Page 14 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

Rian is a good lab technician, working his way up to beta after his father was fatally injured and wanted the role to pass to his son. So far, he has proven his worth, even if he did piss me off the other day. His job is to help Willow at the lab but also ensure any sensitive information or results are filtered through me if necessary. It shouldn’t affect Willow’s progress, but it does keep the pack elders satisfied.

I sigh, leaning back in my best display of nonchalance. “I know there has been much progress since yesterday. I wanted an update away from the lab.”

Griffen looks thoughtful for a moment. “He says there’s nothing more to say, not yet. The results all need to be analyzed first. Besides, he seemed a little reluctant to come. Why might that be?” Amusement flickers over Griffen’s face, and I realize my old friend is merely fishing. “Nothing to do with you punching him outside the lab recently?”

I roll my eyes. “He’s young and annoyed his alpha. I’m sure he’s over it.”

“He annoyed you about the scientist,” Griffen continues pushing, laughing.

“If you already know so much of the story, why are you prying?” I snap.

Griffen stops laughing. “Because I’m trying to understand what is stopping my old friend from just taking what he wants. What you want is clear to anyone who knows you as well as I do.”

I consider lying or telling him to get out, but those words die on my tongue. “It’s not so simple, old friend. We are beinghunted. Our pack is under threat. Possibly at even greater threat if our origins are discovered, yet we also need the help of our new allies. I cannot turn away from the other alphas; they need us as much as we need them, but I cannot trust, either…”

Griffen puts his hands up to stop my growing list of reasons, “Enough, Rowan. All these things are true, but the heart wants what the heart wants, okay?”

I scoff, watching him stand. “And you would know all about it? What does your heart want, Griffen?”

I regret my words as soon as they’re out, knowing full well he’s picturing the witch he left on that Italian shoreline nearly three centuries ago. Griffen simply sighs, saying, “Only the thing I can’t have. Don’t be me, Rowan.”

We stare at each other for a moment before I nod once, and seemingly satisfied, he heads out. I open the pack accounts that require my attention but quickly turn away from them again, lost in thoughts of Griffen and his witch; he was so sure she was his mate but knew the pack wouldn’t accept her. How different would that situation be now, with all that we have learned?

I stare into the fire, musing on pack history and ancient battles for far too long. So long, that I’m surprised when I hear the sound of the door gently opening and closing. It’s her, my mate. I already know because my possessive beasts have stirred. Part of me doesn’t know why I don’t just tell her she’s genuinely my mate and take her. I’ve been alone so long; it feels almost other-worldly to consider letting someone in. The risk of her rejecting me—I’ve seen what that has done to Griffen. But ultimately, I’m not sure my beasts can be held back much longer.

Stepping into the hall, I see her taking her winter coat off. It’s been snowing again, and even on the short walk from the lab,snowflakes have settled in her beautiful auburn hair, looking like tiny jewels under the soft lights. Her shoulders look tense, and she whips around to face me, obviously sensing my presence, too.

“I, um, didn’t see you this morning,” she says tentatively.

I step forward and take the coat from her to hang with the others. “The pack keeps me busy,” I lie easily, not offering the truth that I couldn’t face her after she ran off.

“Well, at least let me make dinner,” she says, walking toward the kitchen. I follow and find her rummaging through the cupboards. She’s made dinner a few times for us and is slowly figuring out where everything is. I watch for a moment before pouring us both a glass of the Merlot she favors. She takes the glass from me, avoiding eye contact.

“And how was the lab today? Are there any developments?” I offer.

She pauses with her hand on one of the saucepans, “Um, Rian was helping with some of the preliminary results. There are some surprises, but Rian didn’t seem to be…as surprised.” I school my expression as she continues, “He mentioned that because many of your pack originate from the Old World, you must have differences. I wish we had data to confirm that, it’s almost frustrating that packs have never done this before or recorded anything if they have.”

“I suppose he might be right—makes sense,” I say slowly, setting some plates on the island. “And what do you think of these differences?”

I can see the conflict on her beautiful features before she speaks, the slight bite on her lip she does when she’s nervous. Why do I get such a thrill from making her nervous? I step closer so she’s forced to look up at me.

If I didn’t know before we kissed, I do now. Her innocence is palpable. And I must really be a monster because the knowledge that she is untouched only excites me.

“I see some. I suspect your sight is even greater than other shifters. You see things dif-differently,” she stutters slightly under my gaze. “I think youfeeldifferent.”

“Mmm, do you think I feel different to everyone else, or just you?” I ask, resting my hand on the counter behind her so her back is forced against it. “How do I feel?”

Her pupils dilate as I hold her gaze, her heart beating a crazy rhythm against my chest. I know I’m testing her despite how badly it went last night, and I wonder how she will respond. Does she feel the mate bond at all?

“I feel you at night. You don’t toy with me then,” she whispers, and my beasts howl in delight. “But not last night. Where were you?”

“Ah, you missed me, love?” I hum in satisfaction, my other hand moving to her hip.

Her eyes flare at my semi-confession. Will she ask me about the dreams? Will she demand answers? Agonizing silence stretches, and my cock feels painfully hard as I try not to scare her away by pressing it against her.

Finally, she nods, and I can take no more waiting. I crash my lips against hers. If last night was gentle and testing, this is all fire.

My tongue sweeps into her mouth, tasting her deeply as I press her against the counter.

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