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The next thing I knew, Alpha Joshua was sitting across from me.
His laughter echoed around us, rich and deep, as he recounted one of our many childhood misadventures.
“Remember the time I dared you to sneak into the elder’s chamber to steal his secret stash of chocolate?” Joshua chuckled, shaking his head. “You were so tiny, I thought you’d be stealthy, but no, you tripped over your own feet and knocked over that entire stack of scrolls.”
I laughed, the memory flashing vividly in my mind. “I was six, Joshua. And you were supposed to keep watch, but you ran the moment he came back!” I accused, pointing my fork at him.
His green eyes sparkled with amusement, and he shrugged with that same boyish grin he always had. “Self–preservation, Mau–mau I knew he’d blame you first.” He winked, taking a sip of his coffee.
Joshua’s features, sculpted into a chiseled perfection befitting an Alpha, remained easy and charming despite the years. The light crinkles at the corners of his eyes, the effortless grace in his movements, and the warmth in his voice transported me back to my childhood, when I laughed carelessly.
I
But even as I smiled, my thoughts drifted, and I found myself staring absently at the untouched slice of toast on my plate. Joshua’s voice softened, and I realized he had noticed my distraction.
“Okay. Mau–mau, now tell me what’s bothering you.” His voice was gentle but firm
I blinked, startled. “Huh? What do you mean?”
Joshua sighed and, to my surprise, got up and sat next to me. “We haven’t seen each other in a while, but I will always know when something is bothering you. I knew it the moment I saw you here on the balcony. Now tell me.”
I swallowed, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I can’t believe after all these years, I still can’t hide my thoughts
from you
He smirked, tapping my nose lightly. “Of course not. We’re soulmates.” He laughed, but there was something
deeper in his eyes.
I chuckled nervously. “You mean best friend soulmates.”
Betting
Joshua tilted his head, the smirk still playing on his lips, but he didn’t correct me. Instead, he leaned back, his hand rest on the arm of my chair. “So?”
I sighed. “My pack needs an Alpha, Joshua. I will be grateful if you agree.”
His expression turned serious, and he reached for my hand. “That’s the reason I’m here, Mauve. The moment you called out, I didn’t hesitate to come. Remember what I told you before? If you need me, just reach out, and I will leave
everything to have your back.”
A wave of gratitude flooded me, and I squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Joshua. I’m embarrassed that I have
you into my mess.
Joshua caressed my face with his thumb, his touch tender. “I’m the one that feels embarrassed, Mau–mau I promised your father that I would protect you. But in the times you needed me most, I wasn’t here. I let you suffer
from that bastard Jester”
I pulled back slightly, shocked “You know about him?”
His jaw tightened. “If not for the news about the scandal in Shadowpine, I wouldn’t have known. I was in another country at the time, establishing alliances with foreign packs. But it bothers me to know that you suffered because
Joshua studied me for a moment, his eyes searching mine. “What about you and Alpha King Elias? What‘: real score between the two of you?”
I stiffened. How did he know about him? I mean about my odd relationship with Elias?
“So it’s true,” he chuckled.
Before I could respond, a wave of nausea hit me, forcing me to grip the table’s edge.
“Mau–mau, what happened? Are you alright?” he asked again, rubbing my back.
“I’m… I’m-“My stomach twisted, and I bolted to my feet, rushing toward the balcony railing to steady mysi
And then I vomit all the liquid I stuffed in my stomach.
When I glanced at the mirror beside the door, I caught sight of Joshua standing behind me, his reflection si and unwavering.
“Is the Redwood Alpha King the father of your pup?”
