Alpha Niall And His Lost Mate

"Something smells off."

I rolled my eyes without turning to face her and continued to search for the pancake syrup.

From the moment I stepped into the kitchen, Asia tensed and has been giving me the stink eye ever since.

Of course every wolf knows that when a female wolf is marked, her scent mixes with her mate's. But it was a majestic scent; not 'off' like she presumed. She was just jealous that MY mate marked me.

I finally found the syrup and squirted a large amount onto my mountain of pancakes. I was extremely moody this morning since I woke up without Niall, but I knew that it was the post-mark pre-heat effects.

The fact that I was marked would throw my emotions off a whole lot for the first couple days, especially if I wasn't with my mate. But the fact that my heat was this close too, I was like a deadly ball of emotions walking around.

I was really considering completing the mating process before the full moon, that way I wouldn't have to go through the detrimental heat cycle that I've heard so much about.

If Niall and I should mate before the full moon, I'll still have my heat, but it would be bearable. The most that would happen is a high temperature and the extreme horniness, but at least I wouldn't be dying from pain and whatnot.

I've never had a heat cycle, but I am already dreading it.

A whole night of fever, sweating, excruciating abdominal pain and never ending arousal? Doesn't sound enticing to me.

At that moment, Jared walked in just as I was about to walk out. I came down for breakfast, but I was avoiding Asia at all costs, hence why I decided to eat in the living or dining room.

He perked up as soon as he entered with a confused look on his face. He whipped his head towards me, then a broad smile took over his lips.

"Well well. Look who's making progress," he said before pulling me into an awkward side hug, since I had my pancakes in my hand.

I blushed under his gaze as he continued to ogle me in excitement. I knew this was a big thing for all of us, so I couldn't blame him.

"Congrats Zoey. I'm so glad you're officially part of the family" He added and I heard a scoff behind me but ignored it.

"Thanks Jared, I feel like family. By the way, do you know where Niall is?" I asked, assuming he might have an idea. The last thing a wolf needs after just being marked, is waking up alone.

"Not sure. Maybe some pack business if he left that early."

"Okay," I mumbled, somewhat agreeing with him. It must've been important.

Just as I was about to head out, when I heard the back door open. I turned around to see a sweaty Niall just entering. He had on black sweats, plain t-shirt and a backpack, and he looked undeniably gorgeous.

The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up and he made his way over to me. He engulfed me in a hug and dropped a kiss on my cheek, before whispering a good morning.

"I'm sorry I left so early this morning, but I had an emergency at the back border with my border patrol" He explained, and every ounce of annoyance that was in me disappeared at that, since I knew just how important having a strong and stable border patrol was.

"Is everything okay?" I asked in concern.

"Everything is good now," he assured. "Just needed my help that's all."

I nodded. "Okay good"

the year." A snarky voice retorted from behind me, and this time I decided that I had enough. But before

go Asia. Just stop okay?" He snapped, though what I had planned to say would've been

just casually shrugged

to say this,

be a pain in the ass, but she

then the pack will feel it too when we can't

proclaimed as he cut a piece of my pancake and

me," I said with a mouth full of

duty to bother me" I repeated

you feel better, I would like to take you somewhere today if you're up for it" He said, and I

since Niall

course I'm up for it" I almost

I'll be down in about fifteen" He announced before pecking my lips and heading

hand over my pigtails that I got last night, but I noticed that they were fuzzy, since my scarf

to undo the braids and separating the curls in the process. Victoria always did this for me, so I had assumed that it would've looked good like when she does it. But since I only knew how to pull my hair in a bun or puff, I couldn't be

beautiful," I heard Niall say from behind me, and

he made his way

it around his finger. None of us said anything for a while, I just enjoyed the feeling of being so close to him. Maybe

restore their moisture. But Niall seemed

favourite thing to do. I felt on cloud nine as I

His arms tightened around my waist, and one hand swept up

together as the tension began to build up, and it was when we heard the fridge opening

what. I hadn't even noticed when he entered, and he didn't even look bothered that

water," he said casually, and I had to try really

always assumed that I was never a PDA person and

again. It was obvious that we both were

replied quickly with the excitement

know where we were going but as long as I was with

***

Niall announced as he removed his hands from

my eyes adjusted to the

decorated skilfully yet naturally with small, wild yellow flowers. The area was open and

we had just emerged from, so it seemed like a clearing, but it was far more

calming. There were even small white butterflies roaming around, giving the area that fairy-tale look. Finally, in the middle of it all, ran a small stream that didn't look over a foot

was all so lovely that I couldn't

this is so beautiful" I

it?" He asked as he placed

I gushed as I caught a butterfly on my

arms around me from behind and rested his head on my shoulder. "This used to be

"Maybe I can steal it from you too," I teased as I turned

the clearing. "But if you want to come out here, I want to be with you. No one else knows about this

take care of myself you