Page 35 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
“Copy that,” I mutter, knowing he’s talking about my undercover work as well as my marriage.
“Keep your eyes open, Shadow,” Brad says. “Over and out.”
I end the call, looking down at the ground but not seeing it. For a few minutes, I just stay still, trying not to think too hard.
Eccles are up to something, and we still don’t know what it is. Even worse, my wife and son might be involved.
Chapter 11 - Scarlett
When Jarrod hurries over to the kids’ table, I can’t help but feel a little abandoned. There are three other kids his age, and a couple of toddlers playing with toys and drawing with crayons. Jarrod joins the group with ease, fitting in as if he’s lived here his whole life.
I wish it could be as easy for me.
I stand next to the big round table, looking at the five women and feeling as awkward as a cockroach on a bare concrete floor. I try to smile in a welcoming way, but I fear it’s more of a nervous grimace.
“Hello, dear,” an older lady says, getting up to give me a quick squeeze. “I’m Mary, and these fine girls here are relations to council or guild leaders. We meet up a few times a week.”
“And we run the joint,” a pretty woman with straight, jet-black hair and pale skin, stands up to give my hand a shake. “I’m Ana, Dorian’s daughter.”
“I’m Delia,” a plump blond girl gets up and shakes my hand quickly, juggling a chubby baby swaddled up in mountains of pink plush.
“I’m Lee, and this is Jess,” the last two women introduce themselves.
I take the empty chair, wishing I could sink into it and just disappear.
“How are you settling in, dear?” Mary asks. It seems to be a genuine question, not a probe for information, but I still feel defensive.
We fight like dogs because your alpha has a secret identity you don’t know about—or maybe you do. Are all of you in on it?
“Not too bad,” I answer, reaching out to grab a piece of cake and pour some tea from the set in the middle of the table. “It’s an adjustment.”
“I bet it is,” Ana says. “You left your hometown to come out to a place you’ve never seen—and marry a man you’ve never even met!”
“Yeah,” I say, shoving a piece of cake in my mouth so I don’t scream.
I think I’d like it better if he were a stranger.
“So, can you tell us about Eccles, dear?” Mary asks, pouring some more tea. “It is, after all, the reason you came here. To build a bridge between the packs.”
Mary is giving me an even look, and her pale blue eyes are focused intently on my face. She’s old, but far from feeble.
“I wasn’t told much about the treaty,” I admit, relieved to be able to tell the truth. “I was told by my uncle—Alpha Azarian—that I was chosen for the alliance, and I wasn’t given any choice in the matter. My value as a bride to Rose Hollow alpha was considered greater than my contributions back home.”
“That’s ghastly!” Jess exclaims. “You mean they just kicked you out, and you had no choice?”
“Pretty much, yeah.”
“Not what I expected,” Mary says. “We assumed that the bride was willing, and it had been a joint decision.”
“Well, I’m sorry to bring you this news then,” I say, taking a sip of strong, sweet tea. “That’s pretty commonplace for Eccles—the alpha rules, and we obey.”
Murmurs rush around the table, and the women share concerned glances. Delia, sitting beside me, takes one hand from her tightly wrapped baby and gives my shoulders a squeeze.
“That’s terrible,” she says. “Don’t worry, nothing like that happens here. The Stantons have ruled our pack for generations, and we work together for the good of all.”
“That sounds nice,” I mutter, not sure how to respond to the information.
I still don’t quite believe it. Surely there are times the alpha orders them to do things they don’t want to do. It can’t all be free choice.
