Mated To The Wrong Alpha
Chapter 10

Ava awoke with a start, blinking in confusion at the sunlight that bathed her bed. How could that be? Her bedroom window was… Oh. She wasn’t in her old bedroom. This was Arthur’s room. Well, technically it was her bedroom too, but it would take a while before she felt any ownership of the space.

Surprisingly, she’d slept quite well in her new bed. Rolling onto her back, she stretched her arms and legs until they were fully extended, before releasing them and sinking back down in pleasant relaxation. Turning her head to the side, she noted that the other half of the bed was completely undisturbed.

Arthur hadn’t slept with her last night. Had he come home late and bedded down somewhere else so he wouldn’t disturb her, or had he not come home at all? Possibly he and the other men were still out searching for the missing man. If that was the case, then something was seriously wrong.

Getting out of bed, she tried to recall where she’d placed her clothing the previous day. A quick search of the drawers refreshed her memory and she soon found what she needed. Donning a pair of track pants, a t-shirt, and a hoodie, she combed her hair, pulling it back in a clip, and then scampered downstairs in search of someone who could update her on what had happened.

Helen was in the kitchen, preparing bacon and eggs. “Morning, Ava. How did you sleep?”

“Not bad. Is Arthur back? Did they replace the missing man?”

“Yes, they got in around three in the morning. Arthur stayed with him at the infirmary but sent John back home with the news. Thomas was shot. He lost a lot of b***d, but he’ll be okay.”

“Shot?” A chill run through her as memories of her own mother’s death came rushing back. All too often, her vivid imagination recreated what must have happened; her mother in wolf form with her leg in a trap, poachers approaching as she frantically tried to free herself. Had her mother tried to transform to save herself, but been unable to due to her injury, or had she feared for the rest of the pack and remained an animal, sacrificing her life so that her family would not be discovered? Her mother would have been terrified; her heart pounding as she desperately called out to her mate for help.

She knew the story well. Her father had felt his mate’s terror through the mental connection that all bonded pairs shared. He’d raced as fast as possible to her side, but it had been too late. The sound of the fatal gunshot had echoed through the woods as he came charging up the crest to where his mate was trapped. He’d been too late. They’d never found the hunters; her father had stayed with his mate as she breathed her last, rather than giving chase…

A pan clattered on the stove, causing her to jump and bringing her out of her reverie. She smoothed her sweaty palms on her pant legs and banked down the fear that had been rising inside her.

Helen had her back turned and was busily flipping the bacon, not noticing anything was amiss. “Yes, Thomas was shot; possibly seasonal hunters who wandered onto our property either not seeing the ‘No Trespassing’ signs or deciding to ignore them.”

“So, what will Arthur do about someone hunting on his land? Tell the sheriff?” She kept her voice calm, not revealing the inner panic she’d been feeling mere moments earlier.

“It’s tricky. We can’t let on that anyone was shot. They’d want to see Thomas and it would be hard to explain how the wound was healing so quickly. Arthur will probably report that he heard shots fired or that there was a near miss. Nothing will be done though. There might be a few more patrol cars for a day or two, but the local police don’t have the manpower to watch this large an area. Nor do we want them around all the time. Like all packs, we try to keep a low profile.”

She digested the information. It was just like home. A pack was basically on its own when problems arose. Involving the local police was always too risky. As Helen grabbed some paper towels to lay the bacon on, she realized that she was standing there watching the other woman work. “Can I help with something?”

“How are you at making toast and coffee?”

“I think I can handle it.” She found the needed items under Helen’s directions and went to take out the plates. “How many do you think will be here for breakfast?”

“Breakfast tends to be pretty quiet around here, so probably just the four of us. Arthur’s staying at the infirmary and called to say he won’t be back until mid-morning. Thomas is still unconscious, and Arthur wants to talk to him as soon as he wakes up.”

The two women worked companionably as they finished the meal preparations. As the sun streamed in the numerous windows, it warmed the large homey kitchen taking off the morning chill. Ava mused that it was very evident Helen took pride in her culinary domain. The wood cabinets gleamed, as did the various pots and utensils that hung over the large marble topped workstation, and the floors were immaculate. It was intimidating to think that someday she’d be called on to fill Helen’s shoes.

Alpha females were in charge of the house as well as organizing social gatherings and dealing with minor problems. It also meant providing leadership and advice to others in the pack ,yet what words of wisdom did she have to share at her young age? Truth be told, she’d pretty much floated through life thus far, never applying herself overly much to anything in particular. It was disconcerting to realize that at almost nineteen years of age, her life had no goal or focus.

She’d have to do something about that now, though exactly what she wasn’t sure.

By the time the meal was ready, John and Carrie appeared. John looked tired from his late night and sat down heavily in his chair. Carrie fussed over him, bringing him coffee and putting jam on his toast. Ava watched them while she ate, wondering if she’d ever feel the need to do that for Arthur. Was that what was expected of her now? A sigh escaped her. So far, the morning had left her feeling more than a bit inadequate.

Breakfast was partially over when the back door opened and a tall blonde woman entered wearing a skin-tight dress of shocking pink. Ava remembered her from the previous day as the woman who’d cut in front of her and blocked the door before hanging all over Arthur and trying to monopolize his attention. What was her name again?

“Marla, this is a surprise.” John’s greeting supplied the answer. His voice was neutral, but Ava had the general impression that the Beta wasn’t overly pleased to see the newcomer. The look in his eyes was icy rather than the usual friendly blue she’d come to expect. Neither of the other two women were overjoyed either, if their suddenly stiff postures were any indication.

“I heard about Thomas and rushed right over to see if there was anything I could do.” Marla flipped her long, blond hair over her shoulder seemingly oblivious to her cool reception.

