Her Safe Place

Edited✅

King Axel Pierce

Layla was waiting back at the pack house with Geogia. I had wanted to show her around, but she was already so jumpy. “This is King Axel,” I said, answering the phone.

“King Axel,” the voice of Alpha Daniels greeted me. “How are you?”

“I’m good. And you?”

“I’m great. I am just wondering if you have found your mate yet. We all know you have decided to chose a chosen mate if you had not found your mate by your twentyfifth birthday. I know that Darcy has been over at your pack. I believe she would make a great queen.” Alpha Daniels said. Although we were on good terms, Alpha Daniels always had his own agenda.

“I have found my mate.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

“Truly?” Alpha Daniels shock was easily heard through the phone. “So, does this mean you will not be choosing your mate?”

Was the man an idiot? “No, I will not be choosing my mate. I am going to be with the mate the moon goddess gave me.” I knew my frustration was leaking into my tone, but I didn’t have it in me to care.

“Has the council heard of this?” Alpha Daniels asked.

“I was planning on telling them after this phone call.” In truth, I had. However, I had wanted to hold off on the coronation as I didn’t believe Layla was ready to take that step. I knew she feared us and the new place she was thrown into.

“And where is your mate from?” Alpha Daniels asked.

“I am not disclosing any of my mate’s information until it is released to the public.” I knew Alpha Daniels would not be able to keep his mouth shut and word of my mate will run through every pack. “Anyways, I must go. I have another call coming through.”

I hung up and leaned back in my chair. The excuse to end the call might’ve been childish, but I knew Alpha Daniels would press and I didn’t want to deal with his antics. I moved forwards and picked the phone up again.

“King Axel,” Councilman Cross said as he answered my call. “To what do I own this pleasure?”

“I have met my mate,” I said, not wanting to waste anytime.

“That is wonderful news. Where has your mate come from? Is she from high standning?” The questions were shot off without a break in between.

“My mate is Layla Andrews from the Lunar Pack, she is Alpha Andrew’s daughter.” I said. I new he would know who I wa talking about. Councilman Cross was known for knowing every person in every pack.

“King Axel, Layla Andrews is human. She didn’t inherit her father’s werewolf genes.” I knew that Layla’s status as human would cause some people to question her, but I knew I wanted her as my mate.

“I know. She is still my mate and was chosen for me by the moon goddess. I will not mock her by refusing my mate.” I said. I didn’t want Councilman Cross to begin doubts in the other council members. Although my vote outweighed many of theirs, having some of the council members speculat would cause problems with some of the packs.

“I understand. When should we plan for her coronation?”

“I am still unsure of the date. We will have her coronation when she is ready and prepared. I have my mother who will help her to adjust into the life of a queen.” I replied. I had already thought through many of these things. One must always be prepared to lead.

“I will let the other council members know. Please contact us when you have a date planned.” Councilman Cross said.

“Of course.” Exchanging the closing partings, I ended the call.

“Axel?” I looked up as Layla poked her head into my office.

“Yes darling?” I said, sitting up. “Is everything alright?”

Layla nodded. She stood by the door, looking extremely uncomfortable. I motioned her towards me and she stepped into the room. I wanted to reach out and hold her. She stopped in front of my desk.

“Did you need to ask me something?” I asked. I wanted to make her as comfortable as she could be.

Layla shook her head then sighed, “Its-” she stopped, “I don’t know how to explain it. My body feels as though I need to be next to you.” Her cheeks flushed a red. I found it endearing.

“Thats the mate bond,” I said, “its our souls calling out for each other.” Layla didn’t look anymore comforted by the thought.

“So, it’s only because of the mate bond?” She asked. I knew some wolves had trouble accepting the mate bond as they thought it was the only reason for love, however, it is not.

“The mate bond allows us to find each other, but it does not force us to love each other,” I replied. Layla nibbled on her lip as she seemed to think these over in her mind.

“And without the bond? Would you have even looked my way?” Layla met my gaze for the first time since she entered my office.

“Of course I would have.” The response was automatic.

Layla raised an eyebrow, as if she didn’t believe me, “really? A lowly human servant?”

I growled at the self criticism. She was perfect to me. In every way. “You are not a servant. You shouldn’t have been treated like that in your own pack.” Layla looked away as her bottom lip trembled. I didn’t know if I had upset her or if she was just overwhelmed, but I pulled her back towards me and rested her head on the crook of my neck.

Unconsciously, I began to sway slightly. I rocked up back and forth. Layla relaxed against me as she grabbed my shirt. My arms wrapped her firmly into my arms. I placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before resting against her head.

Layla’s body trembled and I held her. I could feel her holding back her emotions that wanted to break through. I walked towards my chair with her still in my arms. I sat and pulled her onto my lap. Layla didn’t seem to mind as she burrowed herself into my arms. I gently ran my hand up her spine, wanting to give her comfort.

I pulled her from my neck enough to look into her eyes. They were shinny with tears she wouldn’t allow to fall. “You neve have to be strong for me,” I said, “I want to know what your feeling. I’ll be strong for you.” Layla’s lip trembled even more before she rested again in my arms. I could feel the warmth of her tears as she cried, her body shaking with each sob. I held her close, hoping that I was offering her the comfort she needed.