Chapter 1

1

ALONE

Octavia

Age 27 - Now

In the quaint town of Sweet River, nestled just outside Shelby, Montana, life buzzed with an unassuming charm. It was a place where the sun rose over the mountains like a golden promise and set in hues of lavender and orange, casting long shadows on the bustling streets below. The Rise N Shine Diner is a beacon of warmth and familiarity, where the aroma of coffee mingles with the sizzle of crisp bacon, and laughter floats through the air like musical notes. It’s here that my story begins, though I often feel like a ghost wandering through a world that hasn’t fully accepted my existence.

Today didn’t seem any different, but as I serve coffee to one of my regulars and friend - Wren Archer, joke with the other waitress - my best friend Poppy, and swap stories with the locals, the door swings open, and in walks three men who I know are going to change everything.

The most handsome man I have ever seen, steps into the diner with an air of confidence that makes my heart race. His presence is magnetic, and as he enters, I feel a pull deep within me — a connection that both thrills and terrifies me because I know what this means. The other two men with him, his Beta and Gamma, are equally striking, but it’s the man with emerald eyes who has captured my attention completely. He exudes an aura of strength and authority, the kind that makes my wolf stir restlessly within me.

My wolf is almost screaming, “He’s here. It’s him. MATE!”

As I approach their table, I catch a whiff of their scents—earthy, wild, and unmistakably shifter. My heart is racing, and I can’t help but feel that something monumental is about to unfold. The man’s darkening eyes lock onto mine, and in that moment, the world around us fades away. I can practically hear the growl of his wolf echoing in my mind, claiming me with a ferocity that sends shivers down my spine.

“MINE,” he breathes, his voice low and husky, as if he were speaking to the wolf that lay inside me.

“Mate,” I respond on a whimper as I meet this stranger's gaze.

I can feel it, the mate bond tugging at my very essence, an instant connection that leaves me completely breathless. This man, this Alpha, is my fated mate, and I am his . The realization hits me like a bolt of lightning, igniting a fire in my soul that had long been dormant. But with that spark of hope comes a wave of fear — fear of what it means to be a mate, and fear of the pack that had abandoned me.

“Hello, I’m Wyatt..Wyatt Saltman. Alpha of a nearby pack. What’s your name, beautiful mate?” This gorgeous man asks me in a deep timber voice.

I whisper, “Octavia, Octavia Bellmont.” I can’t believe this is my reality right now. I have a mate and he’s an alpha. Can this be real? Someone pinch me. No on second thought don’t.

“I was just finishing up a meeting with some friends,” Wyatt says, gesturing vaguely towards the other two men, who have taken a seat beside him.. “But now,” he leans in closer, “I’m really glad I stopped in.”

“I’ve lived in this town my whole life or the majority anyways,” I say as my cheeks heat. “There’s so much history here. Everyone passes through this town at some point.”

He nods, “I can see why. It’s got a charm to it. And you’ve definitely added to it.”

I laugh, “Flattery will get you nowhere, Wyatt.”

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” he replies with a cheeky wink. My wolf is rolling over in my mind like a horny schoolgirl at the gesture.

We talk in between me waiting on customers for hours as my shift comes to an end. I find out he’s thirty-three, learn about him becoming alpha since his father handed over the title when Wyatt turned twenty-five, his weird obsession with organic soaps and the love he has for fishing during the summer months. The more I discover, the more I want to know about him.

“Can I see you again?” he asks, the words tumbling out almost faster than his mouth can move.

“I’d like that,” I reply, trying to hide the smile I know is gracing my lips.

“Tomorrow? I know a great spot by Flathead Lake ,” he mentions, my heart pounding at just thinking of spending more time with him.

“Tomorrow it is, Alpha,” I say with a smile.

