29. Meet The Alpha

**MAEVE**

In some sixth sense, something inside of me was rattling so hard that it was almost difficult to describe.
Xander's father, or Alpha Lucas, as the members of his pack described him, was essentially the older version of his son. There were some uncanny similarities between them, save for the sun lines around his eyes and tanned skin. But the rest of him, including the solemn tone of his voice, were strikingly identical.
A thick air of tension grew, enclosing us like black clouds as we stepped into a direct room and away from the earshot of the others. My eyes scanned around the utilitarian room while Lucas closed the door and turned around.
Technically, there was no point in closing the door because shifters happened to have enhanced hearing abilities. But I believe the shutting the door was more metaphorical, that the pack members were not supposed to hear what was not meant for them.
And apparently, an alpha's word was followed to the letter.
"What is the meaning of this Xander?" His father asked in a restraint voice. The underlying threat in his voice was seemingly palpable.
"Dad, you need to let me explain…"
"What possibly could justify this irresponsible act of yours?" This time he roared like trapping onto that temper was never his forte. "You, of all people, put the pack in danger."
My gaze immediately flew to Xander's, whose head hung a little low, and the chagrin seemed evident. A part of me felt equally embarrassed because I was the reason for the entire uproar. Although no fault of mine, I might add for my bravery.
"I have done no such thing," Xander swore. "And before you accuse me some more, hear me out." There was a pregnant pause before his eyes locked with Alpha Lucas. "Hear me out as a father."
Even though I understood very little of fatherly relation, having no experience under my belt to boast about, I could recognize when Lucas's eyes soften a tad bit. He was an alpha, no doubt, but he did not back away from being a father either.
Lucas nodded, sparing a glance at my way as Xander stepped in. "Maeve is my chosen mate, the sacred gift from the Moon Goddess," he proclaimed. "How else could she hear my wolf or understand him so clearly? Have you ever heard a wolf having a paralleled a bond with a human?"
Truer words were never spoken before. I still shudder at the memory of when I heard his voice—his wolf's voice—and the way he read into my thoughts.
Perhaps the notion was a little savory for Alpha Lucas as his head swung my way. The look on his face was that of shock, the unimaginable notion slowly seeping into the cracks of his head.
"This is impossible…" he murmured, half-dazed. "A human cannot…"
"I don't want to interrupt here, but your son is right." I could see the panic in Xander's but ignore. "As bizarre as it is, I can truly hear his voice."
"And you have seen him…shift?"
"I did." Then I quickly added as an afterthought, "And Mr. Lucas, if you are worried that I have ratted this out to another human, I have not. I will never do that to him."
Xander inched closer to mine as if driven by his protective instincts. And just like that, his arm outstretched and draped around me.
Maybe it was his way of showing his father that he could not be moved from his standpoint, or he merely wanted me closer. Either way, his intentions were clear.
Lucas sighed heavily, and his mind seemed to be at an impasse. "The Council is not going to take this kindly," he reminded.
"Yeah, I know," Xander said. "But a wolf never gives up on his mate and neither will I. I will stand up for Maeve, if that's what it takes."
As I reflected on his words, my heart only drummed faster. I did not ever wish to be loved so deeply, so vibrantly, or so territorially, but human beings seem to have very little control of their fate. As did the supernaturals.
The universe truly works mysteriously for everyone else.
"Not only could you lose your position, you can lose your pack too. I hope you know that," Lucas's brooding voice cut into my thoughts as gaped at Xander. But he seemed entirely settled.
"I know what I am doing, dad."
A knowing look passed between them. Clearly, Lucas did not share Xander's certainty, but he was civilized enough not to be at throats' with his son in my presence. After all, I was still an outsider.
Very civilly, he nodded at me and prepared to leave. "I will have them make the arrangements for her then."
When there were only two of us in the room, I sighed deep and loud. "Well, that was smooth," I said lightly and turned to look up at him. "Thank you."
"For what?"
I stared at him for a long moment, trying to translate the feelings into words. But it was way harder than I thought. And sounded just stupider. "Just like that…for being you." I smiled away.
*Thank you for loving me, unconditionally*.
His lips descended slow and intentional, caressing the lips before kissing in full measure. "No need to thank me, kitten."
The depth of his brown eyes lured me for a while before the fear crept in. "Is it true that they can forsake you?" I asked, pulling a little further away.
Xander slowly acquired with a rueful nod. "The laws guiding the packs are not only conservation but orthodox too. Although there are no precedent so far that can substantiate if a wolf has been mated to a human, the members would never go beyond the will of the Goddess. That is the only hope we have right now."
"And what if that hope does not work?" I could not help but think otherwise.
His hands clasped around my face and imprisoned my gaze. "Maeve, as long as I live, I will be with you. They are my pack, my family. But, my dear mate, is the soul and spirit of my wolf. It can never survive without you."

