5. Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Hearts Drawn Closer

Axel

I'm experiencing that peculiar sensation where enthusiasm and dread intertwine simultaneously. I find myself perched in The Cozy Bean, anticipating Lila's arrival. The rich smell of coffee fills the air, but I can barely focus on it. My mind's racing, my wolf's restless, and I'm pretty sure my heart's doing the cha-cha in my chest.

I shift in my seat, trying to get comfortable. Fat chance of that happening. It's not every day you meet up with the woman your wolf insists is your mate. Especially when she's human and has no clue about our world. Talk about complicated.

Suddenly, my wolf perks up. Mate, he growls. She's close.

I look up, and there she is, hurrying down the sidewalk. Her dark hair's pulled back, and her cheeks are flushed from the morning chill. She pauses outside, takes a deep breath like she's psyching herself up. It's adorable, and I can't help but smile.

The door chimes as she walks in, and our eyes meet. For a second, it's like the rest of the world just... disappears. My wolf is going crazy, urging me to go to her, to breathe in her scent, to claim her right then and there. But I rein him in.

Gotta keep it cool, you know?

"Good morning, Lila," I say, standing up to greet her. My voice comes out rougher than I intended.

Smooth, Axel. Real smooth.

She smiles, sliding into the seat across from me. "Good morning, Mr. Anderson. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

"Please, call me Axel," I insist. As she brushes past me, her scent hits me like a ton of bricks. It's herbs and spices, cinnamon and vanilla. It's intoxicating, and it takes every ounce of control I have not to pull her into my arms right there.

I gesture to the steaming mugs on the table. "I took the liberty of ordering for us. Sophie mentioned you're partial to the vanilla latte here."

Her eyes widen in surprise. "You asked Sophie about me?"

I shrug, trying to play it cool even though my heart's racing. "I wanted to make sure you'd be happy meeting here. I know how important your food truck is to you."

My wolf purrs approvingly. Protect. Provide.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Axel," Lila says, wrapping her hands around the mug. "I appreciate you taking the time to help me out."

"It's my pleasure," I reply, meaning every word. "So, tell me about your plans for Taylor Made Pizza. Any new ideas you're excited about?"

Lila leans forward, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Actually, yes! I've been thinking about expanding my menu, maybe incorporating more of my Nonna's recipes."

"That sounds great," I say, pulling out a folder from my bag. "I've got some ideas that might help streamline your process and ensure everything's up to code. Want to take a look?"

We dive into discussing her plans for her food truck, and I show her some ideas I've sketched out. As we lean in close to look at the diagrams, her scent envelops me. It's intoxicating, making it hard to focus on anything but her.

So close, my wolf whines. Touch her.

I resist the urge, but then our hands accidentally brush as I'm pointing something out. It's like an electric shock, and I hear Lila's breath catch. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the tension between us is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Mate, my wolf insists. Claim her.

I force myself to pull back. I'm supposed to be here as a professional, damn it. But it's getting harder and harder to remember that with every passing second.

"Sorry," I murmur, clearing my throat. "So, as I was saying, if you rearrange your storage area like this, it'll be easier to keep track of your inventory and maintain proper food rotation."

Lila blinks, as if coming out of a daze. "Right, yes. That makes sense." She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"That makes so much sense," Lila says, her finger tracing the diagram. "And what about the prep area? I've been worried it's too cramped."

"I've got a solution for that too," I say, flipping to another page. "If you move the prep station here and install a new countertop along this wall, you'll have more space to work."

Lila's eyes light up. "That would be amazing! But... it sounds expensive. I'm not sure I can afford all these changes right now."

I hesitate, weighing my words carefully. "Well, I might be able to help with the renovations, that will cut out the labor cost."

Provide for her, my wolf insists. Show her our strength.

Patience, I remind myself. She doesn't understand our ways.

But even as the idea takes root, I feel a cold twist of fear. Lila's human. She has no idea of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, the constant threat of rogues and rival packs. If I bring her into my life, I'd be putting her at risk.

As Lila smiles at me, her eyes warm and appreciative, I know I'm fighting a losing battle. Sooner or later, I'll have to confront the growing attraction between us, the undeniable pull that seems to draw us together.

