The Alpha's Guardian

Ali POV

Wade intertwines his hands with mine as we walk out of Francis' room. The sparks twirl and dance across my skin reminding me that no matter how bad things have gotten, this moment made it worth it. I've never been a sappy lovey-dovey type of girl or the girl that craves constant touch. But with Wade I'm afraid of the moment he lets my hand go. I'm addicted to his looks and his touch.

It's quite possible it's the bond that has changed me and my outlook, but I also have a feeling that it's just what love does to someone. We also have never had the chance to really just be together. I slide him a quick glance and I can see a smile on his lips. "What are you smiling about?" I ask tugging on his hand.

"This is the first time we've really actually held hands around other people" he shrugs.

A butterfly flutters through my stomach as my cheeks grow warm and I look back over at him. This bond definitely alters your state of mind. Wade stops walking and tugs on my hand pulling me back to face him. "Why are you blushing?"

"I don't know, I just...am," I say looking at my feet.

"You're still a bada-ss." He winks.

"I will always be a bada-ss." I laugh. "I could be 8 months pregnant and still be a bada-ss."

"Oh, gee. Baby talk? Already? Is this how you get pregnant?" he asks, looking down at our joined hands in feign shock.

I roll my eyes at him and drag him along with me.

"Because my mommy told me if I get pregnant before my mating ceremony she is going to be disappointed in me. I can't disappoint mommy" He smirks, looking so proud of himself and his jokes.

"Do you want to die?" I jest and he chuckles.

"Only if you do." he winks as he swings our arms. I roll my eyes and change the subject.

"We have a meeting with the committee at one o'clock. I've invited Alpha Nick to sit in on it with us. I figure we could use the witness."

"Are they actually coming this time or are they going to be sending their own hitman again?" Wade quips.

I can't help but chuckle and shake my head.

"I talked to them directly. Ok well, actually I sent an email with photos of our pack and demanded a meeting, and then they called to verify." "Who are we expecting?"

"Everyone"

"Is Corbin going to behave?" he asks, raising a brow.

"He left" I answer.

Admittedly I was selfishly hoping that Corbin would hang around and agree to the meeting I had once promised him with the committee. Instead, he slipped away after helping us get the injured to safety. He left a letter with Robin for me and I still can't bring myself to read it. I know it's a goodbye letter. One saying he will always be there for me if I need him but that until then he has to leave for some reason or another.

Our relationship is still rocky and full of tension, but it's a lie to say that I wasn't hoping for some closure on my parents' death and losing part of my wolf. I've been given answers, but having answers and understanding them are completely different processes. Hopefully, he will still keep in contact.

"You ok?" Wade asks me, looking concerned.

"I'm good." I smile. "Now, let's go see Alpha Nick. He has been wanting to talk to you."

"What do you think of Alpha Nick?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you trust him?" he asks cryptically.

"Yes. He has done nothing but support you in every way possible."

"Good," he says, sounding relieved.

"Why?"

"Well, I want to share my position on the committee with him. Or at least have him be part of it." Wade says with determination.

"Is that something you can do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like are you in a position to make stipulations? As far as I am aware they get to decide these things."

"They picked me for a reason." He insists.

"I don't think it was for your stubbornness"

"Oh, hah hah!" Wade laughs

"I trust Alpha Nick." I say smiling "I think he would be an asset."

"Good. I might need your help convincing him."

"Maybe you should wait until after the meeting with the committee before you offer him some position that may or may not be there"

"Well I plan to bring it up at the meeting, but I think maybe I should mention it to him before I just throw it out there since he will also be in the meeting."

"I suppose."

We find solace in our silence as he rubs his thumb over the top of my hand, clearly enjoying the feeling of the sparks. I look over at him, truly taking in his appearance for the first time since he woke up. He looks pale and tired, and his eyes are full of sadness. It's amazing how quickly reality can seep into your mind.

"Did you tell Francis about Kane?" I ask softly, watching him closely. He clears his throat and turns away from me for a moment, wiping at his face with his free hand.

"He uh, he actually asked me which room he was in, so he could send Sammy with a get well gift." He says trying to maintain command over his voice.

"What made him think Kane was in a room?"

"He had been trying to mind link him since he woke up" Wade stops again.

I release his hand and step in, facing him. His eyes are sad and full of unshed tears for his goofy childhood friend.

"Wade, I am so sorry about Kane."

A tear slides down his cheek as he looks up to the sky trying to keep the others from following suit. Reaching up I grab hold of his cheek and gently lower his face. Making sure his eyes meet mine.

"He was a hero who died doing the one thing that guarantees his legend will live on Wade."

"He died because I was weak." He says softly.

"Kane died saving his best friends and his alpha. He died because you were ambushed. He died because of circumstances outside of anyone's control. You are not weak, you are just worth dying for. Do you not get that yet? Wade, you inspire loyalty, unlike anything I have ever seen before. And it's because you care this much."This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

He scoffs as he wipes his eyes once more. I gently step into him, being careful to avoid his injury, and lay my head on his chest. He rests his chin on top and for a minute, we grieve our friend Kane.

Wade drops a kiss on the top of my head and pulls back slightly without a word. He engulfs my hand in his again and drags me to Alpha Nick's office. When we arrive, Alpha Nick's office doors open as he comes out. His face beams as he gently embraces Wade. "I thought we were going to lose you for a minute. That-uh." Nick clears his throat. "That would have svcked."

"I have to agree," Wade chuckles. "Thank you, Nick."

I look up at Wade in shock. Dropping the title can be a great offense. But to my surprise, Nick smiles again and they shake hands roughly.

"You know I would follow you anywhere, Wade." he responds "And your Luna too" he nods in my direction.

Wade puffs his chest with pride. And smiles sweetly at me.

"Now, before the committee arrives I have something I want to run by you."