Page 25 of Claimed By the Bookstore Alpha
The drive to the pack land took us through winding mountain roads that grew more isolated with each mile. Clark sat beside me, fidgeting with a thread on his sweater. It was another one of mine he'd claimed since moving in.
"You're nervous.” I turned onto a dirt road marked only by a small wooden sign.
"A little.” He placed a hand on my thigh. "It's not every day you meet your first Alpha wolf shifter.”
"He's not intimidating.” That wasn't entirely true. Tiberius had the kind of presence that commanded respect, but he was fair. "Let him lead the conversation."
I didn’t let on that Iwasnervous about how me wanting to mate and Clark being pregnant would be received. Not because he was human but because of my past. Yes, on the surface it had been resolved but deep down I wondered if Alpha thought less of me for leaving.
The road ended at the pack’s large lodge nestled among pine trees. Several cars were parked outside. Memories flooded back and while the bad ones were still there, the happy ones nudged their way forward.
Tiberius was waiting for us on the front porch. He looked the same with silver threading through his dark hair, and curious eyes that missed nothing. But his expression was welcoming.
"Flynn.” He came down the steps to greet us. "It's good to see you.Despite coming back for special occasions, you’ve been on your own for over six years.”
"Tiberius. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.” Knots of tension formed in my belly.
"I was surprised when you called because you chose exile."
Clark looked from Alpha to me with one brow raised. He’d only heard my version of the story.
“Are you ready to stop running from your past? To be part of something again? Because what happened years ago wasn’t your fault.”
He wasn’t letting me get away with anything. He and Clark had a lot in common.
“I think so. No, I am and that’s why we’re here. This is my fated mate, Clark.”
His attention shifted to Clark, and my wolf was alert. He couldn’t sleep while we were in the Alpha’s presence. Not because Tiberius was threatening, but this was important. How the Alpha received Clark would set the tone for everything that followed.
Tiberius extended his hand and introduced himself. "Welcome to our pack, Clark.”
Clark shook his hand, and I studied Alpha’s expression. He was scenting him and taking his measure in ways that humans couldn't detect. After a moment, Alpha quirked a brow.
"Congratulations. To both of you."
Of course he picked up on the pregnancy. The changes in Clark's scent had been driving my wolf wild for days as he demanded I let him out to protect our mate.
"Thank you.” Clark took the supernatural scenting in his stride.
“You're the children's book author who's been keeping our Flynn on his toes. Or so I’ve heard."
"Something like that," Clark said with a smile.
Alpha motioned toward the lodge. "Come. Let's sit somewhere more comfortable. I imagine you have questions."
I looked around the lodge, trying to see it through Clark’s eyes.
The interior was furnished with comfortable sofas and a massive stone fireplace at one end. Photos covered the mantle, and I caught glimpses of pack members in the images.
Being in the lodge, I felt the familiar pang of what I'd given up. I'd told myself for years that leaving had been noble, that I'd saved the pack from more drama. But the truth was messier than that.
I'd been relieved to escape the politics and expectations, but I'd also been running from the shame of what had happened and of the violence my existence had caused. Now, with Clark beside me and a baby on the way, that shame felt smaller and less important than the future we were building.
It was going to be all right.
"Coffee?" Alpha offered. "Or tea? I have some excellent herbal blends that are safe for pregnant omegas.
We asked for tea and settled on one of the couches.
