Page 21 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

Something dark crosses Rowan’s features. I’ve always known he is a strong leader, a respected alpha, ferocious in battle with the hunters, and physically intimidating. Still, the darkness I see reflected back at me causes my mouth to dry up and my hands to tremble. He seems to notice, blinking to clear the wolf from his eyes and taking both my hands in his. “I haveperhaps lowered my guard too much where the lab is concerned—where you are concerned, love. I will make changes tomorrow, and you will always have Griffen or me nearby.”

I nod. “You’ve known Griffen a long time,” I state, considering something that has been on my mind, “You know, his DNA is the most similar to your own. I don’t mean you’re related, I just mean the markers. Have you always been in the same pack?”

“We met as wolves, not from the same pack,” he says, rubbing my trembling hands. “Perhaps it’s because we’re from the same area. Perhaps all shifters have differentmarkersaround the world, no?”

I want to say no, I don’t think that’s it. The DNA markers aren’t just different. They seem mixed, like interconnecting spirals locked together. But I don’t; I just nod as he continues, “Let’s concentrate on this security breach. I will make some food while you make notes about who had access to the samples. We will review the security footage, and I will brief Griffen. I will not see my luna scared. Your work is too important. The alpha alliance has a meeting soon, and I will not have anyone stand in the way of our progress.”

I find myself calmed by his decisiveness. As an alpha, he exudes control, and although I used to find alphas intimidating, Rowan makes me feel safe. He seems to know what I’m thinking as a satisfied smile appears on his lips; he releases my hands and cups my cheek again, pulling me against his hard body.

“I will protect you, love.” His voice teases my hair, sending shivers racing down my spine.

“I-I know you will,” my reply slips out, hands gripping his shirt.

I honestly can’t explain why I trust him so much, alone in his territory, when I know he’s keeping secrets. The truth nags at the corners of my mind, desperate to be heard. I live in a world of facts, and I try to balance those with ancient wisdom, but there appear to be some realities I don’t even want to consider. Almost too ridiculous to be brought out into the light.

I don’t know why I trust him so much, but I do. I’m simply lost to Rowan. And it’s terrifying.

Chapter 12 - Rowan

“I don’t understand,” I growl, slamming my hand down on the oak desk, the ancient wood developing another crack under my fist. “What is the point of having a security system if it can be turned off at will?”

Griffen doesn’t even flinch at my outburst. Instead, his eyes are set hard as he glares at the screen. “It can’t. Not easily, anyway,” he mutters. “Willow was right. That file was deliberately taken. The security feed shows the machine was still on in the top right of the screen at 5:08 p.m., but when it comes back on at seven, the lab is pretty much empty, and the machine is off; the slide can just be seen on the floor.”

“I see that,” I snap. “But that doesn’t tell us who took it. What about the outside security cameras? Do we see anyone leaving?”

Griffen sighs, “We see everyone coming and going, but no one’s sticking two fingers up at us and waving secret documents around.” I roll my eyes at his attempt to lighten my mood. “At least it’s not the hunters. We’d have spotted a stranger.”

“Not the win it seems,” I mutter, turning to look out over the town square toward the lab. “It’s one of our own. Are they working alone or with the hunters? It wouldn’t be the first time a pack has been infiltrated. Did Rian find anything concerning and destroy it before Willow could see it?”

Griffen scoffs. “Not our pack, though; we have been committed to securing the safety of this pack for nearly two centuries in these mountains. No way would anyone here turn. For hunters? Rian is as confused as we are; he said that slide wasn’t particularly relevant anyway.” he spits out.

“History has taught us that betrayal can come from any angle, Grif. I’m sure my fellow alphas would have thought their packs were immune to corruption, too,” I say, turning back to face my old friend, who shakes his head.

“I know what you’re saying, but I still won’t have it. Not hunters. They’re quiet, anyway. More likely to be someone not happy about the research into our bloodlines. Someone in the lab?”

I take a seat, smoothing my hand over the latest fracture in the desk. “Grayson thinks they’ve had hunter activity on their northern border, but it is not confirmed. They may not be as quiet as we think,” I inform him. “But yes, it could be linked to the research. Which is why each person in that lab was handpicked. Theywantedthe research to happen.”

“Doesn’t mean they didn’t get cold feet,” Griffen replies. “After all, most of our younger members are far removed from their origins. They know the history and their family's stories but don't know the extent of hybrid power or the perils of embracing it. Hell, most of them only hear their wolves these days.”

“Just because their vampire beast isn’t as strong as the elders’ doesn’t mean they’re not as loyal. Everyone here knows the score,” I reassure him. I have never had reason to doubt my pack. But even as I speak the words, a kernel of doubt takes root. I study the footage again, which repeats in a loop. I see Willow after she’s discovered the missing files, trying to act normal as she gathers her things and calls me, but her fear feels palpable through the screen.

I hear a crunch and look down. I’ve gripped the desk so hard that the wood has given way along the edge, and as I release my grip, splinters fall to the ground.

Griffen chuckles, “Never thought I’d see the day.”

I shoot him a glare, but I don’t deny it. “I’ve never felt both beasts as strongly as I do around her. You know how it is,” I continue. “Our vampire nature is tamed somewhat. Controlled. But not around her.”

Griffen levels me with a stare. “Does she know?”

“No,” I say firmly. “She attributes the dreamscapes to our bond. It was foolish, but it is an unstoppable force. She’s…naive. She thinks it is a normal bond.”

His mask slips for a moment, his face cracking into amusement. “And you think that will hold? Gods, man. You think women don’t talk?” Laughing at my expense and despite the seriousness of the situation, he continues, “She will go to those Luna friends and ask if their mates can fuck them in their subconsciousness, and they will tell her it’s not normal.”

“I couldn’t bloody stop it. He was out of control with her under my roof,” I groan, knowing Griffen is right. “Wait. How did you know I was fucking her?”

“Well, she’s not dead. Our vampire beasts tend only to want one of two things,” he says bluntly.

My wolf paces, angry and concerned at the conversation involving his mate. “I have to keep her,” I confess, “but I don’t know how to do that without compromising our pact to never to reveal the duality of our beasts.”

---