My mind races with thoughts of what lay ahead. I can sense Wyatt’s curiosity about me and my past, his concern for me as a lone wolf that I’m sure he can smell on me, and I know his determination to bring me into his pack now that this alpha has found his mate. His wolf is already pushing at the bond to talk to my wolf. I guess they both want to know about my life before he stormed into this diner. Little does he know, I am more than just a lone wolf — I am and always will be a survivor.

Wyatt

I finish the meeting with my Beta, Dalton, and my Gamma, Harrison, regarding the rogue wolf problem that Alpha Rex of the Howlite Pack has been dealing with. We’ve covered a lot, and I’m ready to unwind, but something shifts in the air as I pull myself from behind the driver’s seat of my Land Rover.

As I swing open the door, an intoxicating scent hits me like a tidal wave — sweet, tart, and undeniably captivating. Cherries. My heart races as the realization washes over me. It’s her scent. I instinctively turn my head to follow the trail, and my wolf surges to the surface, eager to claim what is rightfully ours. My mate is inside.

“Wyatt?” Dalton’s voice breaks through my haze, his brow furrowing in confusion. Harrison follows suit, glancing around as if trying to identify what’s captured my attention so completely.

“Stay cool,” I manage to say, though the urgency in my tone betrays me. “My mate is in there. Don’t blow this for me.” My voice drops to a near whisper, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I’ve waited so long for this moment, and I can’t let anything ruin it.

The two of them exchange glances, their expressions a blend of curiosity and concern. I step closer to the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. Through the glass, I finally see her. My fated mate.

She’s the most breathtaking woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Dark brown hair is pulled to the side in an elegant braid, accentuating her delicate features. Her eyes, sparkling in the sun creeping in through the blinds, seem to hold a universe of secrets and stories. She’s short, but there’s a confidence about her that makes her presence larger than life. I can’t help but envision myself enveloping her in my arms, wanting to protect her from the world.

“Wyatt, you okay?” Dalton asks, pulling me back from my reverie.

I nod, though I’m not entirely sure I’m fine. The moment feels surreal, like I’ve stepped into a dream. My wolf howls within me, urging me to act, to move, to claim what’s ours. I’m rooted to the spot for a moment longer, just drinking in the sight of her. She’s laughing at something her friend is saying, her voice melodic, and that sound alone is enough to send shivers down my spine.

Finally, I force myself to take a step forward, pushing open the door to the diner. The bell above jingles, and the warm, inviting atmosphere washes over me. The smell of food, coffee, and something sweet hangs in the air, but none of it matters as much as the intoxicating scent of my mate that draws me closer to her.

My heart races as I approach the old formica counter where she stands. The moment she looks up, our eyes lock, and time seems to freeze. In that instant, I know. She feels it too. A connection that transcends words, one that pulls at me with a magnetic force.

“Mine,” I manage to say, my voice low and gravely. I slide onto the stool at the counter across from her, forcing myself to breathe.

“Mate,” she replies, a smile breaking across her face. It’s warm, inviting, and I can’t help but smile back, feeling a rush of happiness that I didn’t think was possible.

“Hello, I’m Wyatt..Wyatt Saltman. Alpha of a nearby pack. What’s your name, beautiful mate?” My voice almost a whisper. I can’t help but admire her, the way the dim light reflects in her eyes, the way her smile lights up the space around us.

“Octavia, Octavia Bellmont. What brings you around these parts?” she asks, tilting her head slightly, curiosity shining in her gaze.

“I was just finishing up a meeting with some friends,” I say, gesturing vaguely towards Dalton and Harrison, who have taken a seat at the counter, trying to look inconspicuous. “But now,” I lean in closer, “I’m really glad I stopped in.”

Her cheeks flush a delightful shade of crimson, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. Fuck she’s beautiful, and I’m captivated, completely lost in her presence. The world outside fades away as we talk, and every moment feels precious.

“I’ve lived in this town my whole life or the majority anyways,” Octavia shares. “There’s so much history here. Everyone passes through this town at some point.”

