The Alpha's Slave Mate

Caleb's Point of View

Knock, Knock

I get distracted from the paperwork sitting at my desk as Theo pokes his head in my office. "Hey how is everything going?”

I sigh and do not try to hide the stress that is weighing down on me. “Well as far as I can see we are good as far as food for the winter, thanks to Ellie our crops have done well. With Hannah's help the livestock are doing great too. Even with the boost in pack members thanks to your careful planning we are set. Alpha Jerome has requested a few things, but it is all things that we can cover.”

"Ok so now that you have filled me in with knowledge that I already know, how are you doing? As in you specifically.” Par usual nothing escapes Theo's attentiveness.

I pull out two tumblers and the bottle of Brandy that I keep in the desk and pour us both a drink. “In truth man I feel lost. I know that Daphne needs me to give her time, and I have tried but it is weighing on me heavily. We barely interact anymore, and I feel like I am losing her.” I take a sip of my drink before continuing. “The worst part about it all is I am the one that suggested that she help out more with our special wolves. I thought that having a project would help distract her, but I never thought it would consume her as a whole.”

"Wild question but have you tried to talk to her about it?” Theo's suggestion has me pausing and wondering if he is right.

“I have thought about it.” I admit to him sheepishly.

“So, what is stopping you from actually doing it?"

Looking down into the amber liquid, I contemplate telling him about the kitchen episode. “I have no idea how to even begin speaking with her about it. I do not want her to stop with the training, I just want more time with her, but she may take it the wrong way. I also do not want her to feel like I am telling her what to do either. I want her to be her own person and make her own decisions.” Theo nods his head in understanding.

“My best advice to you is literally to set her down and talk with her. You two are never going to resolve issues by avoiding them.” Theo stares at me intently and I know that he is right.

"Speaking of loves, how are you and Scarlett doing?” Scarlett is Theo's second chance mate, and I know that they had a rocky beginning.

“I think that things are going better. We are still taking things slow, although as I am sure you know we are fully mated now.” We both chuckle at his gentle phrasing. “I have thought about bringing up the subject of possibly having pups, but right now everything is still too new, and we are both adjusting.” Theo and Scarlett both had traumatic events that have caused them to be wary of each other.

"As long as you both are happy, then I am happy. I know that Daphne enjoys having her sister close.” Saying this out loud gives me an idea. “Hey, do you think that Scarlett would be willing to have a talk with her? Just to find out what is going on inside Daphne's head.” I can not help but to ask him hopefully.

"Wow I never thought I would see the day that the great Alpha Caleb tries to take the cowards way out. Daphne is YOUR mate, and this is YOUR problem.” I hang my head knowing that Theo is right, but I am still scared of saying the wrong thing. Theo takes note of my disposition. “Are you still afraid that Daphne may reject you?” My silence is all the confirmation that he needs.

Only Theo knows how scared I was that my mate would reject me. It took a long time for me to find my mate, and I was on the brink of turning feral. I am known to be quick and decisive in my actions, and it is a rarity that I give people a second chance if they anger me. Daphne is the one person that calms the beast within me. She alone sooths the wildness of my soul

“Caleb, I know that it is hard for you to fully believe this but Daphne truly loves you. I know that you have not had an easy road, but you are gentle with her. I am serious man, talk to her. Pack a nice picnic style dinner, that I will have Scarlett help you with. Take it to the training center and ask her to have dinner with you. Then lay it all out on the line about how you have been feeling. Clear communication will get you results.” Theo moves towards me and clasps his hand on my shoulder. Although he is my Beta, I truly feel that he is my brother.

I thank him for the advice and will put the plan into motion tomorrow evening, as it is too late today to take care of it. Theo takes his leave to spend the evening with his mate, and I stare out the window of my office wondering if my mate is still at the training center. At least my head is a little clearer now that we have a plan in place. I just pray that Daphne is open to talking everything out with me. With a heavy sigh I switch off the lamp in my office and head to bed.