Page 25 of Wolf Traded
“I can see your brain turning and I have an idea of what about. In some ways the old alpha was wise but he was still set in the old ways in some aspects and practically beat those ways into Archer. He’s going to be hard to break open but I have no doubt if anyone can get him to open up it would be you.”
I nod because I have nothing I can say to that. His father beat this mentality into him? Maybe the way to get to him would have to be a softer approach.
“Okay well if you want to shower you’re going to need to hurry. The pack is gathering outside and if there’s one thing that Archer values as much as strength and loyalty it’s punctuality.” She grins.
I chew the last bite a little quicker than I probably should and jump up from the chair and rush to the en-suite. I shower and dress quickly not wanting to make a bad first impression with my new pack. My nerves only get worse as I walk out into the bedroom to find Archer standing in the room. His features are hard and cold but his gaze skims over my body with a heat that he doesn’t let show on his face.
“Are you ready, mate? It’s almost time.” He says holding his arm out to me. I take small steps to him and entwine my arm with his and he breathes out a sigh. His nostrils flare as he breathes in and a growl rumbles in his chest.
“What is it?” I ask not sure what has this reaction from him.
“You’re nervous. I can smell it in your scent. Don’t worry. The pack will like and respect you as alpha female. If they don’t there will be consequences.” He growls out the words.
“I can’t demand their respect, Archer. I have to earn it.” I sigh as we make our way down the stairs. He shakes his head but doesn’t comment. How easy it must be for him to just demand their loyalty and respect. I have other views on how to earn the respect of the pack as soon as I am able.
We make it out the back door of the pack house to what looks like the normal meeting spot for the pack and my eyes widen as I notice how truly big Archer’s pack is. Hundreds of eyes watch me and some expressions are not exactly friendly as Archer pulls me to his side. His arm drapes over my shoulder in a show of unity and several of the women sneer at the gesture. Well I guess I know who the unmated females of the pack are who thought they had a chance with their alpha.
“It was no secret that I went to Alpha Grayson’s mating looking for a mate for myself. What I did not expect to find was an alpha female stronger than any other female I have ever met. Meet Jara your new alpha female and my new mate.” He smiles down at me pulling my hair away from the mating mark on my neck proudly showing his pack. The blush that spreads embarrasses me and I look back at the crowd. Several of the females who had just been sneering at me attempt to hold my gaze but quickly look away. My spine straightens just a bit when I realize I am stronger than any other female within the pack.
“Wasn’t she rejected by her alpha?” A female toward the back of the crowd asks angrily. “We have a reject for our alpha female.” She scoffs.
Archer’s whole body stiffens as he searches for the woman in question. “She is stronger than even Alpha Grayson and will be treated with respect in our pack. She is an extension of me. Grayson is an idiot to let go of a strong capable mate and I will not hear anyone speak of this rejection again. Do you understand?” He roars out the alpha command and everyone in the pack bears their necks in submission. I guess he can command respect, but that’s not how I want it. The woman at the back nods and bears her neck to him but the hatred in her eyes tells me that is not the last I will hear from her. “I didn’t hear an agreement.”
“Yes, Alpha.” The entire clearing choruses.
“Good.” He pulls me to him in a sideways hug and I see Angela motion to him from the side of the porch. “I have to go.” He says just to me. “Stay and get to know the pack you will be partially responsible for. Angela will stay with you.” He kisses the top of my head and the gesture is so tender that it shocks me for a second. Angela’s eyes light up as she watches my shocked reaction.
Pack members surround me quickly as Archer leaves and I nearly hyperventilate with so many people so close. They aren’t malicious only curious so I am able to calm considerably. “Jara, what a beautiful name. Does it have any significance?” One woman asks and I notice quickly she is one of the mated females of the pack.
“My parents named me after a Slavic shifter princess. It means peace and fierce. I guess they knew from birth that I would be an alpha.” I chuckle and the woman grins at me.
“Yes, I suppose they did. It fits you perfectly. I hope one day you will bring our alpha peace with your fierceness.” She nods looking over at the retreating alpha. I wonder what she means by that but I’m unable to ask as other pack members surge forward with curiosity.
I meet so many pack members that I know that it’s going to take time to remember all of their names. Most ask questions about my old pack or about the failed mating ceremony. They don’t seem to judge me though others do clearly think there is something wrong with me if Grayson rejected me. I don’t let those women bother me since they are clearly jealous.
It’s not until the female from before saunters up and the crowd moves away to make room for her that I really have a problem. “That’s Rochelle. She is a jealous hag and will do anything to try to snag Archer.” Angela whispers loudly at my side and the woman in question shoots her a dark look.
“So this is the woman who Alpha takes as a mate. Don’t feel too proud, reject. He only needed a mate you were convenient.”
“Watch your mouth, Rochelle,” Angela warns glaring at the woman.
“I only speak the truth. He needed a mate before the peace talks or he would look weak to the other alphas. He didn’t want you and I’m sure you will be gone soon enough just like the others.”
Her words are like a slap to the face but I arch a brow and stare her down. She holds my gaze far longer than the others had but does look away and I grin in triumph.
“What do you think Archer would say if he heard the way you’re speaking to me right now? Threatening the alpha female is punishable by death you know. If you think you are strong enough to win, challenge me, if not fuck off. I don’t have time for jealous little girls throwing tantrums because they didn’t get what they wanted.” I don’t even think about the disrespect I am showing her as I turn my back on her. The pack members gasp in shock but I hold my head high as Angela and I make our way back inside the house.
“Very well played, Alpha Jara.” Angela grins at my side and I nod in thanks.
“I don’t have a good feeling about that woman. What did she mean that Archer needed a mate before peace talks?” I ask looking at her and her expression turns grim.
“It’s the rumors, I think. The rumors that all his potential mates committed suicide rather than be his mate. Archer sees them as a good thing most of the time but thinks the other alphas will see him as unstable if he doesn’t have a mate by his side and they will try to claim our pack. The peace talks are in three days but I promise you not just any mate would do. It had to be you, Jara.” She chews at her lip in a nervous gesture and I shake my head.
I’m just a placeholder until he finds a mate he really wants? That doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t want to always be disposable to a man. I chose this life thinking it would be different but after the peace talks is he going to throw me away just like Grayson did? The thought makes my wolf howl in my head.
“Now that I have met the pack, can I go for a run? I don’t usually wait so long to shift and my wolf is getting antsy.” I look over at Angela who grimaces before seeming to come to a decision.
“I don’t think the Alpha would have a problem with that as long as we stick to the pack lands and I go with you.” A genuine smile crosses my features as I thank her. After finding out all this new information I really need the freedom running with my wolf gives me. It won’t give me all the answers but it will give me some semblance of peace in this crazy new situation I’ve found myself in.
