Chapter Twelve - Chase

You’re leaving her in there to clean for wanting to fight, my wolf growled. I ignored his constant banter about punishing Willow. It wasn’t what I wanted to do. Unfortunately, even though I was an alpha, I had rules to follow. I couldn’t allow Willow to disobey me, or I’d end up in regional court stripped of my title. Or punished in front of all the alphas in our region. I shoved my office door open and stalked toward my desk. The uneasy feeling of how I left things with Willow loomed over me. The temptation she gave me, the taunts, it all felt like I’d get whiplash sooner or later from them. I wasn't against her taunting me. At least she was interacting with me. The urgency to kiss her felt uncontrollable. Maybe her heat would allow me to steal a kiss. Touch her where she needed me the most. I shook the thoughts from my head. I needed to keep my head straight. It would happen when it was supposed to happen. Keith cleared his throat from the doorway. I hadn’t even heard him come inside. I blinked and turned to face him. “Sorry, Keith. I was zoned out. Come on inside. I smell something good. Do you come with gifts?" He walked into the room holding two to-go plates. “I grabbed you some dinner from the dining hall. I didn’t want you to miss out.” “Smells like steak?” I asked. Keith grinned. “Yes, the cooks try to make it at least once a week, because it’s a favorite.” He set down the container and turned toward the door. “Thank you, Keith. Do you have plans?’ I asked, opening the top and taking a whiff. “I wouldn’t mind the company tonight.” Keith looked shocked but walked back over to my desk. “I’d love to. My mate has been helping my daughter with her new pup, and I’ve had a few meals alone.” I chuckled. “Pups will do it to ya, I hear.” Keith stabbed a piece of meat from his plate. “You think Willow and yourself will have pups?” I took a bite. “If I can get the girl to let me in, then maybe, one day.” Keith chuckled. “I understand. She’s a tough one to crack. Determined. Stubborn to say the least." I continued eating and glanced over at him. “You were here during the attack, weren’t you?” He nodded. “Did you see anything off about the attack? I spoke with an older she-wolf who said it looked like the wolf that killed Willow’s mother was sent to do it.” Keith sighed heavily. “That day is such a blur. I don’t remember much other than fighting until the rogues retreated, and we killed a majority of them. It didn’t last long, so I don’t think her theory is too far-fetched.” I tapped the end of my fork against the desk. “Did Alpha Gerald do a lot to search for his wife’s killer?” “Yes. He searched endlessly for years. It allowed Willow a lot of alone time. It was then she began to truly want to fight. She was held up in her room for hours with survivor’s guilt. She needs to heal, I just don’t see that happening on the road she’s going.” I took another bite. “And the way Alpha Gerald has been withdrawing over the last few months, she won’t get the closure she needs from him.” I furrowed my brow. “What do you mean by that?” I asked. He shrugged. “It could be nothing. His age. Him being very tired from the years of being an alpha. But he seems so withdrawn lately.” It could mean nothing, but it could mean something. "Oh, before I forget,” Keith said. “I put it on your calendar for next week. Alpha Gerald normally holds a summer get-together at the pool. I help him plan it. It’s normally hot dogs, music and swimming. It’s just a way to appreciate the pack and keep them in good spirits.” “That sounds like fun. Just let me know what I need to do to help.” Keith pointed his fork toward the drawer. “There is a list of things to look over in there.” “I appreciate all of your help,” I said. “You seem to know your way around everything.” “Thank you,” he smiled. “Oh, by the way, some of the she-wolves want to show you around.” He gave me a look. “I would keep that short if I were you. I know you haven’t mated with Willow yet, but I can see her being the jealous type.” I chuckled. “I was confronted by Tiffany today. I may try to get out of it, and if not, keep it short as you suggested. I’ve already stirred the pot enough with Regis, I don’t need to add to my list.” We chatted about his family, while we finished eating. Once he dismissed himself, I went over the list of things to prepare. I could work on them tomorrow after I got my tour from the she-wolves over with. I stayed later than I meant to in my office. The moon was high in the sky when I walked down the hallway toward my room. The smell of her scent hit me like a ton of bricks. Her heat was closer than before. I could sense she was in pain. I stood outside of her door, my hand raised, with intentions of offering her relief. Knock, my wolf pushed. But I let my hand drop to my side. She’d come to me when she needed me. I turned toward my door and walked inside. I stripped from my T-shirt when I heard a soft whimper. My gaze went to the window, but when I walked over, I didn’t see anyone on my balcony. The whimper came again. I turned my attention to my door. A shadow danced underneath the door, and then a soft knock. I stalked over and opened the door. Willow stood on the other side, her arm wrapped around her waist and the other hand braced on the frame of the door. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I know it’s late—,” I didn’t let her finish. I wrapped my arms around her, and I felt her instant relief against my body. I kicked the door shut with my boot and carried her to my bed. She whimpered again when I pulled back from her to take off my boots. The heat would be here soon. I hated to see the pain on her face, and the heat on her skin. “I’m coming,” I whispered, crawling onto my bed, I curled her into me. Willow sighed softly and buried her head into my shoulder. The soothing feeling of holding her made my wolf content for the first time since we arrived. I slid my palm down her head over and over, finally venturing toward her arm, I let my fingertips brush her skin. “Don’t ever apologize for needing me,” I whispered into the darkness. “This is the least I can do.” Willow stayed quiet for a long time, before finally looking up at me with those too-blue eyes. “I’m afraid,” she whispered. “Of what?” “Of my heat. I’ve always been away from the pack house during it. I spent my heats in my closet in my dorm room. I’ve never been here during it.” “There is nothing to be scared of, Willow.” She shook her head. “You don’t understand. I’m … I’ve never done that before.” She’s a virgin, my wolf said. Realization hit me. It was the best thing I’d heard in my entire life. I’d be the first and last man to ever touch her. “I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.” She closed her eyes. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m afraid I’ll want to.” She rested her head on my shoulder again, avoiding my gaze, while I stroked down her spine with my fingertips. Minutes passed by when I noticed her breathing had changed, and she’d fallen asleep. I didn’t dare move. I’d lay there all night with her pressed against my arm. Having her scent in my bed would get me through any upcoming lonely night. I’d have to ask the cleaners not to wash my sheets. When morning came, I woke to an empty bed. She’d slipped out during the morning hours, but I didn’t care. Holding her during her pain had given my wolf a sense of pride. She did need us, whether she wanted to admit it or not.