Chapter 6: Mate?

Felix's Point of View... The more time I spent with Jo, the more I liked her. Mate. She’s our mate. I thought there might be some truth to what Conall kept telling me. I felt the sparks every time we touched, and I felt drawn to Jo. It wasn't just because she was gorgeous. The woman was sweet and innocent, untainted. She wasn't the type I was usually attracted to, and I didn't sense a wolf either. Her delicious scent of bergamot and rosemary was tantalizing, and it was everything I could do not to act on my impulses sitting near her on my bed. Carrying her down the stairs and into the kitchen as she squirmed in my arms, and I smelled her arousal without doing more than simply flirting with her and kissing her head was a feat of self-control I didn't know I had within me. "Good evening, Alpha Felix. Will your guest be staying with us this evening?" one of the omegas asked as I passed her in the hall. "Yes, Olivia. Please set up the guest room nearest to my room for her. The pack doctor will return in the morning to examine her and advise if she needs to stay here longer. Could you please get her comfortable clothing and toiletries to use? Please leave those in the guest room for her," I instructed. "Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?" Olivia inquired. "Olivia, she appears to be a human without knowledge of our werewolf culture. It would be most appreciated if you could help me ensure our pack members know to be cautious around Jo. I trust you will help me make our guest feel welcome and safe here," I said. "Forgive me, Alpha Felix, but I want to ask if this woman is your mate. The pack knows that you have been searching for your mate for quite some time, and there appears to be something special about Jo. You are very taken with her," Olivia observed nervously, baring her neck to me. "I am. Thank you for your discretion with this. I trust that you can help keep Jo safe and well cared for while she is here," I responded. "Of course, sir. Jo is a beautiful young lady, well-mannered and sweet. The pack members who have interacted with her have only had positive things to say," Olivia assured me. "Definitely Luna material." I smiled in appreciation. Olivia was an older omega who had worked in the pack house for many years. When my mother had passed, she had become a maternal figure to me. She was loved and respected by all of the pack. If she liked Jo too, that spoke volumes. "Thank you, Olivia," I winked and smiled in response. My father had said the same thing moments ago after I had left the kitchen. I'd overheard Jo speaking with my Dad as I left the room. I had not lingered to find out her reaction to what he had said. I wanted to get to know her, find out more about the father that she fears, and if it was, in fact, safe for her to return to her former life. I wondered what the pack doctor would recommend. I suspected a concussion, given how hard Jo had fallen in the forest. Her balance, coordination, and reflexes were a concern. But then again, from what I had observed in the forest, Jo was not agile despite having an athletic build and considerable stamina. If she were suffering from a concussion and not properly cared for, Jo would aggravate her injuries. I wonder what her stamina is like having s*x. I groaned internally at Conall's comment as the bulge in my pants grew. Jo had been injured, and it would be a d**k move to try and put the moves on her now. Not only that, but Jo was not some chick for me to f**k and forget. I wanted more than that from her. I walked to my bedroom and was overwhelmed with her scent as I entered the room. I groaned as I opened the windows to air out the room. It would be hard to sleep in this room now. I mind-linked to Olivia and asked her to change the sheets in my room when she finished setting up Jo's guest room. "Already, Alpha?" Olivia shrieked disapproval in her tone as she responded to me. The older omega had walked into my bedroom with her hands on her hips and a glare in her eyes. I threw my head back and laughed loudly. "No, Olivia. Nothing of the sort happened. Remember, I asked you to change her out of her torn clothing. All I've done is carry her down to the kitchen when she lost her balance trying to get out of bed," I replied. "I wasn't in the bed with her. At least not like that." "Good. I like her. Your dad does, too," Olivia's face softened at my admission. "Not a word to anyone, though; I have a reputation to keep," I smirked. "Alpha, my lips are sealed. But, you be kind to that girl. There is something special about her," Olivia frowned and raised a stern yet gentle finger, wagging it in a rhythmic motion as a gesture of caution and guidance. "Thank you for your help, Olivia," I said and turned to go. "Alpha Felix, they're back," one of the warriors mind-linked me in a panic. "How many?" I quickly responded. "A small group, we've spotted them in the clearing near the border," the warrior responded. "What are they doing?" I questioned, an edge to my voice. "They seem to be searching for something or someone. They haven't breached the border and do not seem intent on malice," the warrior answered. "How should we proceed?" This was the second time a small group of wolves were dangerously close to our pack lands today. It was why I had been out hunting, looking for answers, when I'd come across Jo in the clearing. It was odd; as soon as these unknown wolves were approached, they disappeared like specters. They were gone without a trace—no scent left behind. "Continue to monitor the situation; make sure that no one is left patrolling on their own," I advised. "Alert me immediately if the situation changes." "Understood, Alpha. Thank you," the warrior answered. I walked into the kitchen and leaned against the wall, observing my father as he conversed easily with Jo. My eyes lingered on the young beauty clad in nothing but my shirt and shorts that were much too big for her small frame. My Dad's eyes twinkled as Jo ate the grapes and cheese on the plate I'd prepared for her and listened intently to the story he was telling her. I couldn't help but smile at the endearing sight. This was the first time I had seen my father this animated and content in a very long time. I like her son. This girl is a gem. My Dad looked up as he mind-linked me and winked when Jo was not looking. I like her too. She's cute. I grinned as my Dad rolled his eyes quickly before Jo looked up at him and smiled. There is more to her than meets the eye. I sense a wolf within her, but it is dormant, buried deep. I understand she is running from someone, but she feels safe with us here. Would you like me to try to find out more from her? He was welcome to try. It would be appreciated. The fear that radiated from her when Jo described her father as dangerous and one not to cross worried me. What was he? Mafia? An alpha from another pack? Did Jo even know that she had a wolf? Did she know what we were? I don't think she knows we are werewolves, much less she has a wolf. From what she told me, Jo has been very sheltered and controlled her whole life. It sounds like an abusive environment that she grew up in. If you can glean any information from her, that would be most appreciated, Dad; thank you. My father had a gift for connecting on a deeper level with others and was often called upon to help mediate situations in our pack and neighboring ones. He had always been a strong and respected Alpha. But my father was also known for his kind and merciful heart. Go and shower. I'll keep this lovely lady company while you do. I rather like talking with her. You'll need to carry her up the stairs, though. I think you are correct in your belief that Jo has a concussion. The doctor will likely advise rest and monitoring for her over the next week if that is the prognosis. I'm glad she'll be here a few more days for us to care for her. I smiled, nodded at my Dad, and cleared my throat to alert Jo to my presence in the room. She turned in my direction, and I was mesmerized by her beauty. f**k. A cold shower it was. "Jo, Olivia is preparing the guest room for you and has obtained some clothing for you and toiletries. Your room will be the one beside my own. I'm going to have a shower and change while my father keeps you company. I'll return to bring you upstairs to your room when I am done," I said. "Thank you, Felix," Jo said shyly, biting her bottom lip. I quickly nodded and raced up the stairs to my room. I hoped that Olivia was finished in my room because I was going to need to take matters into my own hands and have a freezing shower as soon as f*****g possible.