Alpha Hole

I was exhausted. The events of the previous night had left me drained, both physically and emotionally, but I knew I couldn't sleep yet.

Changing into the outfit Jenna had picked out for me—a soft, blue knit dress that hugged my curves just right—I couldn't help but glance at myself in the mirror. My wolf hummed in approval. 

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the bathroom, finding Jaxson propped up on the bed in a pair of jeans and a worn grey t-shirt that clung to his muscular frame in all the right places.

"Blue looks good on you," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.

I felt my cheeks warm and smiled. "Thanks. Jenna has good taste."

Just then, my stomach let out a loud, protesting growl, and I laughed nervously. "So, about that breakfast..."

Jaxson stretched, his shirt riding up to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his lower abs. My eyes were drawn to the sculpted lines of his body, and I bit my lip, trying to focus on anything but the overwhelming urge to run my hands over his skin. My wolf perked up at the sight, a low hum of desire thrumming through me.

"Jenna should be downstairs," he said, standing up and making his way toward me. He towered over me, his presence both comforting and intimidating. "I'll grab a bite to eat, but I have a meeting in thirty minutes."

"Oh," I said, the disappointment evident in my voice. I guess I hadn't expected to be left alone so soon. The thought made me uneasy.

Sensing my hesitation, Jaxson reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His touch was gentle, almost tender. "You'll be okay. Jenna's great company, and I won't be long. Just a few pack matters to handle."

I nodded, trying to muster up some confidence. "Yeah, okay. I can hang out with Jenna."

He smiled, a rare, genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat. "Plus I'm sure she won't mind the company.  Eric will be at the meeting too."

We walked downstairs together, and I could feel the eyes of the pack members on us as we entered the dining area. The room was bustling with activity, but it felt like everyone was watching our every move. I straightened my shoulders, trying to appear confident even though I felt anything but.

Jenna spotted us and waved enthusiastically, her smile wide and welcoming.

We made our way to the table, and I couldn't help but notice how easily Jenna interacted with everyone. She had a natural charm that put people at ease, and I envied her confidence. Jaxson squeezed my hand before going to fix our plates.  This time when he returned with a plate full of food I didn't hesitate to eat.

Jaxson kept glancing at his watch, and I could tell he was anxious about his meeting.

Finally, he stood up, brushing a kiss on top of my head. "I'll be back soon. Stay with Jenna, okay?"

I nodded, and watched him go, the weight of his absence settling over me like a heavy blanket.

Jenna leaned in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, how was last night?"

I felt my cheeks heat up and quickly took a sip of my coffee to hide my embarrassment. "It was... intense."

Jenna laughed, a knowing look in her eyes. "I can imagine. So, how was the sex?"

I nearly choked on my coffee, my eyes wide with shock. "We haven't... we haven't done anything yet."

Jenna's eyes widened in surprise, but there was no judgment there, just curiosity. "Really? I thought with all that tension between you two..."

I shook my head, feeling a bit defensive. "It's just... everything's so new, and I'm still trying to process it all."

She nodded, her expression softening. "I get it. It's a lot to take in. But the marking is just as important."

I felt a knot form in my stomach and my cheeks burned.

Jenna's eyebrows shot up. "You haven't marked him yet?"

I shook my head, feeling more and more inadequate with each passing second. "I didn't know it was such a big deal."

Jenna looked at me, her expression a mix of shock and understanding. "Layla, marking him is how you claim him as your mate. It's how the pack knows he's yours. If I were you, I wouldn't have let him out of my sight without a mark."

Her words sent a ripple of anxiety through me, and I felt my wolf stirring, agitated by the idea that I hadn't done something so crucial. "I didn't realize... I mean, I thought we could do it whenever."

Jenna sighed, squeezing my hand reassuringly. "It's okay. You do have time. Just... don't wait too long. Your wolf will start pushing you to do it. And maybe even get a bit territorial."

I nodded, trying to process everything she was saying.

We refilled our coffee cups and made our way to a common room with a large fireplace and several lounge areas.

It was actually kind of chilly this morning, so the fire was nice. That is until Bianca and two other girls came into the room.

They sat just down from us, their presence immediately making the atmosphere tense.

"Oh my goddess!" the tiny brunette next to Bianca snorted.

"That's what they said—can you imagine?" The curvy redhead to her right leaned in as if it was the scandal of the season.

"No—honestly, I can't. What is wrong with her?" Bianca said, suddenly looking at me with a look of disgust.

My wolf bristled and so did I. It was everything I could do to keep from marching over to her and making her shut her disgusting mouth.

"Layla?" Jenna's hand patted my knee and I looked back at her. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I managed to grit out.

"Don't worry about them," she said. "They are all talk, and it's really just sad how they have to be the center of attention."

I tried to focus on Jenna's words, but Bianca's sneering face was etched in my mind. The fire crackled behind us, casting a warm glow, but it did little to soothe the irritation building within me. My wolf was restless, pacing just beneath the surface, eager to defend our honor.

"Did you hear that she hasn't even marked him yet?" Bianca's voice cut through the room, loud enough for everyone to hear.

My breath hitched, and I clenched my fists. Jenna's grip on my knee tightened as if sensing my growing anger.

"It's pathetic," Bianca continued. "If I were her, he wouldn't be able to leave the bedroom long enough to go to a meeting."

"That's enough!" Jenna snapped, standing up and glaring at the trio. "Mind your own damn business, Bianca."

Bianca smirked, unfazed. "Oh, please. Everyone's talking about it. Might as well get used to it, Layla."

I stood up, my heart pounding. "You don't know anything about me," I said, my voice trembling with barely contained fury.

Bianca shrugged. "Maybe not. But I do know one thing—he's too good for you. He should have rejected you the moment your scent hit his nose."

Before I could react, Jenna pulled me away, steering me towards the door. "Let's go, Layla. They're not worth it."

We left the room, the murmurs and whispers following us like a dark cloud. I could feel the eyes of the pack on us, judging, questioning. My wolf was howling in frustration, and I struggled to keep her in check.

Jenna led me outside, the cool air a welcome relief against my heated skin. She turned to me, her eyes filled with concern. "Don't let them get to you, Layla. They're just jealous and petty."

My body was trembling part from the rage I felt and part from the tears that I was holding back.  I nodded.

Jenna nodded. "Just remember who you are. You're Jaxson's mate. You are the next Luna of our pack. They can't change that."