Chapter Two

Claude’s POV

I couldn't believe my eyes.

After spotting him for a moment I was stopped speechless. A part of me was in disbelief telling myself that it was just my imagination or a strange resemblance, but when he finally looked up there was no question.

It was Jesse. My mate.

He looked different, his hair longer, face harder and lean body with more muscle, but it didn't stop me from recognizing him. Not when the bond between us sand in my bones.

“Alpha,” Eric called my attention. Couldn't he recognize him?

Nevertheless, Eric continued speaking. I knew vaguely he was explaining how he found them from the bits I got, but I couldn't grasp anything he was saying under the weight of Jesse's eyes.

I looked into his light green orbs. It was just like I was transported to years ago, back when we were still friends. When I couldn't identify the feeling everytime he laughed. The things I couldn't understand that infuriated me in the past leaving me with so much regret.

All of a sudden, Jesse looked down and the memories faded away, leaving me untethered, blinking me back to reality.

“... requested for safe passage through the pack, stating that his rogues will not attempt to attack us.” Eric finished. I turned to meet Eric's aged stare before turning to the pack.

They didn't even look like they were ready to attack. Although there were several warriors among them, there were some women and children. I knew instantly that this was likely what stopped Eric from doing anything drastic.

I had never in any way trusted rogues. It was unheard of in this pack, yet as I turned to Jesse who wasn't looking my way, my mind was set.

“I accept your rogue group’s surrender.” I announced.

Murmurs instantly filled the group with surprise, I felt some stares from my pack members and warriors as well but I couldn't care less.

Jesse looked up at me in surprise and I felt my heart racing in excitement.

“Thank you Al-”

“However,” I cut him off, “rather than having you all leave at this time, why don't you all stay for a while in our pack?”

The surprise from before was outright shock. Even Eric looked at me like I had grown two heads. But I kept my face calm.

I knew what they were thinking. Usually when dealing with rogues, I was unforgiving and brutal, not sparing a single excuse, but this was different.

I wasn't going to let him go again.

He looked every bit unwilling to accept the offer.

“I'm sorry Alpha Claude, but we cannot accept.”

I nearly fell from hearing his voice say my name again.

“I'm not trying to bait you all. I can see that all of you are tired and exhausted. It wouldn't be right of me to let you leave in this state ." I said, trying to hide my desperation.

Some of the rogue members were murmuring and I knew that they were considering it. Still Jesse hadn't said a word, looking conflicted. By the looks of it he would still refuse.

Desperation and determination solidified in me.

“You can all stay in the Golden compound with me,” I offered, earning more shocked stares. The Golden compound was the most luxurious section of the pack, holding the best rooms in the pack. Jesse knew this, and I felt his shock but turned to Eric.

“Please, lead the rogues there now and unbind them. They are our guests now.” I said. Eric looked confused but nodded in acceptance.

“As for you, the leader. You can stay in my home.” I smiled.

Jesse looked trite, but before he could say anything he was cut off.

“Thank you Aloha Claude,” one of the women said, wiping their eyes, “we're grateful for this.”

More rogues continued thanking me enthusiastically, assuring me. I nodded and took it all in stride before I glanced at Jesse. His form was slumped in defeat like all the fight had left him.

My insides were bursting in happiness but I only passed a smirk his way.

It had been five long years since he ran away thanks to my stupidity and I’d searched for him everywhere I could since then. Now, I had a chance to finally make things right again and I wasn't going to waste it.

…

The rogues were sent on their way quickly and I was giddy inside. I could barely focus on the rest of the work I had to deal with when I couldn't wait to get home.

When I reached my home, I immediately called the nearest servant to prepare the most exquisite dinner. I still knew all his favorites. I smiled to myself at the thought of happiness when he saw it.

“Alpha,” a guard called my attention, “Alicia has also arrived from her trip -”

I frowned instantly before waving it off.

“I'll deal with her later.” I Saud, dismissing the guard.

I didn't want to think about her right now. All I wanted to think of was Jesse and getting him back.

Excitement brewed up in me as I walked through the stairs feeling the bond. I couldn't believe that it was still active all these years despite the distance between us. After he was gone and the bond died down I was desperate for this feeling again.

Now I felt it. He was near.

When I reached the room prepared for him, I couldn't control myself, barging in without even bothering to knock.

“Oh.” My jaw fell open at the sight that greeted me. Jesse, who looked like he'd just come from the shower, stood at the door, wearing only a towel.

The water dripped around his body. I couldn't help but rove through his pale skin, the lean muscles that weren't there in the past, the abs against his small waist.

A lump formed in my throat with heat flaring south.

I never thought I'd feel desire like this. Even around many women I had never felt this. I wanted to feel his skin, hold that waist.

“What the hell is wrong with you!”

Jesse's shout startled me, making me jerk back. My heart sank as I looked at his face and only saw anger.

“I..” I couldn't say a word, the bravado from earlier left me under the sinking weight of his rage.

“You have no right to enter my room like this Alpha Claude,” I flinched at the harsh title.

“Well? What do you want from me? You dragged me all the way here and made me come neck to this hell so what do you expect of me?”

I flinched at his words. It felt like a stab to the gut but looking at his expression I knew he was completely honest.

Hell?

Guilt and regret choked me. There was only one reason that he would think of this place, his home, as hell. The same reason he ran away, and it was all my

fault.

Smiling bitterly, I looked up.

“Do you still hold a grudge against me after all this time?”