Page 28 of Impregnated By the Alpha

“If you’ll excuse me, I want to go check in with some of the new arrivals,” I said, excusing myself from the group.

“I’ll come with you,” Jasper said.

The two of us walked toward the entrance, where we stationed ourselves at the nearest table to the door.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Jasper said. “I know April enjoys gatherings, but parties aren’t really my thing.”

“Not at all,” I said. “To be honest with you, I’m trying to take a back seat at this one. Violet has faced some… resistance to becoming a member of the pack, and she wanted to have a chance to get to know everyone without me hovering.”

Jasper raised his eyebrow at me questioningly. “Has there been trouble? I hadn’t heard anything from our wolves.”

“Not exactly trouble, but it looked like it might be heading in that direction,” I admitted. “My late wife’s mother has not been receptive to the idea of a new luna for the pack. Or a new woman in my life, for that matter.”

“I see,” Jasper said. “I’m sure that’s difficult to navigate. I assume you’re regretting our alliance now. If that’s the case, I can assure you that you have our full support in whatever you need.”

I waved my hand dismissively at his assertion. “Not at all. I don’t regret Violet becoming my mate. I thought I had my whole life together before she got here, but the longer she’s here, the more I realize how little I know about myself. She has shown me things that I need to work on and been a great influence on Penny. She makes me a better alpha.”

“I understand that completely,” Jasper said, nodding in understanding.

Jasper and I continued our conversation, interspersed with polite greetings to pack members who came and left while I watched Violet from afar.

I could tell she was hesitant at first, only speaking to those who came up to her. But then she seemed to get her footing and soon began making friendly advances toward the less friendly members of the Pinedale Pack—those who had been influenced by Diana’s poor opinion of her.

After a while, the room appeared to be completely at ease. I watched as Violet effortlessly spoke with person after person, and felt my pride swell as I realized that even those who had been most opposed to her had finally begun to warm up to my mate.

“Looks like Killian is on the prowl,” Jasper joked as he nodded his head toward a wolf who was eyeing the single female members of the packs. It did, indeed, appear that Jasper’s second-in-command was looking for a suitable mate.

“I’m surprised we haven’t held a mating ceremony for him yet,” I said. “He’s a good-looking guy with a position of prestige. Has he never found a female from your pack to settle down with?”

“Our pack doesn’t exactly have a flourishing female population of marrying age,” Jasper pointed out.

“Well, maybe he’ll meet someone someday,” I said.

Violet had made her way over to where Killian stood, greeting him with a smile. I watched as they talked, becoming more uncomfortable by the minute. He said something that made Violet laugh, throwing her head back as she reached out to grab his forearm for support.

My stomach churned as I witnessed the exchange. I took a step forward to interfere before I remembered my promise to Violet. This was her night. I turned my back to the room to regain my composure, vowing to myself that I wouldn’t mess things up for the luna, especially in front of the pack.

***

When the last of the wolves had left the community center, Violet and I took the short walk home together.

“I think that went really well,” Violet said enthusiastically. “I was nervous at first—I’m sure you could tell—but I think I made some good progress with all the wolves. Even the ones who prefer Diana’s leadership.”

She continued to speak about her favorite moments of the night while I listened, still ruminating on the interaction between her and Killian.

“You’re being really quiet. What’s on your mind?” she asked.

“It’s nothing,” I replied quietly.

“No, don’t do that,” she said, coming to a halt near the garden gate. “If you have something to say, then say it.”

I sighed. “Fine. You want to know what I’m thinking? I’m thinking about the obvious attraction you have for Killian.”

“Killian? Jasper’s second?” she asked, frowning.

I didn’t respond, because as soon as I had said my thoughts out loud, I had wanted to take them back. I was trying to win her love, not push her away. Getting angry at her wouldn’t help matters, and neither would jealousy. But I knew it needed to be said.

“You have some nerve,” Violet said, still scowling. “I told you that tonight was going to be about getting to know the packs and trying to make friends. And now you’re angry with me because—what—I wastoofriendly?”

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