Page 8 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

“No.” My reply is instant. I cannot and will not be cut out of this research. The satisfaction on Rowan’s face confirms thathe already knew that. “I’ll do whatever is necessary to stop the Order and prevent the hunters from hurting anyone else.”

Kaiden sighs, his rage cooled by a fraction. “That is what we all want. But as your alpha, I won’t let you be forced into anything.”

“She’s not being forced into purgatory, Kaiden. I assure you. She will be a highly esteemed guest here.” Then, turning back to me, he adds, “My guest.”

Kaiden looks at me for final confirmation, which I give with a small nod. “Fine. I will go inform the others.”

“Of course, we will conduct the brief ceremony before you head out. The storm is almost here,” Rowan tells him as he walks away, leaving us alone.

I let out the last of many breaths I’ve been holding today, unsure where to place myself and suddenly very aware that Rowan and I are alone. His presence overloads my senses at the best of times; to think we’re going to go through a mating ceremony, even if it is fake, makes the tension even thicker.

“Don’t look so worried, love,” he smoothly reassures me. “Let’s get this formality concluded, and I can show you the house before the storm hits.”

“I thought I was staying at the lab?” I stumble over my words.

He chuckles again. “I think my pack would disapprove of my luna sleeping in the lab, even if she does like to work too hard.”

How does he know I work too hard?

Perhaps the question is written all over my face because he flashes the slightest bit of fang as he smiles, “So I hear.”

I laugh nervously, “So, um, which house am I staying in?” I suspect I already know the answer, and the smirk on his handsome face confirms it.

He steps forward, closer and closer. Everything around us seems to dip and tip on its axis, and I find myself unable to look away. “Mine, Willow. I think you’ll be very comfortable there, with me. Don’t look so petrified though, love; there are plenty of spare bedrooms.”

It’s like he can read my damn mind. I realize, too late, that I have been retreating as he approached, and now my back is against the wall. Standing so close, I can feel his masculinity rolling off him in waves, and it’s both petrifying and intoxicating. His expression remains amused, yet unreadable; I can’t shake the suspicion that he’s toying with me.

In an attempt to regain my usual composure, I laugh, but it comes out more high-pitched than I would have liked. “I…”

I’m saved by Kaiden reappearing. He glances between us, seemingly ready to say something again, but I smile reassuringly, and he nods. “Your beta says they are ready to conduct the ceremony now.” Then, looking at me, he asks, “If you are sure?”

I nod, attempting to sound confident and in control of the situation. “Yes, the lab is the most important thing.”

I let Kaiden lead the way back into the main hall and enter with my head held high. I can sense a shift in the pack as all eyes fall on me. They seem incredibly happy about the ceremony; more have piled into the hall, filling it. I can feel my cheeks burning as I’m led to the front of the hall. People smile as I pass, and I must admit, they seem friendly enough. I feel Rowan’s presence close behind me, and the pack cheers as we reach the small stage area.

It’s just a formality. Just a formality,I remind myself on repeat as an older man I don’t recognize begins to speak about unity and allegiance. I nod and say yes when prompted, the words all blurring into one until there’s a conclusion in the speech, and the crowd cheers. I nervously plaster a smile on my face and look up at Rowan. His eyes are fixed on mine, and I’m suddenly aware that he’s leaning toward me.

“Sealed with a kiss, love,” he says milliseconds before he brushes my cheek with a kiss. We both seem to freeze in the moment. Just as before, the world around us feels distant.

I still think he’s toying with me, and I shouldn’t care because my focus is the lab and my research. But just for a moment, I find myself wishing this was real. That I was his luna and this was a fairytale. Before I can even shake the thought away, the world around us swings back into focus, and the moment is lost.

The hall is jovial, and I suspect many would welcome a proper celebration of sorts, but the storm is picking up outside, and the rain lashing the windows serves as a reminder that it’s best not to linger.

Kaiden steps forward, his brow furrowed. “I’m not looking forward to explaining this to my mate. Make sure you call her.”

I laugh. “I think she’ll understand. It is just a formality, and this research is incredibly important to her, too. To all of us.”

He nods solemnly. “Yes, of course. Keep me informed at all times.”

I nod as he walks away, but it occurs to me that I have pledged allegiance to the Nicholson pack, yet am still loyal to Kaiden as my alpha. Do I have two alphas now? That’s nottechnically possible. Lost in thought, I watch everyone start to leave.

I suddenly feel Rowan’s warmth next to me, and his hand slips into my mind as though it belongs. “Come, love, let us retreat to the warmth of our home. I’ll have someone retrieve your bags.”

Our home.

I frown, not wanting to consider the implications. But I can’t help but ask anyway. “Rowan...” I begin, looking up at him, my heart hammering in my chest.

He looks down at me with a disarmingly soft smile, his eyes glowing as he gently tugs me toward the exit. “Don’t overthink it, love. The storm is here, and we have a long night ahead of us and plenty of time for questions.”

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