Page 1 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

CHAPTER 1

SEREN

“Ithought you were the dog!” I shriek, weaving through the manicured garden, trying to hold back laughter as a blur of movement snaps at my heels. “I swear, I didn’t know you had gotten your wolf, Max!”

“Sure,” the thirteen-year-old barks back, his voice dripping with teenage sarcasm. “So, you decide to splash water on thefamily pet? I thought you’d have more empathy for your own kind, Seren! But I guess not.”

I shoot a glance over my shoulder and see him brandishing the hose, eyes glinting with mischief. The water pressure strains against his palm, ready to burst.

“Your future alpha’s gonna lose it if he finds out you messed with his…uhm…” I pause, searching for the word, but I’m too late. The icy water explodes out of the hose, slamming into my back and smashing the breath out of my lungs.

I spin around, soaked to the bone, to find Max doubled over with laughter, the hose dangling from his hand.

“Welcome back, alpha’s hen!” he crows before shifting back into his brown wolf and disappearing into the forest. Shivering, I rub my arms and curse under my breath. I have to get inside before I turn into a Popsicle.

Ella’s sharp commands echo down the kitchen corridor near the staff quarters, through air filled with the aroma of toasted bread and fresh rosemary. “Crisp, not burnt, mind you! Line them all up on a paper napkin. Next course in ten!”

The next course?

My eyes widen as I glance at the clock. Damn it! I’m late to the brunch with the Briar Ridge pack leaders.

As I bound up the stairs two at a time, I think about alternate outfits, since the one I picked is soaked.

Ten minutes later, I’m sprinting down the stairs again, but this time I cut through the grand foyer of the Blackwood Estate.

A deep breath steadies my racing heart as I reach the glistening oak door. I plaster a practiced smile on my face before I carefully push it open.

“So sorry I’m late,” I offer, while quickly walking over to the only unoccupied chair at the table. But there is no place setting there, and everyone is already halfway done with their meal.

A pang of hurt shoots through me, but I quickly push it down before it can show on my face. Gripping the back of the chair for support, I project a cheerful smile. “Well, I hope you’re all enjoying the brunch. Is there anything I can get for anyone?”

Before it can get even more awkward, there’s a loud “Coming through!” from beyond the doorway. Ella walks in with hertwo helpers, wheeling in a trolley laden with steaming dishes. I immediately start to slip away, planning to sneak out of the room while everyone’s distracted by the arrival of more food, but Luna Marie’s hand clamps around my wrist.

“Dan, move your chair a bit, darling,” she instructs her husband, who gets up to make room for me. “Ella, bring that extra chair over here.” Turning to me, she adds, “You’ve been away for three years, so I forgot. Come, sit next to me.”

As everyone starts moving to make space for me, I wish the earth would open and swallow me whole.

I grab the last muffin from a basket just before Ella clears it and quickly take my seat, putting it on a napkin so no one has to find me a clean plate.

“I’m actually not very hungry, but I would love the company.” I smile and look around, trying to find a familiar face.

“What a warm energy,” the regal, red-haired woman says. I think she’s the Briar Ridge Luna. “I’m sorry we haven’t met before, sweetheart. Are you part of the family? Or maybe Luna Marie’s…?” Her voice trails off, searching for the right word as she realizes I don’t have a wolf scent.

Luna Marie’s smile widens as her hand reaches out to gently clasp mine. “This is Seren. She grew up here at the estate.” Her voice takes on a defensive edge. Alpha Dan doesn’t say a word.

The room buzzes with quiet conversation as a knot tightens in my stomach.

I’m the only human in this hundred-acre estate.And no, I’m not family.

The words are on the tip of my tongue. But I smile, straighten my shoulders, and silently break my blueberrymuffin in half. I’m going to be here awhile, and I need sugar to survive this.

“Alright everyone, there’s been a change of plans,” Alpha Dan says, leaning back in his chair. “Theron just finished up early, so now he should be home by five. So.” He gestures toward the guests. “You folks were just talking about the coffee project, right? Perfect timing. He’ll be the one spearheading that. You should stay and get acquainted with him.”

My heart slams against my ribs. My fingers instinctively move to touch the silver wolves dangling from my ears—a birthday gift from him. Theron is finally coming home, and I look like a complete mess.

I pick at my muffin, smiling, until Ella barges in with the dessert. Seizing the distraction, I stand up. “I just remembered that a friend was supposed to call me. I should take it outside.”

Luna Marie nods and I don’t waste a second, rushing straight to my room. My hair is wet, my limbs hairy, and I don’t have a thing to wear.

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