Alpha King’s Wolfless Mate by Scarlett Higgins

We fell back into silence and I watched the town pass by out the window. Lanecreek was beautiful, and it seemed to be doing quite well. There were people bustling about small shops and chatting amicably on the sidewalks all around. Lovely flowering trees lined the streets and every house we passed seemed to have a small garden out front.

The people were happy and the scent of fresh baked bread and flowers filled the air. The town was so idyllic, it almost felt like a dream.

It seemed that, despite their isolation, Lanecreek had found a way to prosper. It was a relief to see that my concerns had been for nothing.

I watched as a large, brick house came into view. It had vines creeping up the walls and shaggy hedges out front, but it looked to be in good shape. It was lovely, in a strange way.

Blake got out of the car the moment it stopped moving and strode confidently to ward the front door. I hurried to keep up with him.

It was strange that there was no one outside waiting to greet the king. There was normally some big show of respect when Blake arrived for a visit to one of the packs. Some packs went a little over the topwith displays of their wealth and others kept things solemn and serious, but there was always someone waiting to greet him.

It was eerie how still and silent the house seemed, especially compared to the rest of the town. Blake brought his fi st to the wood of the door and a resounding knock broke the stillness.

I held my breath and waited for the door to open. I had no idea what to expect and I was afraid that we might be walking into a trap.

“Welcome to Lanecreek,”a loud, authoritative voicecalled out. I jumped and whirled towards the source of the voice.

A tall, barrel chested man with gray hair and sharp eyes was standing a few feet away from us. He must have come from the back of the house. Blake grabbed my arm firmly and took a step in front of me.

The man chuckled and shook his head.“I hope that we can put the past behind us, Blake,” he said. His voice sounded sincere, but there was something strange in his eyes as he spoke. I wondered if I was imagining it.

I could see some similarities between Blake and the man who could only be his uncle, but the cold chill that washed over me as I looked at him was unlike anything I’d ever felt from Blake.

This man was dangerous. I could sense it when I looked into his eyes.

“I’m happy to see you,” the man noted.“And yourbeautiful bride.”

Blake tensed at his words. I held onto his arm toreassure him that I was safe with him.

A young man appeared from around t hẹ corner of the house and Blake’s uncle turned to him proudly. “This is Graham.”

He had a clean cut jaw, jet black hair, and bright blue eyes. They were almost striking as he smiled and his canines showed. He must have noticed me staring at him, because he winked at me.

I scoffe d openly at him. What a brash, foolish young man he was to wink at the Lycan King’s wife so openly. Blake bristled at the bold move, but then Graham started to speak before Blake could rebuke him.

“It’s nice to meet you, cousin. Uncle has beenindispensable to me these past weeks as I prepare for my ascension to Alpha, but there is still much to do to prepare. I’m glad to have the King by my side as well.”

Blake was stunned by the man’s boldness. After a pause he asked,“Ascension?”

Sadness came into Graham’s eyes and he nodded once.“My father died a few months back and I have not been able to step into his role yet because of my age. I’ll be 2lat the end of the month, and I will finally be able to fully take over my position as Alpha.”

I could tell that Blake wanted to ask more questions, but his gaze flicked to his Uncle and he stayed silent.

“There will be a ball to celebrate my birthday andascension,” Graham continued with sudden excitement. I would be honored if you would attend. It will be a truly special evening, I will be introducing my future Luna to my pack.”As if the word had summoned her, a tall, leggy blonde appeared in the doorway of the house. I stared in open shock as she stepped out into the sunlight and we could see her fully.

A smirk crossed her plus h l*ps and she tossed her shoulder length hair back and fixed me with an intense stare.

There was no mistaking it. It was Kelly.