Page 6 of Pregnant By the Alpha Wolf

He’s not wrong. This isn’t new information. Noah, Michael, and a few of my other betas have either raised concerns of their own or relayed the concerns of others in the pack. While they all supported the building of the lab with their time and labor, questions were raised about who would be working in it. Who would be coming and going to the town? It appears isolation is a hard habit to break for some—even if our future depends on it.

It’s no wonder. I suspect our pack has the most to risk in this new world of collaboration. However, we are probably the mostat risk,too.

Deep down, I have a feeling that Willow represents more than a fantasy to me personally. I think she’s crucial to the survival of my pack—and our best chance at retribution.

“I’ll talk to them. Again. Let’s just get today out of the way,” I sigh.

“It’ll have to be now, I’m afraid. They’re waiting in the hall. I’d make your case before our visitors finish at the lab,” Griffen cautions.

Part of me hates being blindsided, but deep down, I know he’s right. I also know the pack will fall in line. One thing has never been in doubt, and that is my leadership. I understand their fears, but I’m also old enough to know better. These hunters may have caught me off guard initially, but it’s not the first time I’ve been hunted.

I stand, straightening my jacket. “Thank you for the heads up. Let’s go handle this, shall we?”

I lead the way out of the room, my boots echoing on the wooden floor. The scent of freshly cut wood and sweat lingers in the air. It’s humid, which is unusual for our normally cool climate. A storm must be brewing, and it adds a certain tension to the fresh mountain air.

The hall is just off the town square, only steps from my new cabin. I designed it that way so that, as alpha, I'm always at the heart of town if needed. A few wolves are already assembled, their eyes on me as I approach. They shift nervously under my gaze, some looking away while others attempt to hold it. It’s clear they want answers. I can feel their anxiety rolling off them in waves.

“We appreciate you coming on short notice, Rowan.” Michael steps forward. He’s one of our most skilled fighters but also one of the most volatile when riled up. “You know we have some reservations about all this. There’s a lot of strange folks around town today. We’re not sure this is a good idea.Youknow what is at stake.”

I take a deep breath before answering him directly. “They are our visitors,” I begin calmly. “They are here to see our lab, and their visit has been well-contained.”

“But some of them are staying!” he exclaims more angrily. Others murmur in agreement around us, although not as loudly or aggressively. Some look around fearfully, clearly unsure what this means for them personally or collectively as a pack.

“I did tell you,” I remind them patiently, “this research needs to happen with or without our help. Personally, I would rather we lead the way, control the narrative, and ensure the hunters are stopped once and for all.”

Murmurs of acknowledgment and filter through the gathered wolves, but I still sense some reticence.

“I know what you’re thinking; I have considered all the possibilities. What if they find out about our…differences?” The crowd falls silent as they listen with respect. "We've been here for centuries. Our kind has survived because we kept to ourselves and kept our secrets. But times are changing. Our pack is unique; we're not like any other shifter pack. We know this. But our principles are the same, and our enemy is the same. Our collaboration with the other packs has been fruitful. This lab will also be fruitful. Scientists are working on cures for ailments that affect all the packs; this is important work. Not just to stop the hunters, but also for the benefit of us all."

I feel the mood shifting. They’re not all happy, but they’re more appeased. I spot our medic, Sara, to one side. She was part of the tour this morning, and I know she was impressed with our guests.

"Sara," I continue, raising my hand in her direction, “is grateful for the new facilities as our medic, and will work closely with them during their stay. She’s one of us. And Rian, one of my most trusted new betas, will be hands-on in the lab. He took over his position as beta from his father, but he has a strong scientific education; this is an opportunity for members of our pack, too. I know there is concern about the tests that will be conducted, but our pack will monitor those results. Nothing. I repeat, nothing that can cause us harm will ever see the light of day." I pause for effect.

There are nods all around now, understanding dawning on their faces. They may not like it, but they understand the necessity of the situation. We need answers, and we need to protect ourselves from those who would harm us for who we are. We need to undo decades of increasing ailments and diseases if we are to be strong enough to beat them.

“We’ve never let anyone in like this, Rowan,” Noah says, stepping up, “That scientist, Willow. She’s been requesting our DNA. I know you say we can control what is discovered, but she’s running the lab; how can you be sure she won’t go running to her alpha with some information about us? She has no allegiance to us. She serves another alpha.”

“You know how it has to be,” Michael interjects. “We have rarely let anyone stay here, and the few newcomers we’ve had were all mates, loyalty bound to us. That is how it’s always been. Is she unmated? One of the betas can step forward. That would reassure the pack and uphold our legacy.”

I am rarely lost for words, but I am momentarily taken aback. It is true that our pack’s only new members in many decades have joined via mating ceremonies. I didn’t think that would apply to those coming to work at the lab. I certainly didn’t think it would apply to Willow.

My pack assumes I have had no interest in taking a luna. Whatever I feel or suspect I may have found in Willow needs more time—time I may not have.

I’m pulled back from my thoughts as Griffen and Noah discuss who would be a suitable mate for Willow. “Enough, this is not the way forward.”

“I humbly disagree, Rowan,” Griffen approaches. “Give the pack the reassurance they need. At least broach it with Kaiden; as an alpha, he will understand. They’re due here in a few minutes, anyway. Kaiden expressed he wishes to get back over the ridge before the storm comes in.”

I nod, still consumed with how best to handle this development. “Understandable.”

The hushed conversations continue around me, the cogs of my mind turning over several scenarios as I tune out thenoise until I hear approaching footsteps. Rian opens the door and ushers our guests inside as they finish the lab tour and have eaten. The biting cold from the open door confirms my suspicions about the speed of the incoming storm.

My eyes immediately go to Willow toward the back of the small group that has entered the hall. Some must have remained in the warmth of the lab. She’s so small compared to the other wolves, but her stunning auburn hair is unmistakable even in a crowded room. I catch Kaiden’s impressed expression as he takes in the meeting hall—I’m not surprised. It rivals any of the other packs’ in terms of craftsmanship and facilities. I’ve found that I rather enjoy showing off our small but thriving town.

“Rowan,” Kaiden approaches, grasping my hand in a greeting that would crush any human hand. Then, half-turning to the rest of my gathered pack, he adds, “We truly appreciate your pack’s hospitality today. It’s been a long time coming that we should meet in friendship and cooperation like this.”

I nod in agreement. I genuinely like Kaiden and the other alphas I’ve come to know better these last few months. Now, I just need him not to stand in the way of my plans concerning Willow. I glance at her and catch her eye before she quickly looks away.I see you looking,too, my dear.

I did wonder if I pushed a little too far earlier. She’s clearly a skittish thing, young and reeking of vulnerability. But something else, too—something steely that appeals.

---