I nod, hanging on her every word. “I can see why. It’s got a charm to it. And you’ve definitely added to it.”

She laughs, a sound that resonates deep within me. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Wyatt.”

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” I reply, winking at her. My wolf is purring in delight, and I can’t help but feel a sense of hope blossoming in my chest.

As we talk, the minutes turn into hours. I learn about her dreams of becoming a bookstore owner since she reads more than any other person I know and her love for wildflowers. The more I discover, the more I want to know. She’s passionate and intelligent, and I find myself hanging on her every word, completely entranced.

But there’s a lingering shadow hanging over us, a reminder of the world outside. The rogue wolf problem Alpha Rex is concerned about, the responsibilities of my pack — all of it feels distant, almost forgotten at this moment. Octavia’s laughter and warmth wrap around me like a protective shield, but I know it’s just a matter of time before reality intrudes.

The diner starts to empty as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over everything. It’s just us now — her dark braid, my rugged features, the tension crackling in the air. I want to reach across the counter and take her hand, to solidify this connection between us that feels so profound.

“Can I see you again?” I ask, the words tumbling out before I can second-guess myself.

Octavia’s eyes widen slightly, surprise flickering across her face. “I’d like that,” she replies, the hint of a smile tugging at her full lips.

“Tomorrow? I know a great spot by Flathead Lake ,” I suggest, my heart racing at the thought of spending more time with her.

“Tomorrow it is, Alpha,” she says, her smile brightening even more.

As we share a lingering look, a sense of certainty settles over me. She’s my mate, my fated other half, and I’m determined to protect her and make her smile every day. Whatever challenges lie ahead with the pack, I’ll face them as long as I have her by my side.

As we reluctantly part ways, I feel a mix of exhilaration and anticipation. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. I may have walked into this diner looking for answers regarding rogue wolves, but I’ve found something infinitely more precious — my mate. And I’m ready to claim her, to show her just how deep this connection runs.

I step outside, the cool evening air hitting my face, and I take a deep breath, letting the scent of cherries linger in my mind. The world feels different now, brighter and full of possibilities. I glance back at the diner one last time, a smile playing on my lips.

This is just the beginning.

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the diner as I pull into the parking lot. I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. It’s just a date — one I’ve been anticipating since yesterday — but it feels monumental, like the first step into a world I’ve almost forgotten existed. My heart races as I spot Octavia through the glass windows, her silhouette framed by the diner’s pink neon sign.

As I climb out of my Land Rover, my eyes greedily trace her figure. She’s dressed in tight black yoga shorts that hug her curves perfectly, paired with a mint-colored sports tank. The combination makes my mouth water more than any meal I’ve ever tasted. I take a moment, leaning against the car, allowing the scene to settle in my mind before I step inside.

“Hey, you,” I say, my voice a mix of casual and sincere as I approach her.

“Hello, Wyatt,” she replies, a smile lighting up her face. It’s a smile that instantly puts me at ease, one that seems to hold secrets and stories waiting to be shared.

“Did you dream about me last night?” I tease, though there’s a hint of truth in my words.

Octavia laughs, a sound that dances through the air like a gentle breeze. “Maybe I did. Or maybe I just thought about how you’re taking me out of my comfort zone today.”

“Comfort zone? I thought we were just having fun,” I respond, raising an eyebrow playfully.

“The diner and my loft are about as far as I’ve strayed in a long time,” she admits, her tone shifting slightly, revealing a flicker of something deeper.

I nod, intrigued. “How come?”

Octavia takes a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the floor for a moment. “It’s a long story,” she says, her voice softening. “I lost my parents when I was a teenager. They were killed in a freak rogue attack in my old pack. After that, my alpha made me leave. I’ve been on my own ever since. That tragedy had left me orphaned, abandoned by those I thought would protect me. After a rogue attack took my parents and shattered my world, I retreated into the shadows of the forest, living a solitary life in Sweet River. I kept my head down, waiting for the storm to pass, and learned to navigate the complexities of a world that has turned its back on me.”

