Leah

After a terrifying trip to the mall that had Penny running around like a wild tornado, I now had an extensive wardrobe.

Only half of which I intended to wear.

I have no idea why she bothered with all of that lace. I had to sneak comfy cotton underwear into my basket. It was a travesty.

Then she told me the fantastic news that I was allowed to pick out a new computer for Alex. I was giddy at the prospect and picked out the perfect equipment for him. I then ran straight to his office to set it up for him. I thought he would leave me alone to get it arranged, but instead stood over me watching me like a hawk and fiddling with things. It was annoying as hell.

“Alex. I mean this with all of the respect that you are due as Alpha. Stop. Touching. Shit.” I say irritably through clenched teeth as he accidentally tangles some of the wires.

Jon chuckles from the corner as Alex sends him a glare before carefully putting down the wires and stepping away from the desk, sitting in one of the armchairs. He watches me with an intense interest that makes my heart speed up and hands shake a little. I’ve never been scrutinized so closely, and I wonder if he thinks I will mess this up. I click in the last wire and boot up the computer and allow my eyes to meet his piercing blues. I could stare at them all day.

“Ok. Now you may come look at it.” I say and Alex is next to me in the next moment. I look up at him in disbelief and he chuckles at my surprised expression.

“Werewolf speed. Cool huh?” He says haughtily and I shrug.

“I’ve seen faster.” I say with a straight face and Jon erupts in laughter as he rounds the desk to check out the new equipment. Alex scowls at me and grunts before turning his attention to the new computer. They both ooh and aah over the new tech, pushing buttons and gliding the mouse around like it’s Christmas morning.

“I downloaded all of your files. They’re right here.” I say clicking on the right folders and showing Alex where all of the icons are as well as what they do. He gives me a warm smile and pats my shoulder.

“Thank you for this, Leah. It’s amazing.” He says, his eyes wide with wonder as he sits in his chair and continues to peck around the keyboard. I giggle at him and he narrows his eyes at me.

“Maybe you should take a keyboarding class. It’s painful to watch you poking the keys one at a time like that.” I say cheekily and Alex gives me a playful growl.

“Watch yourself, little one. I manage just fine.” He responds smugly and I just shake my head at him, amused.

“Do I get a new computer too? Mine runs really slow.” Jon says and I shrug.

“I’ll look at it. I might be able to speed it up for you.” I offer and he nods before gripping my hand and leading me out of the room. His fingers entwine with mine and I’m amazed at how much hotter his skin is than mine.

“Come on, it’s out here.” He says pulling me towards the door. His hand clenches a little and is too tight in mine and I squeak at the pain. He drops my hand instantly and Alex growls at him, annoyed.

“Be careful, Jon!” Alex bellows and it’s the first time I’ve seen him actually mad, his arms crossed in front of his chest, brows furrowed in frustration. I’d like to never see it again. Jon gives me a sheepish smile and rubs the back of his neck.

“I’m sorry. I forget that you’re a little fragile sometimes.” He says earnestly and I nod before wrapping my arms around his waist.

“It’s ok. I forgive you.” I say squeezing him gently. He wraps his arms around me carefully, awkwardly patting my back and I chuckle at his over cautious movements. I pull away and give him another smile before looking over at Alex who is watching us curiously.

“See ya later, Alex!” I wave at him and walk out the door, looking behind me for Jon so he can point me to his computer.

He shows me to a smaller office, and I sit in his chair as he sits across for me, eyeing me speculatively.

“What?” I ask him with a little grin, and he smiles back.

“it’s just interesting, seeing a human so relaxed around us.” I think about that for a moment before responding.

“None of you have given me any reason to be cautious. Do I make you uncomfortable?” I ask and he shakes his head.

“No, it’s just different. Most she wolves wouldn’t have hugged me like that. I’m not mated, so it’s not a big deal, but we’re conditioned young to be careful with who we touch. Not to get too close to someone that’s not our mate. Relationships among non-mated wolves isn’t very common, because one of them usually finds their mate and everything goes to shit.” He explains and I nod in understanding.

“So, moral of the story, keep my hands to myself.” I say cheekily and he grins again.

“You can touch me anytime you want, princess.” He says and I cackle out a laugh.

“Princess? That’s rich. Until recently I was little more than a troll.” I respond turning back to the computer screen, but out of the corner of my eye I can see the joy instantly slide off his face. He runs his hand through his hair and sighs deeply.

“I wish you had been my mate, Leah. I would have shown you how amazing being mated to a wolf can be.” He says sadly and I give him an affectionate smile.

“Well, it is what it is. I guess I just wasn’t meant to be mated to a wolf after all. You only get one mate, right?” I ask and he nods before his eyes glint with mischief.

“Yes. You are only fated one mate, but if two wolves lose their fated mate, they can choose another.” He explains and I stop typing on his computer to look at him, crossing my arms over his desk and leaning forward.

“Explain.” I tell him and his smile widens.

“Patience, little one.” He says and I narrow my eyes at him and attempt my own little growl, making him laugh heartily at me.

“Only Alex can call me that.” I say pointedly and he raises his hands in defeat.

“Ok. I’ll stick with Princess.” He says and I roll my eyes at him.

“Go on about choosing a mate.” I say making a motion with my hands for him to carry on.

“There’s not much to tell. It works similar to a fated mate. The wolves mark and mate with each other and a bond is formed. From what I hear the feelings are just like a mate bond. Sparks of electricity with every touch, mouth watering scent.” He lowers his voice seductively before he continues. “And overwhelming, all consuming lust.” I scoff at him, but my burning cheeks betray my nonchalance.

“I never felt any of that for Silas.” I say firmly and he nods.

“That doesn’t surprise me. It would be hard to feel anything positive for a man that tortures you. Were you physically attracted to him? Did you think he was hot?” He asks curiously and I shrug.

“If I had seen him at a restaurant or a bar I would have thought so, but the overwhelming fear kind of put a squash on all of that.” I say and he nods in understanding.

“What about Alex?” He asks and I eye him curiously before I resume typing.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Do you think Alex is hot?” He asks and I giggle.

“What does that have to do with anything?” I ask, my face burning again, making Jon give me a knowing look.

“Your bright red face gives me the answer.” He says and I scoff at him.

“He’s an Alpha. He’s meant to be attractive. It’s hardly my fault.” I say and continue typing on his computer.

“I’m just saying…” Jon starts before clearing his throat. “You’ve both lost your mates…” He says and my eyes snap to his.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not a wolf. No wolf, especially an alpha, would choose to be with me.” I say, my tone tinged with sadness making Jon’s eyes soften.

“Don’t be so sure of that.” He murmurs but I ignore it once I discover the reason behind his computer’s slow performance.

“You know, Jon. Your computer would be a lot faster if you didn’t have so many viruses from all of the porn on here.”

“What can I say?” He shrugs, giving me a wide, playful smile. “An unmated wolf has needs.”