Claimed By Her Alpha by J.E. Cluney

15

Dray.

* * *

Damn, this female loved toying with me. My wolf wanted to turn the tables on her games, but I refused. As soon as I allowed it too, things would become too heated.

“Well, what are your hobbies?” she asked as she sipped her hot chocolate.

I sipped my coffee, drawing in the fragrance in an effort to cover her scent, but I kept my window down anyway.

Hobbies. I like to shift into a wolf and run wild, hunt animals, be free.

Yeah, I was not saying that.

“I don’t really have time for hobbies. But I like to cook,” I said after a moment of thought.

“Damn, this just gets better and better. I expect breakfast then,” she said with a sexy little smirk. “Maybe some pancakes, whipped cream, berries. Go all out.”

“You’re a witty one, aren’t you?”

“Too much sass for you? I’d say I’ll try to tone it down, but, no, I don’t want to,” she said as she cocked her head at me. “I enjoy being me.”

And I wouldn’t change a damn thing about you.

“I’ll manage,” I said with a smirk. So, I now knew a lot about her thoughts on wolf shifters. The more trust I built with her, the easier it would be for me to reveal the truth. And considering her love for it, it would hopefully be accepted relatively well.

She’d even said she would want to be a wolf. That made me a little saddened for her. She was part shifter already, but it had not woken up. There was no way to force it awake either, it either did or it didn’t.

She knew nothing of her true heritage. Hell, she probably didn’t even know her grandfather was still alive.

It wasn’t my place to share with her either.

“Six hours stuck in a car with me. Good luck to you,” she snickered.

“I imagine you’ll fall asleep,” I stated.

“Possible. I did work today,” she murmured. “But I’ll try to stay up and keep you company. Don’t need you getting tired and crashing. Not how I want to go.”

“I won’t get tired driving.”

She gave me a questioning look before shrugging. “So, Dray, what’s your hometown like? Apart from being small and close-knit.”

“Well, I was born there. I know everyone. There’s not much to tell really. There’s a lot of forestry out there that is protected. The town itself doesn’t have a whole lot to offer, but it’s got enough. Even a small cinema,” I said as I tried to think of things that were worthwhile mentioning. For wolves, it was perfect, for humans, well, not so much. Many humans who moved there wanted to leave the city life behind for something quieter. We had a few elderly folks around too that had retired there.

“Sounds quaint,” she said softly. “I always loved small towns.”

I smiled at her words. She was absolutely perfect for me, and my wolf rumbled in agreement.

I was more hopeful she’d be my mate now after our wolf shifter chat. She’d be thrilled, supposedly. There was still that slight doubt that how she thought she’d react would be different to the real deal.

I’d find out once I made my move.

We settled in for the long drive, chatting about tastes in music and sharing random things we’d done or experienced. I avoided the topic of past flings, and she thankfully did the same. As she chatted away, I could feel myself falling for her, not just in my mating, animal attraction way, but something more. She truly was an amazing woman, so full of life and positive energy despite her hardships.

Absolutely perfect in my eyes.

* * *

Everly had drifted off into sleep at the three-hour mark, and I’d driven the rest of the way in silence.

I relaxed as the town sign for Bronman came into view, and I wondered if I should bother waking her.

One look at her serene face had me squashing that thought. She looked so content and sweet, snuggled up into the seat as she faced me.

The urge to lean over and kiss her forehead was awfully strong, but I pushed it aside, not wanting to risk waking her.

I drove down the main street of town, enjoying the surreal emptiness this early in the morning.

There were a few people out at this peaceful hour, but I could count them on one hand. Apart from that, it was like I was driving through a ghost town.

But this was home, and my wolf was delighted to be back.

I just hoped Trenton hadn’t done anything in my absence since my mother had called. She hadn’t called again, so that was promising, nor had any of my Pack contacted me. They all had my number for emergencies, and I was used to getting a few calls a day about odd things. After all, I was their Alpha, so they sought me out for assistance with most things.

I drove through the quiet streets, passing two joggers before I reached my home on the far side of town.

My family home. I’d lived in town up until my father had passed, then I’d moved into the house he’d left me.

I pulled into the gravel driveway, smiling fondly as I drove through the archway made by the old oak trees that were planted generations ago. Up ahead, the old plantation home stood strong, the gardens out front were in pristine condition, along with the building.

My mother enjoyed tending to the gardens, and my father had made sure to keep the home in top shape, restoring parts over the years where needed. It had been a part of my family for many generations, the land around it having since been sold off. Now, my mother focused on using the few acres of land to host Pack events and celebrations, and the property backed onto protected forestry where we could shift and run as a Pack.

