Mates don't meet by accident.

~ COCO

ANASTASIA'S P.O.V.

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Shit.

I looked back at the Alpha who was catching his breath, before I could warn him Jackson barged in pushing me aside like a twig.

He narrowed his eyes curiously at the Alpha, like a wolf who was sizing up whether his opponent was dangerous or not.

The Alpha seemed to sense the growing tension or perhaps my furrowed brows gave it away. His face quickly reflected his usual stoic mask. His posture straightened and arms crossed he oozed dominance and authority. I think Jackson must have noticed the change as well since he cleared his throat before asking, "To what do we owe your visit, Alpha Vincenzo".

The Alpha's eyes found mine, his face void of any emotions. He seemed to be searching for something as his eyes held mine for a minute before he turned to Jackson.

I held my breath as the Alpha opened his mouth ready to finally address the impending question.

"I'm here for my mate", he declared.

Shit shit shit I did not expect him to just blurt it out like that.

Jackson's eyes immediately found mine, he gestured with his thumb, "surely you don't mean the Rogue", he scoffed.

I could swear the Alpha's façade almost cracked as his brows twitched in response. He narrowed his eyes at Jackson, "It's best you apologise for your disrespect", he growled.

"Pfft, I didn't disrespect you Alpha Vincenzo so it's fine. Once you treat these Rogues differently, they'll just get a bigger head. You know we got to remind them of their place", he snorted.

I felt the blood rush to my head while my skin burned alight. My fists automatically bunch at my sides how dare he says shit like that. So, help me I will-.

Before I could act, the Alpha intercepted he rushed to Jackson with such speed If you blinked, you'd miss his movement. Jackson looked just as shocked, his eyes grew wide, and his hands shot out defensively.

The Alpha grabbed his arm and twisted with such force a crack echoed through the rusty attic. Jackson groaned in pain and immediately retaliated, lifting his fist he punched the Alpha on the jaw while trying to also kick his side. Growling aloud the Alpha grabbed both of Jackson's arms which left Jackson yelping in pain. The Alpha tugged both his arms backward and then kicked his knees causing Jackson to drop to the ground with a loud thud.

"You're wrong, you should treat her with respect regardless of her status as a Rogue. She deserves respect. As for you-". He tugged at Jackson's arm once again.

"You need to learn what it means and be put in your place", he growled.

"Who owns this bar, Anastasia?". The Alpha questioned; his eyes still focused on Jackson.

I blinked at hearing my name fall off his lips, the lips which tormented me earlier. Focus Anna.

I sucked in a deep breath before replying, "Jackson does", I voiced coolly.

Jackson grunted in response. "Although...from memory he is just a renter" , I drawled out.

Jackson whipped his head back and glared at me with such fury it was clear the attic may no longer be a place I called home.

"Well that settles it then", the Alpha clapped his hands together.

We both snapped our heads towards him, Jackson arched his brow and narrowed his eyes.

"Settles what exactly...Alpha?", Jackson growled lowly.

The Alpha said nothing as he walked past Jackson, he lifted his palm and gently tapped Jackson on the shoulder before moving towards the exit.

"Wait! Where do you think you're going? after the commotion you caused in my bar", Jackson shouted.

"...Shut up, Jackson", I barked out angrily. He just doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut, does he?

"Watch your tongue wolf, you're speaking to the new owner of the bar", the Alpha growled.

Holy shit

My eyes grew wide and so did the newbies, how the fuck did he do that! my mouth instantly went dry. Oh, Jackson would be in a world of pain now. But it serves him right for treating everyone like trash.

I narrowed my eyes at the Alpha, trying to gauge if he was bluffing or had actually done what he said. His blue orbs found mine, he continued to stare at me his gaze unwavering until he finally turned around and rushed down the stairs swiftly. Some nagging feeling tells me I shouldn't underestimate the guy whose reputation exceeds him for his power and connections.

I could feel the tension in the room simmering, as Jackson clenched his fists at his side while his ears turned beet red.

Are the newbie's brows raised in awe or shock? I wasn't entirely sure, but she was the first to break the silence.

"...And your mate...wow", she gasped out.

I scrunched my brows like Id tasted a sour lemon, I wanted to shout out that he was an asshole and nothing like she thought. But I was truly baffled as well, what the fuck had just happened.

Jackson began to turn around, his face distorted in bouts of anger as blue veins began to cover his bare skin. He took two small steps toward me and flexed his arm out towards my face. I quickly sidestepped in time to dodge the potential attack.

"You're dead Anastasia...I'll kill you with my bare hands", he growled lowly.

I gulped in response quickly taking in a deep breath I tried to muster the courage I had earlier. The Alpha had left me to deal with this mess and with the ultimate ass of all. I turned to completely face Jackson, narrowing my eyes I tried to look as fierce as possible with a wicked smirk.

