The Alpha's Guardian

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POV*

I hated skirting out early this morning, leaving Wade sleeping soundly on the floor. He looked so peaceful and serene as he smiled through what I can only assume was a happy dream. It makes me feel worse for not confiding in him about the Rogue King being my only surviving family. Uncle Corbin hadn't given me much more than vague promises of answers I never sought, but now they have settled in my mind like a festering wound.

I have to know these mysterious answers. This supposed truth that would change my view of my uncle and alter how I see the committee. I wasn't ready for his answers yesterday. Hell, it's possible I won't ever be ready. But Uncle Corbin swears his answers are important not just for me to hear for myself, but for the good of the werewolf community, especially Wade. I've tried to convince myself that setting up a meeting with Uncle Corbin again is so I can protect Wade, but I know that this is about me.

I woke Francis up earlier and asked for him to remain close to Wade while I took care of Guardian duties, and he was happy to comply. It seems Francis has missed his best friend while he was on his trip. I pull my hood up over my head, disappearing into the forest line undetected. My legs push hard as I speed along in a hurry to get this exchange over with. A quick meeting with Simon at sunrise for a letter with small crumbs of truth to prove that I can trust him.

I sneak up on a clearing and see an on-edge Simon sitting on a boulder waiting for me. I hang back for a minute, watching him in his loneliness. You can learn a lot about a man by observing what they do in silence. Simon watches a butterfly as it dances around, slowly he extends his hand and it lands on his finger briefly. A smile forms on Simon's face as he closes his eyes and sighs happily.

"I miss you, my butterfly," he whispers as flutters away from him on a breeze.

I suddenly feel like I am intruding on a very special moment, so I push through the brush and enter the clearing, looking over at a bemused Simon.

"It feels wrong, doesn't it? Like you are cheating on your alpha?" he smirks.

I hate how right he is.

"I am gathering intel. I'm not sure how that can be categorized as wrong." I respond.

"Oh, I suppose you are right. That's how it started for me too,"

"I don't have the luxury of time to chitchat, Simon. Hand me what I am here for." I say, crossing the clearing to him. He stands producing a folded manilla envelope and handing it to me.

"I know it may seem hard to believe, but Corbin is the good guy. I have a feeling your Alpha sweetheart might be as well."

"He is," I say, referring to Wade, not even bothering to care about him calling him my sweetheart.

Ok, that's not totally true. The idea of Wade being mine brought a chill down my spine in excitement, and then it quickly turned sour when the thought that Liam was my true mate crossed my mind.

"Well, until next time." Simon stands, pushing off the boulder, and turns, running into the forest, disappearing from my sight.

I unfold the manilla folder, frowning at it slightly. I will have to take the time to look it over when I get back to the packhouse, but I will have to wait for Wade to wake up and leave. Wade is giving me the distinct impression that I will be having a sleepover party with him on my floor for some time. Not that I mind completely. It's kind of sweet having someone want to protect me for once. It's been a long since I've felt important enough to be looked after.

I tuck the folder into the inner pocket of my jacket and zip it up, turning back towards the packhouse. I once again pull my hoodie up over my head and sneak back into my room, taking care to not wake the still soundly sleeping Alpha laying on my bedroom floor. I stealthily reach for my hidden wooden box and open it, placing the envelope within it with the most important article in my life, my guardian allegiance contract. I run my hand over the only family heirloom I have left and close it gently. Normally, these contracts remain at the training center, on display for those new to the order to have something to look up to. But as it is my last mission, I asked to carry it with me to remind me of my mission here.

I put the box away and glance over my shoulder at the sound of Wade mumbling and turning over. He mumbles some more and I walk over to him, leaning over to pull the blanket back up over him. Wade gently grabs my hand as he rolls and I fumble to not land on top of him. I end up on the floor next to him, his hand fully engulfing mine, and I lay on my stomach just watching him.

There are many nights I've had to watch the Alphas sleep or at least be near them working night to catch their assailants. This alpha looks different than the rest. Where they all looked menacing and aged, Wade looks calm and younger. I know he is younger than me by only two years. But he often seems so much wiser than many of the committee members.

There is always a silent plan formulating in his mind. He is different, it could be that I am stupidly falling in love with him even knowing that my potential mate is somewhere else in the pack at this very moment. Perhaps that's what makes him so special. How easy he is to love. I would find myself hard-pressed to choose even the committee if it meant them or him.

I lean forward, placing a gentle kiss on the top of his hand, and a smile forms on his face. For a moment, I swear he is awake, but I don't feel his consciousness stirring in my mind. That constant buzz as he works to keep his barrier during the day. I slowly remove my hand from his and stand crossing to the door.

It's time I call Samuel and fill him in on a few things. As I open the door, Wade murmurs loudly and his words become more clear.

"You are mine." he giggles. "I love you, Ali," and he turns over one more time, smacking his lips together.

As I close the door behind me, I have to put a concerted effort into wiping the goofy smile off my face. Wade had opened his barriers once and really let his emotions wreak havoc in my mind. I knew it was love, but it also seemed like it was so much more. His raw emotions felt like my own and I have to admit, it scared me. It still scares me. What will happen when this guardianship is over and it's revealed he isn't my mate? The thought is far more painful than a blade to the gut, so I tuck it away as I pull out my cell phone. The phone line trills a few times before Samuel's gruff voice answers through the line.

"Ali," he greets me

"There may have been an incident."

"So I have heard." he sounds annoyed. Sh!t, I knew I should have called him the moment we got back from the rogues.

"Would you like my version or your lap dogs?" I say, getting snarky.

I don't like the idea that he knows all these things before I even relay them to him. I know someone is around watching us, but it's a matter of who. Liam loathes Samuel, but things could change. Or is it possible that Samuel is watching the rogues and has more knowledge than he is willing to share?

"Oh, don't be bitter, Ali. I'm not watching you. I'm monitoring our newest committee member." He chuckles.

"What?" I say, taken aback. The newest committee member? "Wade?"

"Mm-hmm. Why? Do you not think he is fit for the job? It was between him and one other, but I was overruled and they chose Wade." he says nonchalantly. "Samuel, why are you divulging all this information now."

"It's no longer a secret. Your Alpha, it seems, knows more than he lets on about. We sent you there to protect him, become his confidant, learn what he knows." "I'm a guardian Samuel! Not a spy!" I whisper angrily, looking around, hoping no one can hear me.

"Ali, you are there to do what I tell you to do." He sighs in annoyance. "I'm not asking you to spy, the committee needs to know if he is the right choice." "He is!" I say, cutting him off. "He is the best choice."

"Interesting," he says. After a moment of silence, I ask the only question I've been wanting to ask him.

"Samuel, Why is Liam claiming to be my mate?" I ask, shyly.

"Because he is," Samuel says nonchalantly. Suddenly I feel sick.