The Alpha's Exchanged Mate
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 156

Alexander’s POV…

I snickered to myself as I observed Caleb trying his best to not growl at me for requesting a drive out. After the meeting, I noticed he wasn’t exactly himself, and Carlos being the snitch he was, had reported Caleb for acting like a maniac at the training ground. Almost scaring the shit out of the prisoners.

There was a need for me to do something. It was obvious Caleb needed a friend. And I wanted to be a friend; he has been there for me during my troubled moments.

I was also feeling weird at the worries of what was to come after the sizzlers’ pack got over their current situation. It had been on my mind for a while, and being confined to a wheelchair. The need to let myself free and howl out was so strong.

Since Caleb knew what I was hiding, I didn’t feel the need to refuse the joy of being in my real form. I had called the resort not too far from the company, asking them to make the woods available for about two hours. One of the perks of having money is how much you can buy luxuries for yourself.

I bet Caleb has no idea what we are going to do there. He looked worn out and paled after a few days of being choked. He doesn’t seem like one who can take in too much stress.

“Why do you look like you might puke?” I asked him.

He gave me a side glance, “maybe I might. Why the hell are we heading to a resort? I’m really not in the mood for any sort of entertainment.”

I chuckled, feeling his wolf growling for some release. I swear he would be grateful for what I’m about to show him.

“You should go through the back gate that leads to their forest,” I informed him.

“Why would you do that?” Caleb looked perplexed.

“Do you have to know everything? Have you forgotten I don’t have legs which implies I can’t harm you?” I jested.

He shook his head, ignoring me but doing what I asked of him.

The gate opened up just immediately. I had told the manager we would be entering through the back.

Driving into the space, realization seems to dawn on Caleb.

He snorted, a small smile playing on his lips as he parked. We both got down at the same time. I didn’t bother to pretend like I needed the wheelchair.

“Is this some sort of date?” It sounded more like a statement.

Glancing at him with a knowing look, I stretched out my hand, letting the cool air blow at me. I miss being able to stay out with no worries about anyone watching.

“You might like to keep your clothes in the car. We wouldn’t want to head back to the office naked.” I joked.

“You bet.” He murmured, stripping himself down almost immediately. “Wait a minute, is this okay? People will likely tour the forest.”

“There is nothing to worry about. Just flow with the moment,” I replied.

I did the same as he did, letting off my clothes since I didn’t want to break the surprise to him. I had been forced to keep it to myself and not ask for extra clothes to be kept in the car.

Giving ourselves the go-ahead with a nod, we both shifted into our wolves. His was faster than mine, but eventually, we were both in our full wolf form.

As if on cue, we picked up a pace at the same time. Howling out into the air, it felt like total freedom and bliss. I don’t wish for this moment to end.

My wolf huffed and puffed, happy at the chance to run around. Feeling the earth underneath the paws and being able to sniff through the forest.

We ran around for what seemed like a whole hour. Returning to the car, I could swear I had done just about enough for the next four weeks.

Caleb grabbed a bottle of water from the back seat, gulped it down and passed me the rest. We got changed and got back into the car.

“How do you feel?” I inquired.

He stared at me with grateful eyes, “I feel really good. Thanks for this, man.”

There was no need for pretence. The sincerity in his voice was enough to tell me I had done well. And that made me feel really good inside.

“You are always welcome.”

“I had almost forgotten how good it felt running through the woods with you to hunt and fight before the accident,” Caleb said.

I shrugged, “those moments I took for granted. I am so grateful to the moon goddess for giving me this opportunity.”

“You still haven’t told me why you are keeping up the pretence.”

A scoff escaped my lips, “it’s not time yet. I will let you in on it when the time is right.”

He nodded in understanding, “I trust your judgement.”

As much as I trusted Caleb, I wasn’t ready to reveal my secret and reasons yet. He would have never known if not for that fateful day. I want to believe he had known because of a day like this. It’s nice to have a person you can confide in. I had been craving the run so much. For the first time in a long while, I feel really grateful for Caleb’s presence in my life.

Resting my head against the chair as he drove out, “So, have you decided on what you intend to do now?” I asked him, hoping the run had done him some good aligning his thoughts.

Caleb sighed, “yeah, it did a whole lot. You read my mind exactly. I needed to let my wolf free but could not due to the lack of space. Now I know what I really want to do. Thanks so much, Xander; this means a lot to me.”

“Anytime, brother,” I replied.

Staring out the window, I let out a relaxed breath. My wolf purred in excitement. I was just as happy and well-rested as he was.