True Alpha by Ranae Rose Page A

to lead them through it.
    Stifling the urge to protest or demand to go along, Mandy nodded when Jack announced that he, Daniel and Clarissa would take the first patrol. When he kissed her briefly on the forehead, she took a deep breath, inhaling his comforting scent. Even if they did encounter another wolf shifter in the woods, they’d be okay. There were three of them, after all. She kept reminding herself of that fact as she watched Jack exit through the front door and toss his clothing aside, shifting and disappearing into the woods, a dark wolf with two others at his side, where she longed to be.
     
    ****
     
    Mandy rolled out from beneath the covers feeling vaguely anxious, just as she had when she’d gone to bed. Taking a nap had seemed like a good idea – the pack run had left her tired, and she couldn’t worry about Jack if she was asleep, could she? She’d hoped he’d be back by the time she woke up. Straining her ears for any sign of his voice, she slipped out of bed and smoothed her clothing.
    There was no sign of him in the cabin’s main room, or the bathroom when she checked. He, Daniel and Clarissa mustn’t have returned from their patrol yet. She wandered out onto the front porch – maybe she’d wait there until they returned. Judging by the position of the sun in the sky, they’d be back soon.
    It wasn’t long before voices caught Mandy’s attention, though none of them were Jack’s. Distinctly feminine, they were worlds away from his rougher tone and distinct Southern cadence. Within a few short moments, their conversation became discernible.
    “It’s not my fault – she doesn’t even have the mark. What was I supposed to think?”
    That had been Violet’s voice.
    “I’m not saying you were wrong.” The one that answered was distinctly April’s. “But they’re mated. It’ll be better for the entire pack if you just let it go.”
    “I don’t see how they’re mated when they’re not even marked.”
    “Well, she’s pregnant. I’d say that makes it obvious enough.” April tsked . “Though it is weird.”
    “It’s more than weird,” Violet said, her voice thoughtful. “I swear, he had this smell yesterday…”
    “He couldn’t have.” Surprisingly, it was a male voice that spoke this time – Noah’s. The rest of the guys were on the patrol. “Only a shifter’s mate can detect their unique mating scent. You must’ve smelled something else.”
    Violet scoffed. “I may not have a mate, but I’m not an idiot. That was no ordinary scent. I’m telling you, something’s up. If they were mates, why wouldn’t they have each other’s marks? Maybe they’re just living like mates, like humans do. I mean, you don’t have to be mated to have sex. Maybe he got her pregnant without meaning to and feels obligated to take care of her.”
    A sharp pain flared in one of Mandy’s fingertips, making her aware of the death-grip she had on the porch banister. Uncurling her fingers and taking a step backward, she raised her hands and saw that a long, slender sliver of wood had pierced her skin. She pulled it from her fingertip as carefully as she could manage while her head spun, Violet’s words bouncing around inside her skull and making her see red.
    Not mates? Obligated ? Who the hell did Violet think she was to just show up out of the blue, an uninvited guest, and question her and Jack’s relationship?
    “I’ll ask him about it later,” Noah said.
    Mandy gripped the banister again, heedless of splinters. Just now, she felt ready to either collapse or strangle someone. Squeezing the hell out of the wooden railing seemed like the safest alternative. She chewed her inner lip as her cheeks burnt hot, as if she’d been slapped. Meanwhile, the sound of approaching footsteps filled the silence.
    They weren’t talking anymore – probably because they were afraid she’d hear. They must’ve thought she’d be inside, that she wouldn’t have been able to overhear their