protein bars.

That should sustain me for a few days. As soon as I got a job, everything would be okay.

I could do this, I thought to myself resolutely.

I left the kitchen, looking back to make sure everything was in place. I felt guilty about stealing, but my desire to get out here alive overpowered my guilt over taking a few things.

I rounded the corner and headed to the staircase. There were some people around but I hoped no one would notice me. passed the elevator and saw a ton of boxes outside of it. An older man was working on loading them. I paused, slightly curious.

“What the f**k are you gawking at?" I turned around and saw Jennifer right behind me. I couldn't help but look down at h stomach, she was showing, and it made mine twist.

She noticed my stare and gave me a smirk and started to rub her stomach.

“Normally, I shouldn't be showing this much. But you know, with an Alpha’s baby, it's guaranteed to be bigger than norma I nod, words getting caught in my throat.

“What are you still doing here?” She demands. I shrugged, why weren't my words working?

She notices the bag slung over my shoulder and yanks it from me. A few apples and a water bottle fall out.

She laughs, “Are you stealing from my pack?”

I shake my head.

“I asked you a question, you rogue.” She glares at me, “Are. You. Stealing. From. My. Pack?”

“Uh. N-no. Just missed dinner and came down for a snack.” I was relieved when something coherent came out.

“Hmpf.’ She looks in the bag, “It looks like you're stealing from me, that is more than you need for dinner” She dumps the contents of the bag onto the ground.

I couldn't believe someone could be this heartless. I sympathized with her, I tried to be kind, I knew what she was going through was hard, yet she still took out her anger on me personally.

I grabbed the bag back from her hand, “Leave me the f**k alone.” I snapped, unable to contain myself. She looked confus for a split second before a wicked smile came across her face.

“Looks like the little rogue is finally getting some balls.” She taunts.

“Ym done trying to be civil with you. You don't even know me, but you've hated me from the first day I've been here, and what? You're mad I was the destined mate of your ex? Talk about a f*****g complex." I spit. I would be leaving soon and s! was getting the majority of my anger, the only person I could take it out on.

She raises an eyebrow, “Mate or not, you're not the one that is giving birth to the next Alpha. You're no longer allowed on pack lands."

says who?" I challenge

“Says me, the mother of the next Alpha and the Alpha's chosen mate.” My stomach drops. I couldn't tell if she was telling the truth or was saying that to get to me.

“Ym moving my stuff in tonight,” she gestures to the number of boxes stacked by the elevator doors, “Alpha’s orders, he wants me and our son to be close to him." She rubs her belly absentmindedly.

“Of course, we want you out of here now that I'm moving to the Alpha floor. I don't want his ex-mate under the same roof jackson would have told you, but I guess I got to you first. Spare him all that fake pity he would have to muster” She smil down at me.

Jackson wouldn't, would he?

The image of Jackson rubbing her stomach after finding out that they were having a boy flashes into my mind. He change his mind about a chosen mate. It made sense. F**k him.

I started to grab the food on the floor, not able to muster a response as tears filled my eyes. I collect everything and stan up and brush past her.

She grabs my elbow and pulls me back.

“You had better be out by the morning. I'l have the guards come and throw you out if you're not” She smiles, “No, actual stay, I would love to see you thrown back to your rightful place. On the streets like a f~**g rat". She laughs and pushes r away.

I ran up the stairs, tears streaming down my face.

Abigail, where are you? Did you talk to him?

He's not off for another hour, he told me he couldn't see me. 1 just feel so lost, I know he’s lying.

I'm sorry.

I found a suitcase for you. I left it in the front room of Jim's. I'm waiting at the clinic until he’s off.

I went to my room and grabbed everything that was laid out and wrapped it in a sheet. I left without looking back, not ev sure if I turned the light off. I wanted to leave before anyone could change my mind.

Every second here was filled with pain and betrayal.

I rushed to the doctor's house and opened the front door, thankful it was unlocked.

I saw the suitcase that was laid out and dumped all of the things I had packed in the sheet into it, not bothering to organize anything. I grabbed the envelope of money on the table and stashed the money in my pocket and wrote a note the back to Abigial explaining that I had left and gave her my phone number.

I knew her and the doctor would work it out. The mate bond must be stronger than whatever he was keeping from her. Maybe he has a reason, maybe Jackson commanded it. I wouldn't be surprised at this point.

I took one last look around this cottage, trying to capture the memories and happy times I had here.

A quick snapshot of a life I briefly had. I closed the door behind me and ran.

it was dark and I knew no one would even notice me. I passed the packhouse and found the main street, not bothering tc look back.

I saw the front gate in the distance, once I was off. pack grounds I would have to reject him. Adrastea whimpered in my head at that thought.

'm sorry, I can't

I understand, I agree with you, but it doesn't make it any less painful

Are we going to survive this

We're going to have to.

(Jackson)

After I left Jennifer, 1 went on a long run in human form, longer than I've done in months. I wanted to focus on nothing els besides pushing my body to its limits.

When 1 got back and took a cold shower it was barely evening. At least I wasted the afternoon.

I spent the rest of the evening pacing in my office looking at my phone. I fought the urge to call the doctor, but I knew he would call me as soon as he had anything.

I kept hearing the elevator door ding, but no one was coming to my office. I told Lucas and Cam to not bother me today a I knew my parents would leave me alone. Was it Isla? Was she coming to see me?

I rushed to the elevator and found about 9 boxes outside of it. What the f**k?

I hesitantly opened one and it was full of boxes of shoes. Who needed this many pairs? Did my mom order some more things for Isla before the pregnancy thing?