**XANDER**

It wasn't quite a garden anymore, but this place's vivid memory was still bright and fresh in mind. My mother had a knack for vibrant flowers and airy scenic, and for that particular reason, she invested a part of her day in decorating the space behind our house. Ideally, it was the woods before the wolves began to inhabit. And now, it had returned to its old, shabby form after her demise.
But, somewhere around, her soul still existed in full glory.
I slowly trudged through the dried leaves crunching under my weight and found the moss-covered stone. Dad was sitting atop with his eyes staring listlessly into the deeper parts of the woods.
"I thought I would find you here," I said conversationally as I neared.
He must have seen me coming already because his eyes were still unmoved. "Your mother loved place," he reminisced. I never understood how he sought peace and quiet amidst this dark, brooding place.
"What if you had to choose?" I blurted out as my father finally looked at me. "What if you had to choose between mother and the pack?"
Since I was a boy, I was told that nothing came to love the pack, but the loyalty pledged to a mate was just as divine.
"I know what you are asking me, Xander. But I must warn you, son. The road you have chosen is a tough one."
"I have never asked for an easy way ever." Alpha's were trained to be harder and tougher than any wolf of the pack. So easy was never an option for us.
"You should not have fixed the union without consulting me," I said. "This reflected poorly on me and I am afraid, it's going to cost me as well."
"Poorly on you?" He asked with an incredulous voice and peaking temper. "Careful, Xander. You are my son but not above the pack. My decision was solely based on your procrastination."
"My mate was chosen by the Goddess!"
"A human mate!"
My lips thinned as I slowly shook my head. This conversation was not going to end quickly or amicably.
"Think a little deeper, dad, you would know," I urged. "The Goddess has always a bigger plan than any of us. She has protected us through centuries of turmoil and sufferings, threats and dangers. She has to have a plan."
I had half a mind to hide the truth about Maeve, but I knew it would not bode well later. Besides, he had to know. Not as an alpha, but as my father.
"I would appreciate if you could speak clearly, Xander."
Seeking a deep breath, I slowly began. "The first time I saw Maeve, I could not stop looking at her. Every time she came near, I had to fight to restrain myself like my body was on fire. And when I finally gave in, I realised the truth. Maeve is just not a human, she is a psychic."
The look on my father's face was that of recognizable dread and mixed shock.
"Fates, this is not possible," he whispered.
The next half an hour went by, narrating the web of tales Esmeralda told us.
"I did some research too," I said. "I talked with a few old witches myself…about the origin of the supernaturals. Although, some theories and myths are involved, but more or less, everyone has the same view of the psychics. They were the first originals of the witches," I confirmed, despite all my growing fears for Maeve's safety.
My father's face turned highly anxious, as thick as dark stormy clouds. "In that case, I have heard of a news you won't probably like then."
"What is it?"
"Janelle and his brother have moved to the Council against you, and they will not step back until you accept her as your Luna. They are highly persuasive of this union."
Shit.
"I will appear before the Council and challenge him. There is no way on earth, I will let anyone take Maeve away from me."
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***Apologies for the long delay. I was preoccupied with certain commitments, and hence could not update. But from now on, it’s back to daily update once again.
Do let me know what you think of this chapter in the comments. Love you guys.*