"Oh I think you got it all wrong, you're dead... you've lost the bar and your status so don't you dare try to threaten me unless you want to fuck up your chance of ever owning a bar".

"You-". I held my palm up to stop Jackson from uttering more threats.

"...Yeah yeah I get it I'm dead", I mimicked his earlier tone whilst nodding my head which seemed to tick him off further.

I clucked my tongue and shook my head trying to emphasise how stupid he truly was. I walked towards the door not once glancing back at the duo.

I let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding before climbing down the stairs. A lot had just happened and my nerves, the bond, and present circumstances were rapidly catching up to me.

Though I didn't have much time to comprehend anything as the scent of cinnamon and sandalwood reached my nose alerting me that he was close by. As I got closer my stomach began to do all sorts of leaps as butterflies filled the pit, I sucked in a deep breath trying to calm the array of nerves.

I ignored the curious stares the wolves were projecting toward me; I didn't have the energy or capacity to deal with them. Finally reaching the door, I nodded towards the guard in front possibly for the final time. The guard's face was completely impassive though his eyes had a hidden glint like he understood it was the last time as well.

I followed the scent which led me to the Alpha who was leaning against the black hummer behind him. He lifted his brows once he saw me and gave a slight nod most likely wondering if I was ready to leave.

I turned back one final time, looking back at the place I spent the majority of my time at. It was bittersweet to be leaving here it wasn't an ideal place to be, but Id experienced so many things from being here both good and bad.

I turned back to the alpha giving him a small nod, he immediately pivoted his body towards the back of the hummer and opened the door. Looking back towards me he gestured towards the open door, I took the hint and quickly rushed towards the door and hopped into the backseat.

I muttered a quick, "thank you", at the gesture still completely weary of this mateship. The Alpha grunted in response, before rushing towards the other side.

Soon we took off into the darkness, well aware that accepting this bond or acknowledging it was going to change everything.

A FEW HOURS LATER:

The car ride was quiet, which I preferred since I wasn't entirely ready to talk about what had happened between us. But the tension was unbearable as the heat still lingered in my very core and body making my life miserable for the moment.

I glanced over my shoulder momentarily, to get a glimpse of my current reality. The Alpha leaned against the seat, with his iPad in hand. While his brows were scrunched no doubt scrutinising some business plan or report. His blue orbs were completely fixated on the white screen while he's fingertips grazed the surface of the screen.

"If you continue to stare, I will bend you over my knees right now and show you why you shouldn't", he voiced coolly whilst his eyes were still pinned on the iPad.

I gasped, my eyes quickly growing the size of golf balls, what on earth had happened to the power-driven Alpha who had full authority earlier. He seemed to have a bubblier and lighter aura now which sent shock waves all throughout me.

Clearing my throat I shifted in my seat uncomfortably before whisper yelling, "I can stare as long as I want when I see something hideous". I was definitely more aware of the diver in the front after that remark.

He automatically arched his brow and glanced up looking directly into my eyes, "I'm sure you were thinking the same thing when your lips were on mine", he challenged.

Now I raised my brows up, oh he doesn't back down does he.

Just like you, Roxy cooed.

I rolled my eyes internally, he's just got a massive ego, and...

I quickly cut myself off before I finished the remainder of that sentence, though Roxy smirked did you mean to end it with a dick? Wow, you've kissed him once and are already thinking of the nasty, Roxy roared out through fits of laughter.

"Enough!", I growled.

"What!", The Alpha snapped back his sharp eyes baring daggers into my head.

I quickly cussed realising I had spoken aloud. I muttered back a quick, "nothing", so the Alpha would shut up. Though he kept giving me the side eye every few minutes, probably thinking I was truly crazy.

We were finally at the pack house, as the hummer pulled to a stop in front of the grand entrance. I glanced around quickly noticing the elaborate pillars situated at the front of the house which elevated the richness of the place, while the lush greenery of the fields granted the pack some semblance of nature.

I quickly jumped out not waiting for the Alpha to circle his way to my side. But to my surprise, he didn't even bother he trekked up the familiar pebbled pathway and pushed the double doors open.

I stifled back a yawn as I followed behind the Alpha, all the running and working had finally caught up with my body making my eyelids feel heavy. Once in his office, he turned back, noticing my droopy expression, "you should get some rest", he noted.

I nodded briefly still in a daze, his eyes glazed over momentarily before a young she-wolf appeared in the doorway. She lowered her head in submission before announcing, "Alpha".

I smiled towards the she-wolf, though it was futile as she quickly turned around once getting her Alpha's orders not once sparing me a glance.

"She'll show you the way", he grunted.

