Page 27 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

“Gathering intel and regrouping,” Cade replies in his matter-of-fact tone.

I update them on the lab breach. It pains me to do so, because when I offered the use of the lab, it was because I could offer something better than we had, not so that our research would become vulnerable.

“I can sense your frustration, Rowan,” Jet says. “But these hunters and The Order behind them have had a head start. We’re organized now, and we’ve already shown them we won’t be beaten.”

Kaiden nods. “It’s not the first time a pack has been infiltrated. Anything you need to find the traitor, just ask.”

I look around at the other alphas and feel a welcome sense of connection. Griffen stands to the side and gives me a nod, showing he feels it, too. I have previously only known this kind of acceptance from within our insulated pack. Before then, life was spent as distant from others as possible, never really trusting anyone.

I think of Willow, my wolf instantly pulling on the bond, wanting to reinforce his need for his mate. But much like my relationship with Willow, my alliance with these alphas, and the burgeoning closeness between the packs, it is built on secrecy and the necessity to hide my true self. Having done that all my long life, it seems strange that it bothers me so much now.

But can I really trust any of them?

The conversation flows around me, and I invite Griffen to update everyone on the theories around how the traitor has masked their shifter identity. Willow sent a list of possible chemical compounds that she’s been testing in the lab, but none mask the scent as effectively.

“Many of the ancient texts refer to compounds that allowed shifters to mingle with a population undetected, but we don’t have a clear picture yet. Or, more importantly, a way to override it.” Griffen concludes.

“And how is Willow?” Kaiden asks, turning to me.

“She’s fine. Happy,” I reply lightly.

Kaiden seems to accept my answer, smiling. “So I hear,” he shrugs, “You know how women talk. Seems like it was a good idea to take her as your mate. Really worked out.”

The other alphas look genuinely surprised and start hollering and talking at once. “Yes,” I groan. “I took Willow as my mate, and it appears there is a bond.”

The cheers only increase, and I hear Griffen laugh, clearly enjoying my discomfort about the topic. I can’t say he doesn’t deserve a little amusement at my expense after our fight earlier.

“Well, don’t say you weren’t warned,” Kaiden laughs. “you’ll be as bad as us soon if she gets pregnant.”

Jet and Grayson both cheer in agreement, and my world tilts slightly. Why didn’t I think about that? Willow is Völva, which means she has enhanced fertility. The birthrate has fallen so dramatically amongst the shifters that getting someone pregnant has barely been a consideration. But as the other alphas discovered, a Völva mate changes that.

“I didn’t think it possible for you to go any paler, Rowan,” Alder laughs.

Despite the seriousness of the meeting, the news of my bond with Willow seems to offer some light relief, and they’re still teasing me as we split and head back to our trucks. Jet and Kaiden catch us up as we approach the truck.

Kaiden slaps me on the shoulder. “We’ll be with you in a couple of days to set those hidden cameras on the trail. They're top-of-the-range and completely undetectable, so if your traitor heads back that way, we’ll ID them.”

“I appreciate it,” I tell them, meaning every word.

Griffen and I begin the drive back, the sun having long since set.

“The first patrols will be back now. We can park at the old station and walk back in. The guys in the main patrol…” Griffen pauses, and I feel him stare at me. “Are you even listening?”

“Yes,” I sigh, “I was listeningandthinking.”

“Mmm,” Griffen replies knowingly. “Anything to do with what they guys were saying? About Willow and pups?”

“It just hadn’t occurred to me. I knew she was Völva…I just didn’t think,” I say thoughtfully.

Griffen whistles. “And would it be a bad thing? I could see you with some little Rowans running around. Maybe not four hundred years ago, but you’ve settled down more these past few.”

I grip the steering wheel, my fingers digging into the hard material. The thought of children was never something I’d entertained. I would never have brought more life into the world to suffer as I had. Was the world really different now? I have lived long enough to know that it’s not always the strongestwho thrive. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even be dealing with these hunters at all. Could I protect my family better than my parents did?

And what would Willow think if she found out our pups were part vampire?

“There’s enough to think about,” I tell him. “We have a traitor, hunters on the border, and the Order to think about. I’ll worry about pups some other time.”

He doesn’t say any more, and the truck falls silent, but as I look out at the mountain track, I can’t help but picture a little girl with blue eyes and auburn hair.

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