The words hang in the air between us, heavy and laden with the weight of loss. I stay quiet, letting her share what she’s comfortable with. My mind races, though. It’s not just about her past; it’s about the rogue problems we’ve been facing in the area. I can’t help but wonder if they’re somehow connected to her story.

“Octavia, I’m so sorry,” I finally say, my voice low and sincere. “That must have been incredibly hard for you.”

“It was,” she replies, her eyes meeting mine once more. There’s a depth there that I hadn’t noticed before — something raw and unguarded. “But I’ve learned to manage. I keep my head down, work at the diner, and that’s been my life.”

I reach out, gently taking her hand in mine. It feels natural, like it was meant to be. “Well, how about we change that for today? Let me show you a little bit of the world beyond the diner.”

Her eyes flicker with curiosity as she nods. “Okay, I’m in.”

We step outside, and I lead her to the Land Rover, grabbing the picnic basket I had prepared with my kitchen staff. Octavia raises an eyebrow, impressed. “You really went all out, huh?”

“Only the best for my favorite diner waitress,” I joke, but in truth, it’s more than that. I want to impress her, to show her that I care.

As we drive toward a nearby trail, I can’t help but steal glances at her. The way the sunlight dances through her hair, the way her laughter fills the car — it’s intoxicating.

When we arrive, I park the SUV, and we step out into the fresh air, the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves surrounding us. I lead her down the trail, casually holding her hand as we walk. It feels right, like a natural extension of everything that’s been building between us.

We find a perfect spot by a bubbling stream, the water sparkling under the sun. I lay out the picnic blanket and set the basket down, revealing a spread of delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit, and homemade pastries.

Octavia’s eyes widen. “Wow, this is amazing!”

“Only the best for you,” I say again, a bit more serious this time. I want her to know I’m invested in this, in us .

As we settle down, I can’t help but ask, “So, what do you do when you’re not working at the diner?”

She shrugs, looking a bit sheepish. “Honestly, not much. I read a lot. Sometimes I take walks, go have a girls night at one of my two besties places but usually I just… hang out in my loft.”

“Why not explore more? There’s a whole world out there,” I say, genuinely curious.

“Fear, I guess,” she replies, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s hard to shake the past, you know? Sometimes I feel like I’m still that scared girl who lost everything in just a week's time.”

I nod, feeling the weight of her words. “You’re not that girl anymore, Octavia. You’re strong, and you’ve survived. You deserve to live.”

Her gaze meets mine, and I see a flicker of something — hope, maybe? “You really think so?”

“Absolutely,” I say without hesitation. “And I want you to come back to my pack with me. I know it sounds crazy, but now that I’ve met you, there’s no going back for me.”

Octavia blinks, clearly taken aback by my sudden boldness. “Wyatt, I?—”

“Just think about it,” I urge, squeezing her hand gently. “You don’t have to decide right now. I just want you to know that there’s a place for you, where you can feel safe and start fresh with me.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the soft sound of the babbling stream filling the gaps between our thoughts. I can see the gears turning in her mind, wrestling with the weight of my offer and her past.

“Okay,” she finally says, her voice steady. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” I reply, relief flooding through me. “That’s all I ask.”

As we dig into the picnic, I can’t help but steal glances at her, my heart swelling with feelings I never expected to have. There’s something about Octavia that draws me in, something that speaks to the part of me that’s been searching for a connection.

We talk and laugh, sharing stories and dreams, and for the first time in a long while, the weight of the world feels a little lighter. I watch as she begins to relax, her laughter ringing out like a melody, and I realize I’d do anything to keep that smile on her face.

As the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape, I know this day is just the beginning. I’m determined to show her that life beyond the diner is not only possible but beautiful. And maybe, just maybe, we can build something together that neither of us ever saw coming.