Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves

Asking for Ella

Eric's POV

I nodded, understanding.

"I'll keep his identity hidden," I promised.

My mother's eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Eric."

As we returned to the dinner, I couldn't shake the feeling that secrets and lies would only complicate our already fragile situation. Jenna's hand found mine again, her smile reassuring.

But Victor's watchful gaze lingered, a reminder of the dangers lurking within our own pack.

And what about Jenna's past?

Were there secrets she kept hidden?

The night wore on, filled with laughter and tension.

As we said our goodbyes, Jenna leaned in. "Eric, I have something to tell you," she whispered.

My heart skipped a beat.

"What is it?" I asked.

Jenna's eyes locked onto mine. "I do want you to tell them I showed you my werewolf form." They want it hidden and secret.

Trust me, your secret is save with me. Jenna's words echoed in my mind as we drove back to her apartment.

"Not who I think you are?" I repeated, my curiosity piqued.

Jenna's smile was enigmatic. "Let's just say my past is...complicated."

I pulled up to her apartment, turning off the engine.

"Jenna, I don't care about your past," I said, taking her hand. She looked at me, her eyes searching.

"Eric, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been searching for someone my whole life."

"Someone?" I asked, my heart skipping a beat.

Jenna's gaze locked onto mine. "Someone who loves me for who I am, not for what I can offer."

My chest tightened.

"Jenna, I—"

"I know you're an alpha," she interrupted, her voice firm. "But I don't care about that. I care about you."

My breath caught.

No one had ever said that to me before.

"I want to mate with someone who loves me, truly loves me," Jenna continued. "Not because of duty or obligation."

My heart swelled.

"Jenna, I think you could be that person," I said, my voice shaking. Jenna's smile lit up the night.

"Eric, I think I might be."

We sat there, hands entwined, the world around us melting away. For the first time in my life, I felt like I'd found someone who truly understood me.

Not as an alpha, but as Eric.

The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind of laughter and discovery. Jenna and I grew closer, our bond strengthening.

But Victor's animosity lingered, a constant reminder of the dangers within our pack.

 And Jenna's past remained shrouded in mystery.

One night, as we walked under the stars, Jenna turned to me. "Eric, I'm ready to tell you everything," she said, her voice trembling.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Everything?" I repeated.

Jenna nodded.

"About my past, about who I really am." I took her hand, my grip firm.

"I'm ready to listen."

I glanced around cautiously, ensuring we were alone.

"Jenna, I need to ask you something," I said, my voice low.

"Anything," she replied, her eyes sparkling.

"Let's keep this between us, for now," I requested, hesitant.

Jenna's brow furrowed. "You mean, your mother?"

I nodded. "She's...overbearing sometimes." Jenna's expression softened. "I understand."

"But there's more," I admitted. "Victor's been watching us. I don't want him to know much about...about us."

Jenna's grip on my hand tightened.

"I'll keep your secret, Eric."

As we walked further, the moon casting shadows around us, I realized I'd found an ally in Jenna.

Someone who understood me, beyond my alpha duties.

But little did I know, secrets had a way of unraveling.

And my mother's intuition was harder to evade than I thought.

The next day, my mother cornered me in the kitchen.

"Eric, who's the girl?" We you tell me everything about her? she asked, her eyes piercing.

I feigned nonchalance. "What girl?" My mother sighed. "Don't play dumb. I know you've met long before now."

My heart skipped a beat.

How did she know?

And what would happen if she discovered Jenna's true identity?

I maintained a neutral expression, trying not to reveal too much.

"Mom, I don't know what you're talking about," I insisted. My mother's gaze narrowed.

"Eric, I've seen the way you look at her," she said, her voice low. "I've seen the way she looks at you."

My heart sank.

How did she know?

"What makes you think—"

"Don't lie to me, Eric," she interrupted. "I'm your mother. I know you."

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully.

"Okay, fine. I've met someone. But it's new, and I don't want to jinx it."

My mother's expression softened.

"Tell me about the old one," she coaxed.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

"Her name is Ella. She's...amazing."

My mother's eyes sparkled.

"I want to meet the old ella."

I panicked.

"No, Mom. Not yet."

Her brow furrowed.

"Eric, what's going on?"

I forced a smile.

"Nothing. Just...give me time."

My mother nodded, though her eyes still held suspicion.

"I'll give you space, for now."

As she left, I felt a mix of relief and guilt.

I couldn't shake the feeling that my mother would eventually discover our secret.

And what would happen when she learned about Ella's disappearance? Would she accept her, or would her protective instincts take over?

Later that night, I went back to Jenna and I sat together, watching the stars.

"Eric, your mom seems...intense," Jenna said, her voice gentle.

I chuckled.

"That's one word for it."

Jenna's expression turned serious. "Eric, what if she finds out about me being a human?"

My heart skipped a beat.

"I'll handle it," I promised.

But could I truly protect Jenna from my mother's wrath? My mother wants to see Ella. There's a growing feeling around the pack, that Jenna is not the one.

But where on heart can I see Ella? Only time would tell.