The Alpha's Mate

Chapter 13

Charlie's POV

Presley held onto me that night; I had spent a majority of the evening scenting everything inside of his apartment. He didn't interrupt me, knowing that it was vital to me to claim the area as mine, just as it was his. I was a nervous wreck, today was too much for my senses, and it was almost as if he could tell. Once I had finished rubbing my scent into everything in the apartment, he pulled me to his chest, letting me breathe in his calming pheromones.

Presley kissed the top of my forehead and rubbed his hand on my shoulder; our limbs entwined with one another, and my head rested on his chest. His steady breathing and the thrumming of his heart lulled me to sleep.

My mate getting out of bed early in the morning is what woke me up. My eyes shot open, trying to grasp onto the fabric of his shirt.

"I've gotta do my rounds, angel." He grabbed onto my hand, making me release his shirt, giving me a gentle smile. I whined at him, pulling his arm, trying to get him back into bed with me. "I'll be back in a little bit." Presley pulled his hand from my grasp. "I'll be back when the sun rises. We'll have breakfast together? Hmm?" He spoke to me as if I knew a word he was saying to me.

I whined in response, sitting up, letting the covers fall into my lap. "Stay, please?" I pleaded with my eyes.

"I'll be back in a little bit." He sat down on the bed, cupping my face in his hand. I leaned into his touch and nodded my head.

I knew this wouldn't be the first morning, nor the last. He was the Alpha of the pack, and he needed to make sure we were safe at all times. But it didn't mean it didn't hurt or that it didn't worry me that he was going out there. Presley pressed his lips to mine. His stubble tickled the top of my lips, making me shiver.

He pressed his forehead to mine, his green orbs meeting mine. "Now rest, I'll be back."

When he left, the apartment filled with silence. My lips trembled, and I wanted to let out a cry. I pulled the duvet up to my face, inhaling the scent of Presley that still lingered. Our bond was still too new and too fragile for us to be apart for too long. But I knew he had to catch up and do his regular duties as the pack's alpha.

I lay in the bed for a bit longer, unable to fall back asleep. When the sun began to peek above the horizon, I decided to get out of bed and start getting ready for the day. I flicked on the light to the bathroom, cringing at the bright white light. I went to the restroom and washed my hands and face. My hair was a mess; I ran my fingers through my white locks, trying to tame it and make myself look presentable.

Once I was ready, I wandered into the kitchen, deciding to make breakfast for Presley and me. Unfortunately, I came up short when I looked through the cabinets and the fridge. I rolled my eyes. It didn't shock me that Presley didn't have food in his apartment. He probably ate with the pack or at his family's house. He probably didn't even know how to cook other than instant ramen in the microwave. I chuckled at the thought, closing the fridge that only had a beer and expired condiments.

I decided to get some items from the packhouse's kitchen. My stomach growled, ready for some form of substance to be in my body. I walked down the several flights of stairs, passing pack members who only gave me a half-hearted smile or just ignored my existence altogether. I knew many people probably didn't even know who my mate was, as I'd only been there for a day, and he planned on introducing me to his pack- our pack- at the next full moon ceremony.

Although I didn't know where everything was inside the monstrosity of a packhouse, I was able to find the cafeteria with ease. Pack members were eating breakfast with their families and friends; the low roar of people talking and laughing filled the air. The ambiance in the room almost made me feel at home, making me miss home. I was only gone one day, and I missed eating with my pack, with my mama and papa.