Page 19 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

“Itiswhat’s best for the pack.” I snarl. “The alpha alliance is strong, and this is not the Old World. Times have changed.”

Griffen grows serious once more. “And you would put that theory to the test? You’d trust our new friends with the truth? I’m not sure the pack would be with you on that, and god knows they love you, Rowan.”

“It won’t come to that,” I assure him.

Pulling his coat back on, he stands to leave. “Aye, let’s hope not. We have enough on fighting rogues and hunters. I’d rather not add to the list.”

“Not like you to broker peace, Grif.” I chuckle.

He scoffs as he walks away, but I hear him mutter, “I must be getting old,” before he closes the door.

***

Stepping into the lab later that afternoon, I greet a few pack members on my way toward Willow’s office. The lab is a hive of activity now, and the large glass doors connecting to the medical center allow me to see a few wolves waiting to see Sara. I know our medic is thrilled with her new clinic—another reminder that this entire project has been worthwhile. If it frustrates me that some pack members may doubt my decisions, I cannot show it. I’ve learned a good leader must acknowledge their followers’ concerns; being stubborn only leads to unnecessary friction.

However, as I see Willow leaning over a microscope, I admire the subtle curve of her body and the way her soft lips purse in concentration, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I would destroy anyone who came between us.

The thought pulls me up short, and I stop in my tracks. I pride myself on my ability to manage my dual nature—after all, that wasn’t always the case. But deep down, my beasts only grow in their determination to have their mate. And, more importantly, keep their mate.

And suddenly, I understand why wars have been waged over women,I muse as I walk toward her.

As if sensing my presence, she looks up, recognition and desire alight in her eyes. I don’t even think she realizes she’s doing it, but she looks at me like no one ever has before. As though she reallyseesme. I hope that the parts she does see are enough, because I cannot afford to get swept up in these new emotions and risk not only myself but the entire pack.

I may be a fool for her, but I have to keep my head where my pack is concerned.

Chapter 11 - Willow

“So…” Kenzie’s voice comes over the speaker, “How is your dark and mysterious mate?”

I hear Kit and Senna shushing her in the background, and I roll my eyes, blushing deep red.

“You don’t have to tell us!” Senna shouts over the noise.

“Don’t act like you don’t want to know, too,” Kenzie mutters.

I steel myself to reply. A few months ago, I would have brushed them off or bristled at the thought that they were teasing me or trying to set me up. Now I know they’re just being my friends. I’ve seen how they are with each other and how they have bonded as lunas, especially in our quest to defend our packs and defeat the Order. We also have a unique bond as Völva. I suppose we have a bond as lunas, too, but I’m not really a luna…am I?

“Well, obviously, the ceremony was just a formality, and if anything, he just seemed to like teasing me,” I begin, and they all groan, but before they can interrupt, I continue, “but we do seem to have, um, a bond.”

“Oh, moon goddess,” Kit exclaims, “why didn’t you mention this the other day? He must have known, did he trick you? Are you happy about it? Did you know before you went?”

She continues rattling off questions as the other lunas howl with delight. I wait for them to calm down. “I nearly mentioned it. I thought there was something, but he’s just so…different…and I wasn’t sure if he felt it. I’m just trying to figure out what it means…and there’s so much research to do, I—”

“Oh, Willow, the research is important, but so is finding your mate,” Kit says. “Is he treating you well? All the alphas seem to respect him, but how is he?”

“He seems kinda mysterious?” Kenzie’s voice filters back through. “Grayson said he’s a good alpha, respected, and a strong ally. But he’s different…”

I find myself nodding thoughtfully, listening to them all talk over each other.

Different.

The conversation flows around me, and I almost forget we’re supposed to be discussing the Völva research and their studies of the various ancient texts held by their packs. This sharing of knowledge has become invaluable, but the women are all so busy with their mates and babies that it’s slow progress. We’re just thankful the rogues and hunters have been quiet.

Before we say goodbye, a thought occurs to me. “With the bond…without going too much into detail,” I cringe but continue. “How strong should a mate…presence be…through the bond, I mean?”

“Oh, I feel Kaiden with me all the time,” Kit replies, and I can almost picture her smile. “It gives me a great sense of peace.”

The other women all concur, and I try to think of another way to phrase it. “What about the dreams? They’re so real? Like he’s literally in my head.”

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