Page 2 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

I am pulled from my thoughts by the hot cup in my hand. Just as I’m about to take my first sip, I hear the front door alarm beep quietly from the other room. It’s late—too late for any of the other temp workers or Forrest to come back in. Hardly anyone knows I’d even be here. Given the events of the past couple years, my anxiety is through the roof. My heart rate spikes alarmingly until my senses pick up the scent. It’s my alpha, Kaiden. Now, my heart is racing for a different reason.

I like Kaiden. He’s Kit’s mate and a wonderful leader. But alphas still make me nervous, full stop—especially when I don’t have any more breakthroughs to deliver yet.

“Willow?” Kaiden calls out as he entered the main lab. I take a deep breath, abandoning my hot chocolate on the side table, and walk toward my station. Kaiden is already there, staring at my wall of research, a quizzical expression on his face.

“Impressive,” he says, motioning to the data. “It’s quite remarkable how much you’ve achieved here.”

I can feel the heat creeping into my cheeks under the praise and silently try to shake it off, especially as it’s nowhere near enough. “Um, thanks. There's still so much to do, though.”

And that’s the truth. There is so much to do, and my progress doesn’t feel impressive at all. It feels stunted and frustrating.

Kaiden looks thoughtful for a moment, and I can’t help but wonder why he’s here. Sure, he has visited the lab many times as an alpha, but isn’t he supposed to babysit tonight so the lunas can meet at the bar? We stand there awkwardly for a moment before he clears his throat.

“There is a lot to do, but I know you’re doing your best with what you have,” he says, and I feel the blush creeping in again. “That’s why I’m here. The Nicholson pack approached me privately. They have some sort of plan to speed up our research. I’m meeting their alpha Rowan tomorrow night with the Alpha Council to discuss the details, but I understand it might involve you traveling to their territory to work in the new lab. I wanted to run it by you first and give you some time to think about it.”

Rowan.

His handsome face flashing in front of my eyes solidifies the crimson in my cheeks, and I struggle to maintain my professional exterior, nodding and trying to make it appear as though I’m simply mulling over the information.

“Mmm,” I nod, leaning against the bench in an attempt to look unruffled by the thought of the Nicholson alpha, the intrigue of their proposal, and the thought of having to navigate visiting a different pack. “I have been meaning to chase their samples. They’re the only pack we’ve asked who hasn’t delivered them. I’ll do anything at this point to get the answers we need. Is there any more news on the Order yet?”

Kaiden shook his head before sighing, “Not yet, but that’s not a bad thing. We have a strong network developing between the Rocky Mountains packs, keeping a lookout for any 'so-called rogue wolves. It’s giving us the time we need to learn more about the Völva magic, our strengths, and any potential weaknesses. We will prevail, especially with people like you in our corner.”

I want to scoff at the compliment, but I know he doesn’t give them out unless he means them. This feeling of being valued and appreciated by an alpha is still new to me.

“Well, uh, thank you. Let me know what the Nicholson alpha says about their plans?” I reply, my voice steady and business-like.

Kaiden nods before turning to leave. “Think carefully about your feelings on the other pack, and I’ll have more information for you soon,” he says, pausing before he walks away. “And, uh, don’t work too hard; I hear you’re doing too much of that.”

Kit has clearly been talking to him, which annoys me for the briefest second before that warm feeling returns, the knowledge that people really care about me. I watch as Kaiden leaves the lab and then return to my work, with thoughts of Rowan flickering in and out of my mind as I try to concentrate on the data in front of me. In reality, there’s only one thought dominating my mind.

What is your plan, Rowan?

Chapter 2 - Rowan

I am not prone to nerves. I’m too old; though thankfully, I don’t look my age, and dare I say too confident in my decisions to ever waste time second-guessing myself.

This is what I remind myself of, on repeat, as I walk through the forest toward the assigned meeting point. I may be a few minutes late, judging by how high the moon is now, but the other alphas are traveling further, so I’m sure I won’t be the only one.

These days, I rarely walk alone in the forest, and I find myself not rushing, allowing the evening calm to wash over me. As an alpha, my pack constantly dominates my thoughts—more so than ever with the threat of the Order and attacks by the hunters hanging over our heads.

Given our safe haven and previous isolation, the pack is not used to being under threat, and my job has been increasingly tense. Our previously insulated way of life is changing. New information has made it clear that rather than keeping us safe, isolating ourselves was actually making us weaker. And as with hearing all hard truths, not everyone is receptive to listening—even me.

My beasts’ senses dance amongst the trees, and the forest itself responds with an ancient melody. Unsure where my vampire blood and wolf meet, I allow both the reins equally as I walk, keenly aware of the rustle of the breeze at the top of the canopy, the tiniest animal scuttling over the ridge, and the sound of Cade from the Wilder pack approaching some three kilometers from the west. He’s going to be later than I am unless he picks up the pace, as I sense the other alphas are already gathered and have a fire going. I only hope Kaidenremembered the beers; I want everyone in a receptive mood for my announcement.

I know my plan is not without risk, but I don’t care. I value the tentative but growing allegiance with the other packs; I even find myself enjoying the company of my fellow alphas—something I couldn’t have imagined until quite recently. And I know our mutual cooperation is needed to defeat the Order; at least, that’s the outward premise for my generous offer of help I’ll be making this evening. And that should be enough. But frankly, it all pales in comparison to the real reason.

Her.Willow.

The thought alone stops me in my tracks. The forest itself bristles as my body vibrates with purpose—neither a shifter's urge to find its mate nor a vampire’s unyielding determination are for the faint-hearted. Not for the first time, I chuckle mirthlessly.

Almost a thousand years, across all continents, so many lifetimes, and I find my mate tucked away in these forested mountains. A tiny, almost fragile-looking thing, but with curves I’ve waited an eternity for. To have found her in the midst of this crisis with the Order is remarkably bad timing, and that she belongs to another pack when my own swore not to allow outsiders in centuries ago is another issue. But I will not be deterred.

All roads lead to Willow.

Hell, at this point, all thoughts lead to Willow.

Not far from the meeting point now, I try to clear my mind of her beautiful face, concentrating on the meeting ahead, but it’s useless. I remind myself that I can’t be one hundred percent sure she’s my mate. Not yet. That’s why this next step is crucial.

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