"Really?" Lila asks, her voice hopeful. "That would be incredible, Axel. But I don't want to impose..."

"It's no imposition," I assure her, perhaps too quickly. "I want to see you succeed, Lila. Your passion for cooking, it's... inspiring. It makes me want to go after my dream of opening a bar and grill."

A blush creeps up Lila's cheeks. "Thank you, Axel. That means a lot coming from you."

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. The urge to reach out and touch her is almost overwhelming.

As we talk, the rest of the world fades away until it's just the two of us, huddled over our coffee, lost in conversation. I know I'm treading dangerous ground, letting myself get too close. But with Lila, it feels right, somehow. Like this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

Kiss her, claim her, my wolf insists, his voice a low growl in my mind. Mark her as ours.

I push back against the urge, my hands clenching into fists beneath the table. I can't let my instincts override my reason. Lila deserves a choice, a chance to live a normal life without the burden of my world.

I clear my throat, forcing myself to look back at the plans. "So, um, about these new recipes you mentioned. What did you have in mind?"

Lila's face lights up again. "Oh, I have so many ideas! There's this amazing truffle panini sandwich that Nonna used to make..."

As Lila enthusiastically describes her grandmother's recipe, I find myself captivated not just by the mouthwatering description, but by her passion and energy. She speaks with her hands, her eyes sparkling, and I can't help but be drawn in.

She's perfect, my wolf sighs contentedly. Our mate.

"It sounds delicious," I say when she pauses for breath. "I'd love to try it sometime."

"Really?" Lila asks, a hint of shyness in her voice. "Maybe I could make it for you sometime. You know, as a thank you for all your help."

My heart races at the suggestion. "I'd like that," I say softly.

How can I pursue a relationship with her, knowing the risks? How can I ask her to share my life, my secrets, when they could put her in constant danger?

But even as my mind wrestles with the dilemma, my heart knows the truth. Lila is my mate, the one I'm meant to be with. Denying that bond would only bring pain to us both.

Suddenly, a familiar scent catches my attention. My head snaps up, scanning the café. My muscles tense as I spot Ethan, Kate, Finn, and Elena entering through the front door. Their eyes widen as they see me sitting with Lila, and I can see the questions forming on their faces.

Danger, my wolf growls. Protect our mate.

"Axel?" Ethan calls out, approaching our table with the others in tow. "Fancy seeing you here."

I force a smile, my body coiled with tension. "Ethan, Finn, Elena, Kate. What brings you to this part of town?"

Elena's eyes dart between Lila and me, a knowing smirk on her face. "Just grabbing some coffee. Who's your friend?"

I can feel Lila's curiosity radiating off her. "This is Lila," I say, fighting to keep my voice neutral. "I'm helping her with some health code regulations for her food truck."

Finn raises an eyebrow, his tone laced with skepticism. "Really? Seems like an awful lot of attention for one food truck owner."

The implication in his tone makes my wolf bristle. I clench my fists under the table, struggling to maintain control. The last thing I need is for my pack to start questioning my judgment or my commitment to my duties as Alpha.

They challenge us, my wolf snarls. Show them our dominance.

Lila, oblivious to the undercurrents of tension, smiles warmly at my pack members. "It's nice to meet you all. Are you colleagues of Axel's?"

"You could say that," Ethan replies, his eyes never leaving my face. "We're like family, aren't we, Axel?"

The double meaning isn't lost on me. I nod stiffly, acutely aware of the growing tension. "That's right. We go way back."

Elena leans in, her voice low but loud enough for Lila to hear. "You know, Axel rarely takes such a personal interest in his cases. You must be special, Lila."

I see a blush creep up Lila's cheeks, and my protective instincts flare. I want to growl at Elena, to warn her off, but I know that would only raise more questions. "Oh, Axel's just been very helpful with all the regulations," Lila says.

"I'm sure he has," Finn says, his tone laced with skepticism. "Axel's always been... dedicated to his work."

"We should get back to our discussion," I say firmly, giving my pack members a pointed look. "Lila and I have a lot to cover."

