Chapter 37

*Wade POV*

Having Liam here is supposed to be a relief. Instead, I feel like I’m in high school fighting for the attention of the popular girl who only looks my way because she has to. Ali is her own person. I have no claim on her. Other than this bond that I’m realizing is making my life harder than it needs to be. My head feels like a war zone of emotions that aren’t mine vs emotions I shouldn’t even be having for someone I can’t have.

That’s what makes it even worse. Wanting to lay claim to her, to hold her close and make her mine, but knowing she can’t ever be. Unless, by some twisted fate, she turns out to be my actual mate. But until then I get to watch the man she loves relentlessly throw himself at her. To top it all off, he is the Alpha of the most prominent warrior pack. I’m just some weak lowly Alpha who needs protecting.

“Alpha” Ali calls to me softly.

I shift in the chair to look at her. She is propped up in my office so I can work and she can be