Page 16 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

Rian sits down, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so awkward; he’s normally full of confidence—too confident. “I just wondered if you’ve had a chance to go over the pack data yet? Anything interesting?”

“I have,” I say hesitantly. “I don’t know if interesting is the right word. Different, certainly”

He pales slightly, and I instantly regret my choice of words. “I don’t mean bad differently,” I ramble. “Good, perhaps. I’m seeing markers that could mean enhanced healing and even strength. I’m just trying to determine what some of the others mean.”

“Mmm,” he sighs thoughtfully. “Do the ancient texts give you any clues?”

I nod and gesture to my notebook, “I’ve been making some notes, and my colleague Forrest has been doing some research in our old library. Do you have any thoughts, Rian?”

I don’t miss how shifty he looks, but it’s quickly replaced by one of his easy-going smiles. “I don’t see why our pack wouldbe any different, but I guess with some of our elders coming from the Old World so long ago, there’s bound to be differences. Nothing major, though, right?”

“No, of course not,” I reply easily, not entirely sure of his intentions. Shifting the subject slightly, I ask, “Have the four Völva women been notified?”

“Yes, of course. They’re meeting with Sara later today,” he confirms. “Being without a wolf, we suspected two of them, but the others were a surprise.”

“Historically, being without a wolf has not been easy,” I tell him. “Hopefully, that’s changing because of our research and the ability to understand how important the Völva are for the future of our packs.”

Seeming satisfied, Rian says goodbye and goes back across the hall toward his workstation. I watch him walk away and release a breath. He’s been nothing but helpful, but I can’t shake the feeling he’s monitoring me—watching me. Which is strange, because we’re on the same side, looking for the same answers. Aren’t we? The data did arrive, but only after a delay, and I had to chase it. Looking at the timestamp, it was printed hours before I received it. I know I’m not being paranoid, but I can’t help but think it had already been looked over. But why? I’ve already made a mental note to get ahead of the next set of data printouts rather than waiting for a technician to bring them to me.

Standing, I shut my office door. It’s made from reinforced materials that block shifter hearing to a degree so that any in-person studies can be afforded some privacy. I find my phone on the desk buried under the paperwork and see the two missed calls from Kaiden earlier, hitting the call button.

I haven’t been avoiding him, per se, but I am a bit conflicted about who my alpha is now. My shifter instincts are one hundred percent on board with being Rowan’s luna, but then, my hormones have been going crazy ever since I got here. Perhaps even before, where he’s concerned. But this was only supposed to be a sham mating, a formality so the pack would accept my presence. What happens when my research is completed? Does Kaiden become my alpha again? What is this thing with Rowan? It feels so powerful, but deep down, I know he’s keeping secrets. My allegiance still feels torn. After everything that happened to my parents and the hunters, the one thing I crave is safety, and I just don’t know if I’m safe with Rowen. Especially where my heart is concerned.

The phone rings and then connects. “Thanks for calling me back, Willow. Busy?” Kaiden asks.

“Yes, very busy, actually,” I reply. Busy thinking about Rowan, more like.

“Are you able to share an update?” Kaiden asks carefully. “I’m meeting with Rowan later this week, but I’d like your take on things, too.”

I start by explaining the results of the interpack DNA sequencing, trying to explain as simply as I can. I update him on the number of new Völva cases and explain how the database of new abilities is being built. It’s slow work, as we don’t always know what we’re looking for, but, most importantly perhaps, the fertility markers in all the Völva cases are high. “We’re also seeing impressive supernatural abilities across the Völva community, stretching back several generations on the maternal side.”

“Kit met with the other lunas yesterday, and they are compiling more information from pack texts for you. I’ll have her send it over when they’ve finished,” Kaiden says.

“Yes, she mentioned they’ve made some progress.” I pause before adding, “The Nicholson pack data is interesting. There are differences, more than I would expect. It's not the entire pack, but there are some. You’ve spent time with Rowan, have you noticed anything?”

Kaiden is quiet for a moment. “You’ll have to be more specific, Willow.”

I take a deep breath, suddenly feeling as though I don’t want to verbalize the full extent of what I’m thinking. “The DNA markers are off the charts in some areas, and there are things I don’t recognize at all.”

“I have fought side by side with Rowan, and his wolf is strong. He’s fearless and an excellent alpha,” Kaiden says firmly. “He also has an uncanny way of seeing things differently, wiser than I think he lets on, and I’m almost certain he’d be one of the deadliest fighters. But I’ve seen nothing that concerns me. Yet.”

I may be torn on who my alpha is these days, but Kaiden’s endorsement soothes my nerves over the Nicholson data. “You’re right. There are always anomalies in data. They're open about having origins in the Old World; I just need to focus my research there to get to the bottom of it. It might be useful, actually.”

“Do you want me to tell Kit to look into it?” Kaiden asks.

I shake my head. “No, I’m going to call her later, anyway,” I tell him.

“But everything is okay with you? Rowan treating you well?” he asks, the concern in his voice genuine.

I feel warmth spread through me as I consider the texts from Kit, the other women I have allowed to get closer, Forrest, and now Kaiden. Despite the walls I built, it feels good to let people care.

But that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell Kaiden the whole truth. “He’s been absolutely fine. He’s committed to this project,” I say in my most professional voice.

“I bet he is. Good to hear,” Kaiden replies with a chuckle. I’m glad he can’t see me as my infuriating blush returns, and I can’t help but wonder if he suspects something between Rowan and me.

Thankfully, he signs off before it gets any more awkward, and I toss the phone back onto the desk, groaning.

Grabbing my empty cup, I open the office door and head toward the cafeteria. As I pass, I clock Rian back at his workstation, my eyes on his screen, which holds the latest pack data. He turns, seemingly sensing my presence, making me freeze slightly before I continue, doing my best to pretend I wasn’t looking over his shoulder. I don’t know why he’s setting me on edge today. His questions weren’t that suspicious. In truth, he probably just made me think about my own concerns. About the data and Rowan. Things I don’t want to face up to.

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