They take the hint, but not before Ethan leans in close, his voice a low murmur that only I can hear. "We need to talk later, Axel. The pack is concerned."

As they walk away, I can feel their eyes on us, hear their whispered conversations. My muscles are taut with the effort of restraining my wolf, who wants nothing more than to assert our claim on Lila, to make it clear to everyone that she's under my protection.

"Are you okay, Axel?" Lila asks, concern evident in her voice. "You seem tense. Is everything alright between you and your friends?"

I force myself to relax, offering her a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. "We're fine. Just some family stress. Nothing for you to worry about."

Lila doesn't look entirely convinced, but she doesn't press the issue. Instead, she steers our conversation back to the food truck plans, and I'm grateful for the distraction. "You were saying about moving the prep station?"

As we wrap up our discussion, I notice a shift in Lila's expression, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Axel," she begins, hesitating, "I've been getting some... unwanted attention from Gio. He keeps stopping by the food truck and making comments that make me uncomfortable."

My instincts flare, a low growl rumbling in my throat. "I know. I've seen him hanging around. That's one reason I asked you to meet me for coffee."

Her eyes widen in surprise. "You have?"

"I'm looking out for you," I reply, my voice low and firm. "If he's bothering you, I want to help you put a stop to it."

"Help how?" she asks, a mix of curiosity and concern written on her face.

"I can talk to him," I offer, feeling the tension coiling in my muscles. "Make it clear that he needs to back off."

Lila bites her lip, weighing my suggestion. "But I don't want to escalate things. I don't want to cause problems for you. What if…"

"Too late for that," I say firmly, needing her to understand. "He's crossing a line, and I won't stand for it. I have already filed a report against him with the food poisoning I found at his truck the other day."

She studies my face, her gaze searching for sincerity. "Oh, you did. Alright."

It's a promise I intend to keep as I nod, determination flooding through me. "I promise I'll handle it. Just focus on your food truck. I've got your back."

"Thank you for all your help, Axel," she says. "I really appreciate you taking the time to go through all this with me."

I smile, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms. "You're welcome, Lila. And remember, I want to help, no matter what."

"I should get going," Lila says reluctantly. "I have some prep work to do for the truck."

Don't let her leave, my wolf whines. Keep her close. She belongs with us.

"Of course," I say, my voice strained. "And call me if you need anything, anything at all."

Lila's expression softens, her hand resting on my arm. "I will, Axel. Thank you, for everything."

"Your welcome."

"I had a great time, Axel," Lila says softly, her hand brushing against mine as we walk side by side. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through me, and I fight the urge to intertwine our fingers.

"Me too, Lila," I reply, my voice rough with emotion. "I'm glad we could talk, really talk."

As we reach the edge of the sidewalk, I remember our earlier conversation, the promise she'd made. "Hey, didn't you mention a cooking lesson yesterday?" I ask, a teasing note in my voice.

Lila laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "I did, didn't I?"

I grin, the tension easing from my shoulders. "Well, I want to take you up on it. I need to learn how to cook something besides mac and cheese. How about we plan for next week sometime?"

She nods eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "That sounds perfect. I can't wait to see you covered in flour."

"I really should get going," Lila says reluctantly, as if reading my thoughts.

I nod, my jaw clenching with the effort to maintain control. "Later then."

With a final smile, Lila turns to go, her scent lingering in the air. I watch her walk away, my wolf whining at the loss of contact.

Follow her, my wolf insists. Protect her.

Patience, I remind him, even as my own heart clenches. We'll see her again soon.

But I hold firm, knowing I have other matters to attend to.

Now, it's up to me to figure out how to keep my distance, while still keeping Lila safe from the dangers of my world. It won't be easy, but I know in my heart it's the right thing to do.

Outside the café, Ethan, Finn, and Elena are waiting for me.

"We need to talk about this, Axel," Ethan says, his voice low and urgent. "The pack is worried. You've been distracted lately, and now this... involvement with a human? It's not like you."

I square my shoulders. "My personal life is my own business, Ethan. It doesn't affect my ability to lead the pack."

