Page 27 of Claiming Her Alpha

After a while, she felt her brother and father arguing through their mind link and quickly tried to distract Alpha Finlay from the impending fight.

“Alpha Finlay, do you see many human hikers?”

“Not very.”

“May I ask how you keep them away?”

“Though my pack owns this land, many tourists ignored the signs we’ve put up. After a while we just scared them off by making them believe we are gun loving idiots.”

She couldn’t help but giggle. “I like that.”

“When the hiking season starts, my men often fight over who gets the fun of scaring them away.”

“I’m sure it’s the highlight of their day. I’ve heard that your pack are excellent hunters.”

“We are. We mostly hunt to feed our families, but also sell it to locals.”

“Though I could hike for days, I don’t think I would survive without bringing my own food,” she admitted, wanting to keep the conversation light and friendly.

“Don’t worry. We won’t let our guests starve.”

“I don’t think she trusts us very much,” said the guy who’d offered his help. “She grabbed a bunch of snacks before we left the truck behind.”

“Oh that’s not why I took them. I just can’t survive without chocolate.”

“Neither I nor Luke took offense in your actions,” Alpha Finlay quickly reassured her.

The conversation stayed light for the rest of the hike. Though it brought her to her limits, Kendra was too proud to ask for a break. Kent had shifted halfway up the hill and so had her father. Kendra’s jealous wolf was nagging her to shift too, eager to feel the ground beneath her paws. They’d climbed ahead with the other man, Beta Blake, while Alpha Finlay and Luke had stayed with her.

After what felt like eternity, they reached three small cabins. Her father and Kent were already there talking to a young woman. Kendra sighed in relief–perhaps a little too loudly, making Luke laugh again.

“Down is always easier,” he reassured.

“And here I thought I was well prepared.”

“I believe your territory is much flatter than our mountains. I think you did well.”

“Thank you.”

Alpha Finlay led her to the others and quickly introduced the young woman. “Kendra, please meet my mate, Ferra.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna Ferra.”

“I believe it is all mine.”

Alpha Finlay then pointed at the cabin closest to them. “We’ve prepared this cabin for you and will have dinner ready in about an hour. Unless you need more time to refresh?”

Her father nodded. “I believe that will work for all of us.”

As they entered the cabin, Kent was the first to the shower and freshen up. Kendra fell onto the pulled-out couch and looked into the two bedrooms.

“I can take the couch if you like.”

Her father offered her an amused grin. “Are you telling me I’m old?”

“Oh, no not at all! In fact, you youth should take the couch while this little old lady takes that comfy bed.”

Kendra liked this new side to her father. He was much warmer with her now. Though she couldn’t tell if she should be more happy or concerned, she still enjoyed it.

---