I turned to follow the she-wolf, though came to a halt when the Alpha growled, "wait". The she-wolf at the door turned back once noticing that I had stopped, she popped her head back in trying to gauge what was going on, "Jennie, please wait at the stairs", he instructed. She nodded before taking off towards the stairs, leaving me completely alone with the Alpha.

"Yes?", I asked still trying to calm my nerves.

The Alpha quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him, bolts and tingles shot through the surfaces he touched. I bit my lip trying to stop a gasp from releasing itself, "What are you doing?", I growled trying to pull my hand away.

"Be still...", he pleaded. I blinked back, completely taken aback by the request. But Roxy's continuous howling was enough of a reason to agree.

He took one step closer closing the gap between us, his face tilted down completely looking down at my blue orbs. His arms wrapped around me, gracing me with small tingles, whilst my heart began to beat rapidly at his hold. His face moved into my neck as he tried to take in my scent. His scruffy beard scratched the surface of my cheek causing my body to shiver.

And maybe another kiss? Roxy chirped.

Roxy's voice was a complete slap to the face, like a bucket of water thrown at me. I cleared my throat and immediately pulled away.

He blinked as though he too was caught up in a haze, I took two steps back for good measure I couldn't trust my heat-filled body.

I raised my arms up waving them in front, "Just to make it clear we are still in no man's land, and until I can completely trust you as a man and a mate consider this the last time, we get close", I grunted.

He narrowed his eyes and arched his brows. For a moment he did nothing then just stood there staring me down, then he finally spoke up.

"The bond is unfathomable...", he growled.

Before shaking his head and walking off towards an oak cabinet across the wall. He opened the cabinet and took out a crystal jar and a matching glass, soon he began to pour the contents of the jar into the cup and then lifted it quickly to his lips. I watched every movement eyeing him warily as I wasn't sure what was going on.

Finally clearing his throat he turned around, "Look I'm not going to deny that something happened between us...this bond", he gestured between us, "is starting to feel intense, I have my reasons for the prejudice against Rogues, though I want you to know that I was sincere with the apology", he explained.

I swallowed hard, shocked at both his sincerity and the truthfulness in his words. I bit my lip, as I didn't know we were going to have this conversation now, but I guess the quiet ride was enough thinking and processing time for him.

I nodded, "thank you for the apology, it's a start. You need to realise that I'll be a rogue and won't ever stop being one it's a part of who I am and right now you have acknowledged the bond-I mean we both have. But do you truly understand the implications of being with me?".

I sucked in a deep breath, as my eyes found him, he looked at me with such intensity I felt as though my heart would leap out of my chest. I wiped my sweaty palms against the fabric of the dress I wore and cleared my throat.

I was about to open my mouth to speak but he quickly interjected. "If this mateship is truly successful in the end you'll become the Luna of Blackmoon pack. For now, we both just need time and possibly space to figure this shit out. In the meantime, get to know the pack and I want you to start training with the warriors as of tomorrow".

"Training!?", I shouted anxiously. I didn't bother addressing the pack part, as I knew each potential Luna had their responsibilities to uphold.

A small smile appeared on his face, as he walked towards his desk, he sat down on the swivel chair leaning in towards the table he clasped his hands together. Slowly tilting his head up, he declared, "Rule one of this pack, we don't tolerate anyone weak", he growled.

I scoffed in response, "what makes you think I'm weak??...I took down that Rogue during the ambush!". I shouted, my arms up in the air as his presumptuous rules hit a nerve.

He smirked, "darling...you only got lucky".

I narrowed my eyes at the remark, what a complete dick. Slowly, I circled his desk and stood in front of his chair, I leaned in forward leaving our faces only an inch away. The smell of cinnamon and sandalwood completely devoured me but I refused to cave into anything.

His crystal orbs bore into mine, while his palms were fisted at his side like he was trying to hold back from blowing up in my face. I pushed my legs in between his just to piss him off more which earned me a growl; before I barked out, "you really got to learn how to stop being a dick".

I lifted, my palms and pressed them against his chest, feeling the subtle beats of his heart between my fingertips.

"And you're missing the most important thing, to be a Rogue is to survive no matter what", I deadpanned.

With that, I pulled back and headed toward the door. Leaving the Alpha to shift uncomfortably in his chair who would have thought that asshole could feel more than just power.

"Cazzo", (dick) I breathed out before grabbing a hold of the door.

I quickly shut the door behind me as I heard the Alpha growl a loud, the sound of him smacking the table was enough to usher me out.

"I heard that!", he shouted behind the door.

I smirked, as I walked towards the staircase case. One thing I was certain of, things were only going to get worse.

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A/N

YAYYY!! ANOTHER UPDATE 🙌🏼

PLS DONT FORGET TO VOTE OR COMMENT, I REALLY LIKE SEEING READERS INTERACT WITH THE STORY ❤️

HAPPY READING ✨️

~ COCO ✌🏼