Page 7 of Wolf Traded
But, at the same time, it’s the most selfless thing I’ve ever heard come from the alpha’s mouth. But still something feels off. I finish my drink and without a word leave the pub feeling confused and out of sorts. What the hell is going on here? Somehow, I don’t believe Grayson when he says he has no plans of rejecting her. It should make me happy but it doesn’t. I can’t shake the feeling that there is something bigger at play here.
The cool breeze as I walk through the cobbled streets of Grayson’s pack lands smells slightly of vanilla and makes me think of her. I’d only gotten a small whiff of her scent but it’s an intoxicating blend of citrus and vanilla and something musky that I can’t quite explain. My cock hardens again painfully as I remember her pouty lips and I’m glad that I have made it to the Inn so I don’t embarrass myself.
“You look deep in thought.” Angela says tossing a set of keys in my direction without warning.
I snatch the keys out of the air scowling at my beta. “Something isn’t right here. My wolf is on edge and the alpha’s are up to something. I can feel it.”
“You think it has something to do with the girl?” She raises a brow in question.
“I think that is part of it but my gut says it’s something more,” I say blowing out a frustrated breath.
“Are you sure it’s not just your constant paranoia?” she chuckles at my glare. I don’t even dignify that with a response. I know something else is going on. I just need to find out what.
Stomping away I find the number on the keychain and unlock the door to the quaint room. I’m almost glad that I won’t be here long. Everything is too small. The bed looks like my feet will hang off the end and one good fuck would have it crumbling to dust.
The fire crackles happily from the fireplace and I stare into the embers for long moments. Something is up with Grayson. I can’t put my finger on what, but I have a feeling it has to do with Jara.
I’m beginning to wonder how devious this alpha really is. He wouldn’t reject her at the ceremony in front of everyone would he? Could he be so cruel? No, Grayson doesn’t have the backbone for such a brutal rejection.
Maybe he is trying to take my reputation for my brutality. That isn’t possible. He can try but he will fail. It took years to cultivate my reputation and that slimy bastard has no chance of outdoing me.
If he does end up rejecting their mating what will I do? Could I be so lucky to bring her back with me and make her mine?
4
JARA
Breathe!
I pace my small bedroom both excited and terrified. This is the first day of the rest of my life and I can barely keep myself from having a panic attack.Everythinghas to be perfect. Ihave to be perfect.
Everyone will be watching some hoping for me to fuck something up others just watching me. What if I trip and show exactly how not to be the alpha female? The last thing I want to do is embarrass my mate at our mating ceremony in front of all the regional alphas and the entire pack.
My thoughts are so loud, I don’t even hear the door opening as someone comes inside until my mother is holding my shoulders in a vice-like grip.
“I’m sorry, love but I need your full attention right now. So whatever is going on in that head of yours needs to quiet down until I get the words out.” Her look is both stern and concerned and my breath catches in my throat.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” The panic starts to consume me and the ache in my chest grows with the need to breathe.
“The caterer had three people call in, so they won’t be ready in time for the ceremony. And the flower delivery has been delayed indefinitely. Something about the invoice not being paid.” She growls low in her throat. Her wolf is close to the surface as her eyes flash amber.
My knees buckle beneath me and the only reason I don’t drop to the ground is my mother’s strong grip on my shoulders. “That’s not possible,” I gasp. “I paid the invoice myself over a week ago.”
“I know. I explained all that but she said the card was declined. I’m not sure how that happened but it will be fine. I’m taking care of everything. There are still hours before sunset.”
Her attempt at reassurance falls flat as I continue to gasp for breaths that just won’t come. How could this have happened? I know many of the women of the pack and some of the men don’t think I’m worthy of Grayson or the title of alpha female, but would they purposely sabotage my mating ceremony?
Yes, of course they would. The panic turns to anger and my wolf bubbles to the surface as my hands turn to claws. “I will destroy the lot of them.” The growl rips through my throat as I straighten staring at golden eyes in the full-length mirror.
“No. Jara, you have no proof it was intentional. You cannot spend the first days as alpha female being challenged because you provoked pack members without proof.”
I spin to my mother glaring at her. “You don’t think that’s what is going to happen anyway? If they’ll stoop low enough to try to sabotage my mating, then they will start issuing challenges the second the ceremony is over.” I shake my head wondering if I should even go through with this. My wolf growls in my head. She refuses to back away from her mate just because a few unmated females think they’re stronger than her.
“You are stronger than any female in this pack.” My mother turns me so I will meet her eyes. “I’d bet that’s why you got the attention of Archer in the pub that day. Your name means fierce. You are what we named you. No matter if every unmated female in the pack challenges your position at the alpha’s side, I know you will come out victorious.”
The conviction in her stare eases some of the panic bubbling up inside of me. I know I am stronger than them. I know I can defeat any challenge and if they all challenge me I know that I will come out on top. The only question in my mind is do I really want to?
The barbaric nature of the old ways never really appealed to me, but it’s part of our heritage and shifter law that if a challenge is issued I must fight until someone yields or dies. I hate it but to deny a challenge means I deny my place in the pack. I know it more than anyone. This scenario has always been in the back of my mind since I found out we are fated to be together.
