Page 14 of Alpha Scorned

I bit back a sigh. I didn’t want his help, but Devon was clinging to me so tightly. He was heavy and big for his age, and clearly had no intention of walking. Besides, I was shaking so much I’d struggle to carry him as far as the daycare center. Swallowing my pride, I nodded. “Devon? Will you go to Lucas for a moment? He’s going to carry you for mummy. Is that okay?”

Devon nodded, his little mouth turned down at the corners, but he didn’t struggle, just went willingly into Lucas’s arms. My son’s large eyes moved back to the cars and he lifted his hand, squeezing it into a fist and opening it in a toddler’s version of a wave. I couldn’t help but look back, my attention drawn directly to Owen as if he was a beacon.

Owen’s face was dark, his expression arctic as he watched Lucas settle Devon in his arms. He waved back to Devon, but his gaze was icy when it found mine. I shuddered and turned away.

“So, who is that guy?” asked Lucas, his voice casual as we walked away. I wasn’t fooled by his tone, but my past was none of his business. It was flattering that Lucas was interested, it was, but I didn’t return that interest. I simply wasn’t into him. So I settled on a half-truth. “He’s an old friend. He was one of the guys who helped free me and the others from the prison.”

Lucas glanced sideways at me, his lips pressed together. Devon stared longingly over his shoulder, quieter than I’d ever seen him. I stroked my son's cheek, and he turned his head away like he did when he was angry with me. Hiding my hurt, I turned back to watch where I was going. Devon was upset he couldn’t be with Owen. I got it, I really did. But as always, I was the one who bore the brunt of his mood. I sighed. I loved my son more than anything, but sometimes being a single mother was really damn hard.

“So he’s nothing more? It looked like there was bad blood between you.”

“More? Like what, Lucas? My lover?” I snapped, suddenly irritated. He was fishing for information that I didn’t want to share.

“Yeah, or perhaps a mate?” His voice remained steady and curious, but he pressed his lips into a flat line.

I didn’t answer, I just took Devon from him. “Thanks for your help. We’ll be fine now.”

“Hey,” he said, touching my shoulder as I turned away. It was none of his godsdamned business, any of it, no matter how nice he was.

“I’m sorry, it’s none of my business.”

“Yeah, you’re right, Lucas. It isn’t.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “But I’d like it to be.” He met my gaze. “I’m an alpha strength wolf, you know that. I’ve been patient in pursuing you because I can sense how guarded you are with your emotions.” His lips curled into a rueful smile. “Plus there’s been no competition that I’m worried about, so there’s been no rush.” His eyes drifted back in the direction of the pack house. “Now there is…”

“Oh, no, let me stop you there. Owen’s never been my lover, and he has no rights to me. There is no competition as far as he’s concerned.” Too ashamed to admit I’d rejected my mate, I kept that bit to myself. Explaining why I’d done it—to anyone—wasn’t an option. Besides, Owen had just publicly scorned me, so there was no point in holding onto the kernel of hope that he would come and find me and make me tell him why I’d rejected him. Gods, I hadn’t even realised how badly I’d wanted that until now.

“In that case, I’d love to have you over for dinner one night. Both of you,” Lucas said, smiling at Devon before his gaze found mine. I swallowed as I realised how my words might sound to Lucas, but I didn’t have time to deal with that right then, so I gave a non-committal answer. “We’ll see. Maybe.”

Lucas grinned and shrugged. “Well, that’s better than an outright no.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his optimism, even though I got the feeling we both knew I wouldn't have dinner with him.

“I’ll see you soon. Bye, Devon.” Lucas ruffled Devon’s curls.

“Bye,” Devon said, sounding a little cheerier and smiling when Lucas returned his air grasping wave.

Groaning inwardly, I headed into the noise of the daycare center.

Chapter 6

Owen.

“Everyone sit down.”I dumped my bag on the floor and looked around the inside of Shane's office. Things had changed significantly since I’d last been to this pack. Granted, we’d been nothing more than escaped convicts at the time, but for a short time, while Connor had been missing, this pack had belonged to me. That had been over three years ago, and with the help of Connor and Drake, and the leadership of Shane, this once temporary camp had been turned into a sustainable town.

Without guilt, I took the seat at the head of the table and took in the clean, airy space. A large rectangular table dominated the room, surrounded by chairs. There was a computer on the table just to the side of my space. It was attached to a large screen on the wall. I guessed presentations to the more senior members of the pack were a thing for Shane. Another table was pushed up against the wall, housing a coffee machine, cups, and a water cooler.

I dismissed the surroundings. It didn’t matter what they were like; I’d been sent here to do a job. The quicker I did it, the quicker I could get away from the woman who’d ruined my life when she ripped out my fucking heart. The scent of her lust still lingered in my nose and it was messing with my head. I didn’t know whether to be turned on, or furious with her for sending me such mixed signals.

Robin gave me a sultry smile, holding my stare. Her interest in me was obvious. I’d automatically assumed Robin was a male. Arrogant and stupid of me, considering the history of many of the females in this pack. They'd been abused by powerful males of one kind or another in the past. It made sense that Shane would agree to have females as well as males in the most powerful positions in the pack.

The tall, lithe female went to sit on my right. It wasn’t a surprise. After all, that was a Beta’s usual position. I steepled my fingers and held her gaze. “No. Robin, you are notmyBeta, you are Shane’s. While I am Alpha here, Zander will be my Beta.”

“What the fuck, Owen?” snarled Stone.

Zander’s expression remained neutral.

I looked Stone right in the eye. “He can shift into a badass demon. And he will protect my back. You, on the other hand, have permission to kill me, if you think I’ve lost my shit. So does he.” I inclined my head at Rawson. “He’s also issued a challenge for my position. I need someone impartial at my side. And right now, that’s not Rawson, or you, brother.”

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