Page 3 of Wolf Traded
“I’m guessing your plan didn’t work the way you hoped.” Angela steps on to the gravel path next to me.
“Not exactly, no.” I grunt, irritated.
“Maybe one of the other alphas will have a solution at the party tonight.” She is trying to be optimistic but I am not convinced it will be helpful. Scrubbing a hand over my face I groan having completely forgotten about the party. It’s a human tradition that I personally think is a waste of time, but some alphas will look for any excuse to drink and have a good time.
It’s funny how they will take up human drinking traditions but when it comes to adapting to technology that will undoubtedly make their lives better they don’t want anything to do with it.
“Doubtful. The females here are weak.” All but one, the alpha’s mate. Fuck my life.
“Could you imagine what strong females would do to an alpha like Greyson?” She lifts a skeptical brow. “They would tear him down. I bet all the strongest females besides his mate were sent to other packs to find their mates.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me, but his mate is stronger than him. Something just doesn’t feel right here.” I say thoughtfully contemplating not for the first time since I learned who she was of challenging the alpha for his mate. He can keep his pack. I don’t want a bunch of weak shifters in my pack. It will mess up the balance and give me even more responsibility that I don’t need.
“What do you think is going on here? A female stronger than the alpha? How has she never challenged him herself?” Angela wonders out loud. I can’t help but wonder the same.
“She was mated to him at birth. Maybe she has just accepted her position beneath him because the alternative would cause to much upheaval in the pack?”
“I somehow don’t think her wolf would let her submit to him if he wasn’t stronger than her. Maybe you’re wrong.” Angela shrugs.
“I don’t think I am though. I don’t feel the same kind of strength from him that I did from her. She held my gaze longer than anyone ever has.” I don’t mention the blush that blossomed on her skin as she finally turned away though. She didn’t submit to me. She was embarrassed by my attention.
“I guess either way it doesn’t matter. She’s his fated mate and not even a challenge can break that bond. The only way to break it is to reject her and do you really see Grayson doing that if he knows what you do?”
She’s right and I know it but it still doesn’t stop me from wanting Jara for my own.
2
JARA
Breathing heavily, my feet pound the gravel road. I’m not going to make it. Wiping the beads of sweat from my brow, I push myself harder weaving between the pack members on the sleepy street. I should have set an alarm. I don’t have much time. I would be so much faster if I shifted but I can’t. The pack would completely lose it if I shifted in the middle of town and not to mention my clothes would be shredded to pieces. That would not look good.
“Jara, you’re late.” My mother’s clear blue eyes scowl at me in irritation.
“Sorry, I got tied up.” I bend slightly trying to catch my breath. I don’t dare tell her that I lost track of time and had to run the whole way. Somehow, I have a feeling that she would be even less pleased by that information.
“Right.” She looks at me skeptically before turning on her heel and walking into the shop. I take a longing look at the vibrant forest with its bright green foliage and dense evergreen trees before trudging after her. I would rather be running in my wolf form. My wolf yips her agreement in my head as I push open the door to the small tailor shop where we are scheduled to have the final fitting for my mating ceremony.
The shop is cozy just like most of the buildings and homes in the pack. Isabelle the seamstress in town is a bit of a hoarder though. Fabrics of every color and texture line the walls and the floors are stacked with boxes of ribbons and other accents for the amazing dresses she makes. Each piece is unique and an absolute work of art.
“I almost didn’t wait for you, child. You know I’m traveling to see my daughter in her new pack this evening.” Isabelle scolds me lightly. Her gnarled fingers beckon me closer to her. I have no choice but to obey. I forgot that she had plans to leave tonight and instantly feel guilty.
“I’m sorry, Isabelle. It won’t happen again.” I look down ashamed for a moment.
“Chin up, always, Jara. You’re going to be the alpha female soon. You must not show weakness.” My mother tilts my chin up with a smile. Isabelle grins as well and leads me over to the mannequin that has my dress on it.
The cream fabric of the dress is supple and soft with a beaded bodice and a long flowing skirt. The sleeves are the finest lace and the neck scoops low leaving my neck bare for the ceremony when I will finally be mated to Grayson.
Seeing the dress in all its perfection makes everything feel real. Are we really going to be mates for life in just two days time? It feels like I have been waiting forever for this but something just doesn’t feel right. I should be more excited for this. We have been fated since birth so why do I feel like it’s not going to happen.
My wolf growls in my head at my thoughts. She doesn’t have the same doubts or reservations as I do.Mine.
It’s probably just nerves. I’m sure everything will be perfect.My words seem to calm her and I breathe out a sigh. She doesn’t understand things like doubt. She is all instinct so in her mind Grayson is her mate and there is no room for doubt.
“What’s the matter? Don’t you like it?” My mother must see the look on my face and her brows pinch in concern.
“The dress is perfect. Absolutely beautiful. I just have a lot on my mind.” I sigh as my fingers trail over the beaded bodice. The white beads shimmer in the light of the small room. “Let’s get this done so I can get the rest of my errands done before it gets too late.”
She still watches me with concern but I shake it off and start undressing to try on the gown. The soft gown feels like heaven on my skin though it fits absolutely perfectly. Isabelle’s deft fingers button it up all the way up my back. And I turn toward the floor to ceiling mirror.