“Since he’s in the infirmary, and we all know how you can’t stand to be around anyone who is hurt, I fail to see how you’d be of any help.” Helen bluntly addressed the beautiful she-wolf.

Marla bared her teeth at Helen in what loosely could be taken as a smile, if one wasn’t too fussy. “I meant that with Arthur being up all night, he might be tired and need some help in the office. My shift doesn’t start until noon and I have done office work before.”

“Thanks for the offer, Marla,” John nodded solemnly, “but I think I’ll be able to handle things until Arthur gets back. If it does get busy, Ava can help.”

“Ava?” Marla raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows and looked puzzled. “Who is…? Oh, I’d forgotten. The new little mate.” She acted as if she was searching the room before letting her eyes focus on the newest pack member. “So you’re Arthur’s mate. I must say, you are a tiny thing.” Studying Ava from head to toe, she shook her head and made a little moue. “Hmm, you’re not very strong-looking. I hope you can stand up to the strain of the position. I know from personal experience how…demanding…Arthur can be.”

Flushing at the insult and implied meaning of Marla’s statement, Ava wanted to sink into the floor, but knew she had to put the other woman in her place, if she wanted to maintain her status. Standing, she circled around the table and advanced on the woman, speaking with a trace of a growl in her voice. “I’m perfectly capable of being Arthur’s mate and I don’t appreciate your comments. If you have a problem with me, say it directly to my face rather than making snide innuendos.”

Marla stepped back in surprise. “Why, Ava! I assure you I meant nothing at all. It’s just that Arthur and I are old friends…” Her voice trailed off and she looked at the table. The others were studiously eating their eggs. A power struggle between two packmates didn’t involve them.

It was up to the two wolves to work it out.

Ava took one more step towards her and for a moment Marla held her ground, but then retreated. “I’m sorry I interrupted your breakfast. I’ll leave you alone, but if you need anything at all…” When no one responded, the woman left, slamming the door behind her.

Exhaling loudly, Ava turned back towards the table. The others were looking at her. “That was…unpleasant.”

“Actually, it was quite entertaining.” Carrie started to laugh.

Helen snorted. “It’s about time someone put her in her place. Good work, Ava.”

John sipped his coffee, but Ava was sure he was smiling. She felt a grin breaking out on her own face as well and happily sat down to finish her breakfast. She’d survived her first encounter with a member of the pack—Carrie, John and Helen didn’t count—and she’d come out on top. It was a good feeling and erased some of her earlier insecurities.

After breakfast, Carrie and John left for town to pick up some supplies for their soon-toarrive pup. Helen accepted Ava’s help with the cleanup and then shooed her on her way with instructions to go exploring outside. Ava walked into the backyard and looked around with interest.

The early morning air was cool, but the brightness of the sun promised to bring a warmer day once the dampness burned off. Small white clouds dotted the otherwise clear blue sky and the air had the fresh, clean scent that always appeared after a rain. Noting the puddles on the ground, she vaguely recalled hearing some rain hitting against the windowpane sometime during the night. Had it been before, or after Thomas had been found? She hoped it was after the fact, not liking the image of the wounded man lying on the ground, b***d and rain soaking his clothes as he awaited rescue.

Shaking the grim image from her mind, she concentrated on her surroundings again. Numerous large trees dotted the lawn, their majestic branches stretching outward to create a canopy overhead. She imagined that in the summer the yard would be pleasantly shaded by their leaves. In the far corner, a substantial vegetable garden could be seen, and a variety of flower beds were placed strategically around the house and outbuildings. Due to it being fall, the gardens weren’t looking their best, but evidence of the summer splendour could still be seen in the few hardy flowers that refused to quit blooming despite the cooler nights.

Circling to the front of the house, she carefully skirted a large puddle and then stood on the edge of the driveway. How far did she dare travel on her own? Looking down the drive, she could make out some houses beyond the bend. They were probably the homes of other pack members, she decided. Helen had spoken of an infirmary and she pondered where it might be located and if Arthur would still be there. It wasn’t that she really wanted to see him, she told herself. It was just that she didn’t know anyone else or have anything in particular to do.

If she was with Arthur, he’d introduce her to some more people and she’d feel braver about exploring. While the members she’d met upon arriving yesterday had all seemed friendly, her encounter with Marla had left her apprehensive. Would she have to stand up to each and every member in order to prove herself, or would they just accept her? Had they only seemed friendly yesterday because Arthur had been there? How would they react to meeting her without his protection? At dinner last night, she felt more confident when the others spoke of embracing new ways and new members, but now… She worried her l*p as she pondered the questions rolling about in her mind. Joining a new pack was tricky; she’d never appreciated that fact before. Now that she had her own personal insight into the situation, she resolved to be a lot more supportive of new members in the future.

In the distance, she could hear a vehicle approaching. Squinting she noted that it was a red sports car and was travelling rather quickly for such a narrow, twisty driveway. Clouds of dust swirled up around it, obscuring the view of the driver. Something about the vehicle was making her uneasy and she stepped onto the grass as it drew closer. Just as it was almost even with her, the driver jerked the wheel. The car fishtailed and loose bits of gravel flew up in the air. Ava jerked backwards as small pebbles pelted her. Unfortunately, there was a large puddle right behind her and she slipped, landing on her rear in the muddy water.

Gasping in outrage, she looked towards the driveway, prepared to give the driver a piece of her mind, but the vehicle was gone. Muttering vile threats under her breath, she wiped her stinging cheek, not surprised when a trace of b***d appeared on her hand. At least one of the sharp, stony projectiles had hit its mark. Thoroughly disgruntled, she clambered to her feet and tried unsuccessfully to wipe the mud off herself but only succeeded in smearing it around. Giving up, she stomped towards the house.