Page 27 of Impregnated By the Alpha

His words shocked me. I hadn’t realized that he sincerely cared about me up until this moment.

“You’re being serious,” I said, surprised.

Nile nodded. “Every choice I have made has been to keep you safe.”

I sensed we were moving too close to a conversation about our past for my liking. I needed to bring us back to the topic at hand.

Being my mate was advantageous to him because of the alliance, but he had confronted Diana for my sake alone. He really did want what was best for me, which meant I needed to trust him.

“If I’m going to trust your judgment, then you need to trust mine as well,” I said.

“Of course I do,” he said.

“You’ve done your part to protect me, and now it’s my turn to protect you and your leadership—ourleadership,” I corrected myself.

“Just tell me what you need,” Nile said.

“I need you to set up a gathering. A casual reason for the Pinedale and Dark Moon packs to gather together,” I explained.

“What do you plan on doing?”

“Win everyone over with my charming personality, of course,” I said, flashing him a dazzling smile.

He chuckled. “Your wish is my command, luna,” he said with a bow.

For the first time since I had been in Pinedale, I felt like I had a plan, and a teammate who would help me with it. From the first moment we had become mates, we had both been working toward the same goal, but we had been doing it on our own without considering the other person’s actions or feelings.

Now, I felt like we were in it together.

I wanted to win over the pack so that I would be accepted, and so that the alliance would succeed, of course. It was as much for Sparkle Hollow as it was for Pinedale and Dark Moon. But I couldn’t deny that I had ulterior motives as well.

I wanted to do this for Nile, too.

Chapter 14 - Nile

At Violet’s request, I organized a party for the packs of Pinedale to gather. There was no particular theme in mind. I simply billed the event as an evening of revelry and a chance for the community to enjoy each other’s company.

I arrived early to set up the space along with a handful of volunteers. The community center was decorated with lights and balloons, and our usual setup of chairs had been exchanged for party seating scattered about the room. High tables with a handful of chairs punctuated the outer rim of the room, encircling the dance floor. Musically gifted pack members had brought their instruments and played music on the stage, and a spread of food on a long table offered refreshments.

Before long, members of the packs began to arrive. I greeted everyone from both mine and Jasper’s packs enthusiastically, ready to help Violet make tonight a success.

Nearly everyone had arrived when I spotted Violet. The scarlet dress she had chosen was simple but stunning on her.

“You look amazing,” I said, greeting her.

“I thought red would be eye-catching and help me stand out,” she said, looking around at the party nervously. “But now I’m wondering if it’s a little too much.”

I didn’t want to lay it on too thick, but I knew I was going to spend the rest of the night trying to keep my hands off her. She had been very strict when laying out her one requirement for the night: don’t interfere. That meant keeping out of the way while she did what needed to be done.

“I’d say it’s just the right amount,” I argued.

“I agree with your mate,” said a female voice.

I turned and saw Luna April had arrived with Alpha Jasper. As always, April was smiling and engaged while Jasper was standoffish, keeping himself slightly out of the circle of conversation.

“Thank you, Luna,” Violet said to her counterpart. “It’s good to see you.”

“Likewise,” April replied.

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