Finn scoffs. "Doesn't it? You're the Alpha, Axel. Everything you do affects the pack. If you're compromised—"

"I'm not compromised," I growl, my wolf rising to the surface. "I'm more than capable of balancing my responsibilities."

Elena steps forward. "We're just worried about you, Axel. Getting involved with a human... it's dangerous. For all of us."

I take a deep breath. "I appreciate your concern. But I need you to trust me. I know what I'm doing."

The three of them exchange glances, clearly not satisfied.

"Just be careful, Axel," Ethan says, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Remember, the pack comes first. Always."

I nod, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me. "I know, Ethan. I haven't forgotten."

"See that you don't," Finn adds. "We can't afford any... distractions."

"What Finn means," Elena interjects, her tone softer, "is that we care about you, Axel. We don't want to see you get hurt. Or worse, be rejected by the pack."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I understand your concerns. But I assure you, I have everything under control."

"Do you?" Ethan challenges. "Because from where we're standing, it looks like you're getting awfully close to exposing our secret."

"I would never do that," I growl, feeling my control slip. "You know me better than that, Ethan."

"I thought I did," he replies. "But lately, I'm not so sure."

I take a step towards him, my wolf rising to the surface. "Are you questioning my leadership?"

Ethan holds his ground, but I see a flicker of submission in his eyes. "No, Alpha. I'm just... concerned."

I force myself to take a deep breath, reining in my temper. "Your concern is noted. But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

There's a moment of tense silence before Ethan nods. "Yes, Alpha. I trust you."

"Good," I say, my voice firm. "Now, I need to prepare for the pack meeting tonight."

Finn's voice carries back to me as they leave. "This isn't over, Axel. The pack will want answers."

I watch them go, my mind racing. How can I explain my feelings for Lila to the pack? How can I make them understand that she's not just a human, but something... more?

She's our mate, we can have both, my wolf assures me. Pack and mate. It's our right as Alpha.

I hope he's right. The battle between my heart and my duty is just beginning, and I have a feeling it's going to be a long, hard fight.

Soon, my wolf purrs contentedly. She'll be ours soon.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to focus. How can I protect Lila, pursue this connection between us, and still fulfill my duties as Alpha?

It won't be easy, but then again, nothing worth having ever is. And Lila... she's definitely worth it.

With that thought in mind, I square my shoulders and pick up my pace. I've got a pack to lead, a mate to court, and a future to fight for. And for the first time in a long time, I feel truly alive.

As I walk back to my office, my mind's a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. On one hand, I'm exhilarated by my growing connection with Lila. Her smile, her scent, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her passion for cooking - it all calls to me in a way I've never experienced before.

But on the other hand, the weight of my responsibilities as Alpha feels heavier than ever. My pack's concerns aren't unfounded. Getting involved with a human is risky, not just for me, but for all of us. If our secret gets out, it could mean disaster.

And yet... I can't shake the feeling that Lila is meant to be part of our world. Part of my world.

I reach my office and slump into my chair, running my hands over my face. The pack meeting tonight is going to be challenging. I know they'll have questions, concerns. Some might even challenge my leadership outright.

But I'm the Alpha for a reason. I've faced down rival packs, rogue wolves, and threats to our territory. I can handle this.

I start jotting down notes for the meeting, trying to anticipate their concerns and prepare my responses. As I work, my mind keeps drifting back to Lila. To the way her hand felt brushing against mine, to the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about her grandmother's recipes.

Focus, Axel, I scold myself. You've got a pack to lead.

But even as I try to concentrate on pack business, I can't help but smile at the thought of our upcoming cooking lesson. I wonder what she'll teach me, how it'll feel to work side by side with her in the kitchen.

My wolf stirs contentedly at the thought. Mate, he reminds me. Ours. Perfect.

"Not yet," I mutter aloud. "But soon. If she'll have us."

As the day wears on, I throw myself into my work, reviewing reports, making calls, and finishing my notes for the pack meeting. But through it all, thoughts of Lila linger at the edges of my mind, a constant, tantalizing presence.

By the time evening rolls around, I feel both exhausted and energized. I change into fresh clothes, straighten my shoulders, and head to the pack house.