I opened another box and saw clothes. These wouldn't be Isla or my mom's style. It was filled with short dresses, too sho dresses. I think I saw Jennifer wearing some of these before.

No.

The door dinged again and I saw Greg with another elevator full of boxes.

I looked at him, “Greg? What is all this?"

He grunts as he continues moving boxes. “Jennifer's stuff, there's a lot more but I'll move it in tomorrow.” He laughs, “Wot sure love your help with all this."

“Greg, we are getting the floor painted. I told her she couldn't move in until next week.”

“Well, that's not what she said. She wanted to get her stuff up here as soon as possible. Can't you just put them all in an empty room and then paint the other ones?” He looks around at all the boxes, “No use taking these away if they are just going to be coming back here.”

I didn’t want her coming back here. Just because I was being nice today didn't mean that I wanted her to move in. Maybe went too far by holding her hand? I sigh. She was taking liberties and I wasn't going to have it, directly going against what told her. I need to talk to Jennifer.

“Vl figure it out with her, just bring the rest of them up, but don't bring any more in. I need to figure out what to do with this." I moved to help him. No use fighting right now.

I heard my phone ring from my office.

“You'll have to excuse me for a moment. I ran back to my office and locked the door behind me.

I must be imagining things. The phone wasn't ringing at all.

My cell phone lights up on my desk and 1 grab it.

1 missed call and a text from the doctor saying, “Call me."

I fumbled and returned his call, my breathing shallow, this was the moment that could break or fix my life. He picks up th second ring.

“Alpha?”

“Doctor.” I took a steadying breath.

“We got the results back” I didn't say anything.

“You are not going to be a father”

“What?” I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding

“You are not the father.’

“And you're sure?”

“Positive. There was no indication of any DNA match this time." I sighed.

I couldn't believe that. Even though I held some hope, I didn't let myself believe that there was a way the child wasn't rea mine. I was hoping for a small miracle to let Isla be my Luna or that she would change her mind and would let me give uf my title.

Relief washed over me and was replaced by complete happiness.

isla is my Luna. I need to find her right now.

“Where is she?” I demanded.

“Ym not sure I haven't left my office yet.”

“Thank you, doctor, link me if you find her”

“will do." I cut the line and rushed out of my office. f**k I couldn't take the elevator. I see Jennifer and her dad at the end the hall arranging boxes.

“Hello, my Alpha." Jennifer walks up to me, she disgusts me. Any sympathy I previously had for her was completely gone. She did this on purpose, maybe not the baby, but she drove a wedge between Isla and me.

I wanted to tear her to shreds or have her thrown in the dungeon. But I would have Isla decide what to do with her, 1 owe her that much.

“Jennifer,” I said curtly.

“Oh, Jackson, don't be mad. I know you wanted to wait, but let's be practical, our baby is coming in a few months and I need to get settled here and get the nursery ready. Our moms are coming tomorrow to help layout the nursery.” She grab my hand and it takes all of my willpower not to grab it away immediately.

“I have to step out for a few minutes, something came up,” I said, looking over her head, not able to look at her face. “Anything I can help with?” She asks sweetly.

“Not tonight” I placed a quick kiss on her head. Disgusting.

“Ill see you later?” She asks, and I turn away to run down the stairs.

I made it to my first floor and bang on Isla and then Abigail's door.

No one answers. I see the light in Isla’s room and take my chance and open it.

“Isla?” I called out. The TV was on, but there wasn't any sign of her there, or her bathroom or closet. That's strange. Anxiet started to rise again. Did something happen to her? She wasn't the type to be so careless. Even when she left the library, she put all the books away and folded the blankets she used.

Her bed was unmade and when I looked back in her closet I saw that most of the clothes I had sent down for her were gone. Where is she?

I need to check your house. I can't find her

Go on, the door is unlocked. I need to speak to Abigial. She has been waiting for me all afternoon.

Why? Is everything okay?

No idea. Ill let you know.

I ran out the back of the packhouse down the short lane to the doctor's cottage and threw the door open.

“Isla? Are you in here?" I called. The lights were off and I flicked them on.

A white sheet was lying on the ground, but nothing else was out of place. I tried to see if I could catch her scent, and it's faint but recent. She must have been here not long ago.

I notice an envelope on the table with handwriting scribbled on it.

Abigail,

I have to leave tonight. I hope you understand I can’t wait anymore.

Here is my number. Call me when you can.

You'll always have a place with me, but I hope you and Jim work it out.

I love you

She left. She F++**g left.

There was no way of knowing where she would go. I couldnt have her trying to survive by herself out there. The first time was a close call. My stomach clenched thinking about it.

Lucas, Cam. I need you now.

Where?

Coming

Isla left. Secure the front gate and help me find her. She left the doctor's cottage.

I broke the link knowing that they would be on it and shifted into Flint. Following her faint trail. There were so many ways she could have left. Endless possibilities, hopefully, she wasn't too far gone.

(1sla)

I reached the gate with no problems. The guards looked at me funny but didn't say anything. I walked a bit further away before I could bring myself to look at the pack that I thought would be my home.

How do we do this?

Just state your name and your pack and then his, his title, and his pack.

But I don't know my last name, or what pack I was from. Do I just say Silver Lake? Or rogue? Packless?

Maybe, formerly of Silver Moon. I'm not sure I've never done this before

Me either.

Adrastea whimpers in my head and I take one last breath of being mates to Alpha Jackson of Moonstone.

“I, Isla, formerly of the Silver Lake Pack, reject Alpha Jackson of the-"

I hear a loud growl that makes me jump. A large black wolf bounds through the gates. When he stops and sees me, he shi back into Jackson.

What s**t timing.

“Wait!” He pants, “Isla please.’