I pulled up before the four-bay garage, clicking the button on my keys and waiting for it to open before I pulled in.

“Everly,” I murmured as I leaned over and gently shook her shoulders.

“Mmm?” she opened one sleepy eye to peer at me before yawning.

“We’re here, come inside and you can sleep,” I said softly. Fuck, she looked stunning despite barely being awake. Her hair falling into her eyes from her messy bun, those plump lips so kissable and tempting.

My wolf rumbled within me, and I wondered just how good a morning fuck would be once she was mated to me.

My cock throbbed at the thought, and my wolf rumbled again eagerly.

“Okay,” she sighed as she stretched, her shirt riding up to reveal that soft, flat stomach.

How I wanted to kiss along it, to yank down her leggings and bury my face into that sweet pussy.

I clenched my jaw as I got out of the car, needing to get a whiff of fresh air before she became too much. I’d handled the car ride well, but it looked like my armor was now cracking.

I grabbed her bag from the back seat before moving away from the car to clear my mind and senses.

I sucked in air as I stood at the garage door, the sky soaked in an eerie grey glow.

Everly climbed out of the car, and I heard the rustle of her clothes as she stretched again.

I gazed out over the manicured lawns and various fruit trees that flourished.

Home. This was the place where I’d grown up, where Pack events were held and I’d had so much fun. When my father had passed, leaving it to me, I’d felt a little strange leaving my home in town. I’d worked for it, not relying on my father’s fortune to buy somewhere fancy, instead investing wisely and growing my own portfolio after working all sorts of jobs to get ahead.

Now, I’d inherited everything from him, the businesses, investment portfolios, the large home.

My mother had spoken about moving into one of the old cottages on the vast property that had been done up as accommodation for Pack members in times of need, but I’d told her not to stress. The home was easily big enough for the pair of us.

And my mate.

I sighed, Everly’s scent swirling into my nostrils as she stepped up beside me. If she took me as her mate, my mother would move out to give us privacy. Something I would be grateful for. Especially since I wanted to christen every fucking room.

I gritted my teeth as I forced the tantalizing images of Everly bent over the couch or naked on the edge of the kitchen counter from my mind. I needed to remain focused, which she was making next to impossible.

“You live here?” she breathed as she took in the view.

“It was the family home, when my father died, I inherited it,” I explained as she rubbed her arms against the crisp morning air.

I led the way to the house, unable to keep from resting my hand on her lower back as I guided her, my wolf pacing within me.

I found the front door unlocked, and as it swung open, my mother’s smiling face greeted us.

“Dray,” she beamed, nodding at me before turning to Everly. She looked quite snug in her dressing gown, and I knew she’d gotten up only to greet us. “And you must be Everly. I’m sure you’re tired, it’s still so early, I’ll show you to a guest room,” she said as she clasped her hands together.

I wanted to argue and state that she belonged in my room with me, but I kept my mouth shut. Now was not the time.

“Um, thanks,” Everly said as she flicked me a quick glance. “It’s lovely to meet you…”

“Lyla,” my mother said as she gave me a pointed look. “This way.”

“I’ll find you later on in the morning, Everly,” I said as she hesitated. She forced a smile before following after my mother.

I needed to round up my best men and make sure Trenton was out of our territory. Then I’d call a meeting and make sure everyone knew what was going on.

Everly was my true mate. I’d find out if she’d accept me, and if not, I’d take a mate from one of the allied Packs to strengthen us and fortify my position as Alpha.

My wolf snarled at the possibility that Everly would reject us, but I needed to be realistic. She was essentially human, although she did still feel the pull, so that was a plus.

I headed outside, drawing in the morning air. I’d not slept for some time, but I wasn’t even remotely tired. Everly was on my mind, and I needed to get things in order around here.

I waited outside, traces of Everly’s scent lingering all around me despite the soft breeze.

My mother re-joined me after a few more moments.

“She’s a pretty one. Tired though. I’ll speak with her more when she awakens. What do you plan on doing now?” she asked as she folded her arms.

“Call a meeting away from here, I don’t need to freak her out with a crowd. Tell them what’s going on and about the alliance. Then tell Everly everything. If she doesn’t accept me, then I’ll take a mate from one of the other Packs,” I said, ignoring the sorrowful whimpers of my wolf. We didn’t want any other mate. Just Everly.

“Taking another mate after finding your true mate won’t be easy if it comes to that,” my mother said softly as she gazed out over the dew-covered grass.

“I know.”

I just hoped it wouldn’t come to that.