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7. Mate!

Oliver's POV

Arriving at my company's sleek building, I emerged from my car with a practiced air. The blinding flashes of camera bulbs and the eager press corps throwing random questions at me didn't faze me anymore. Being New York's most eligible and successful bachelor with a string of flourishing businesses had its predictable side effects.

Navigating past the commotion, thanks to my security detail, I stepped into the building, finding my beta awaiting me by my office. His disapproving expression made it clear that I was late once again.

"You've got a packed day of meetings and signings," he said, glancing at his watch. "Mind enlightening me about the tardiness?"

"No," I shrugged, walking into my office with him trailing behind, listing the companies lined up for meetings today.

"Did you review the file I sent over yesterday?" I asked. He positioned himself across from me, his hands folded behind his back.

"Yeah, I did. I've already sent a mind link to all pack members about the gathering," he replied, adjusting his glasses. He wore them to mask the crimson hue of his irises – it wasn't every day you encountered a human with a red eye color.

"Good," I nodded in approval.

"Your father called, mentioned something about—"

I cut him off with a terse tone. "You know better than to bring up that man in my presence," I shot him a glare. He was well aware of my raw nerve that man's topic struck.

"He's still your father," he said unconvincingly.

"He's not my father. End of discussion," I stated with finality, clenching my jaw at the memory of a man I hadn't spoken to in three years, not since he handed me the title of alpha. What did he want now?

My animosity toward him had grown during my formative years, sparked by an incident known only to my grandmother. To everyone else, he was an enigma, unaware of the pain he'd inflicted on me.

"Get the meetings started," I ordered, watching him exit with a reluctant expression.

Stepping into the conference room, a sea of standing figures greeted me, each taking their seats as I encouraged them to start. Eric, my beta, took the floor, guiding them through the business strategy. But his voice blended into the background as my attention fixated on the faces of my business partners, resting momentarily on my uncle's – a man whose complacency seemed driven more by loyalty to this company than any potential gains.

Years had changed him since my childhood, streaks of gray weaving through his once-black hair. His presence in my youth was overshadowed by his allegiance to my father.

"What's your input, sir?" The question pulled me back, along with the curious gazes, including the one from the man I'd been assessing.

Nodding to a point I hadn't fully absorbed, I scolded myself for not paying attention. A surprised glance met my direction – I usually had plenty to say, much of it unfavorable.

The meeting wrapped up without incident, while attendees mingled, exchanging boasts about their progress and newly acquired positions.

"Oliver," a voice caught my attention. I turned to find my best friend, Nathan, rushing to catch up with me.

He'd been an unwavering pillar since our meeting, and though I'd offered him the position of beta, he'd declined, opting to become COO of my companies instead. Neatly arranged brown hair, warm brown eyes, and an underlying strength disguised beneath his somewhat lanky frame.

"Coffee?" he grinned.

"Sure," I welcomed the idea of a coffee break after a grueling day.

Sipping his coffee, he scrutinized me. "What's going on with you? You seemed oddly disconnected in the conference room."

"Just the usual," I sighed, evading elaboration.

"How's Grandma? I ought to visit her this weekend," he smiled. His fondness for her had once made me wonder if he had feelings beyond friendship.

I grimaced at the recollection of our last conversation. "Being a pain in the ass, as always."

He chuckled heartily. "What happened?"

"She hired a woman as her caretaker," I grumbled. The image of her had been a constant presence today.

"And...?" he prodded, failing to grasp my dilemma.

"She's my mate, and she's human," I reluctantly confessed.

He found humor in my predicament, laughing to the point where passersby cast worried glances our way.

"What's so funny?" I asked, my patience waning.

Ignoring my question, he was already interested in a girl he hadn't even met. "What's she like?" he inquired eagerly.

I stood, irritation flaring, and walked away from him. His laughter faded along with the general hubbub in the building.

"Reschedule the rest of my meetings for tomorrow. Meet me at the pack house," I mind-linked my beta before heading to my car, making my way to the pack house.

Deep into the woods, I drove, away from prying human eyes. The cottage emerged into view, and I parked a few yards away, surprised to find Eric had arrived before me.

We both entered, and I joined him on the stage, addressing the assembly. Families and members of every pack had gathered, except my grandmother.

"Attention! Attention!" I bellowed, my voice commanding complete silence. All eyes fixed on me, waiting for my words. "Good evening, everyone," I began.

"As we're all aware, we're facing a situation with our rival pack, the Wood Line Pack, correct?" Murmurs of agreement flowed through the hall.

"Quiet," I ordered. "I'm here to hear your suggestions on how to handle this case." I scanned the expectant faces.

"The traitors should be executed!" a woman's voice boomed, her outrage reflecting the recent issue of some of our pack members acting as spies for the rival pack, leading to the theft of our goods, destruction of property, and the abduction of our families.

"They should be taken to the dungeons and tortured to death!" another man exclaimed, his anger palpable – he'd clearly experienced the extent of their treachery.

"Killing them won't solve anything," I interjected, prompting more discussions.

"We should bring them in for questioning!" another voice shouted amidst the commotion, finding agreement among many.

"That's a good suggestion," I nodded in approval. "Perhaps it will lead us to the whereabouts of our wives and children."

Cheers erupted. "In two nights' time, we'll conduct the questioning right here. Thank you," I announced before stepping off the stage.

I headed home – a place I wanted to avoid because of the human presence within.

Entering the house, the aroma of food enveloped me. I walked into the dining area.

"You're late!" Grandma's reproachful voice cut through the air.

"I had a meeting and some pack business," I slumped into a chair, searching for Freya.

"She's freshening up. You should too," she said, ever perceptive.

I rose and headed to my room. Shedding my suit, I stepped into the shower, feeling the soothing cascade of hot water on my skin, releasing the tension.

Towel-drying myself, I donned fresh clothes before descending to the dining area. Grandma and Freya were already seated. I avoided the latter's gaze, settling into my chair.

Savoring the mashed potatoes, I voiced my approval with a low moan. Grandma chuckled.

"Freya's a great cook," she noted, bestowing praise. I'd finally looked at her, registering the wet hair from her shower, the incongruous brown dress against her skin, and her makeup-free face that now flushed at Grandma's compliment.

"Yes, she is," I agreed, not dwelling on her reaction. I focused on my plate, resuming my meal.

As dinner concluded, I felt an urge to shift into my werewolf form for a run, something I hadn't done in a while. With a quick shift, I raced through the woods, grateful that our house was nestled in the forest.

Feeling rejuvenated and with a clear mind, I stopped when a familiar scent reached me – Freya's scent. I looked around, and there she was, a few yards away, fear evident in her eyes. What was she doing here?

Slowly approaching her, she retreated, and the impulse to mark her surged through me.

"My mate, my mate, my mate," my wolf rejoiced as she shrank back, her fear palpable.

Ignoring the internal chant, I inched closer, a need to claim her building. My growl filled the space, her fear intensifying as she edged away.

The bond resonated, and I nuzzled her neck, my fangs tantalizingly close to where I intended to mark her.

"Please don't hu...hurt me," she stammered, shrinking further.

The connection hummed, and I nudged her neck with my nose. My teeth hovered a breath away from my destined mark.

"Mate! Mate! Mate!" my wolf howled happily as she slumped down in my arms.

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