Mated To The Wrong Alpha
Chapter 15

Her new friends had a great time showing Ava all that the town had to offer. They checked out the clothing shops and the shoe stores, trying on the winter fashions that were just arriving. Both Zoe and Rose bought new winter coats while Phoebe lingered over a matching purse and dress boots. Ava tried a few things on but didn’t make any purchases. First of all, she didn’t need anything, and secondly, she wasn’t sure what her financial situation might be.

At home, she’d helped her father with some minor office work and assisted Sarah with the house. For that, she’d been paid a small wage out of the pack’s general operating budget. Now, she was basically unemployed with only her small savings to fall back on. She’d have to talk to Arthur about the situation. Maybe she could find a job in town waitressing.

Thankfully, no one pressed her as to why she wasn’t buying anything. She knew they’d all noticed how much she’d admired a certain green V-necked sweater that matched her eyes. Its soft angora knit had draped over her curves in a flattering way, the low-cut neckline giving a tantalising hint of cleavage. Reluctantly, she’d placed it back on the rack, not wanting to squander her money on something so frivolous until she had her own source of income.

Helen had gone to get her hair done and the four younger women were going to meet her at the Grey Goose Tea Room at three o’clock. Since they still had half an hour to spare, they wandered down the mall idly commenting on various window displays. Ava paused by a small art gallery to look at an exceptionally fine mounted photo of a wolf standing in the middle of the woods. It had a natural wood frame and a deep burgundy mat that added warmth to the blues and greys of the actual picture. “This is nice,” she commented to her companions. The others nudged each other and giggled. “What? Don’t you like it?”

“Oh, we like it all right. Don’t you recognise the subject?”

Puzzled, she studied the picture again. The background looked vaguely familiar. She said as much to them. “But I can’t really say where I’ve seen it before.”

Phoebe leaned over and whispered in her ear. “That’s a picture of Arthur.”

“What?” She spoke louder than she’d intended and several shoppers gave her strange looks as they passed by. Ducking her head, she tried to make herself inconspicuous. “That’s Arthur? I’ve only seen him as a wolf once before…” Her voice trailed off. How embarrassing, not to even recognise your own mate! As she peered more carefully at the picture, she noticed the wolf’s eyes were definitely Arthur’s. “Who took it?”

The three ladies fell silent and then, unexpectedly Rose spoke. “It was Ryne. He liked photography and was actually pretty good. Quite a few of his pictures have been sold both here and in other galleries around the area, though I think this is the only one I’ve ever seen with Arthur in it.”

“You’ve heard about Ryne, haven’t you?” Zoe tentatively asked.

Ava nodded. “Arthur told me. It’s hard to reconcile someone who can take such a wonderful picture with the person I’ve heard about. I can’t believe any Lycan would endanger its own pack.”

“No one understands why Ryne issued that challenge.” Phoebe shook her head. “He’s lucky

Arthur didn’t kill him.”

“Uh-oh. Bitch at twelve o’clock.” Zoe hissed a warning, and everyone looked in the direction she indicated. Marla was walking across the gallery and heading their way, an obviously fake smile pasted on her face.

“Oh great,” Phoebe g*****d. “And it’s too late to escape. She’s seen us.”

Ava tensed and hoped the other woman wouldn’t be as snarky now as she’d been first thing in the morning. One confrontation a day was usually her limit, thank you.

“Well, look who’s here.” Marla’s voice was condescending and she smirked at Ava, obviously having recovered from their earlier skirmish and ready to do battle again.

“Hello, Marla.” Rose spoke very quietly, meeting the other woman’s eyes before staring at the floor, her hands shoved into her pockets. Ava could almost see Marla puff herself up, pleased that at least one of the people present recognized her superior status.

“Marla.” Zoe and Phoebe each gave curt nods of acknowledgement.

After considering the situation, Ava decided to stay silent, not wanting to create a scene. Something about the blonde set her teeth on edge. Apparently though, Marla wasn’t one to let an opportunity pass by. “Ava, I see you’re admiring the picture of your mate. You know, I was there when it was taken. We’d just finished the most…invigorating…exercise and—”

“Oh, give it a break, Marla.” Zoe snorted in disgust. “You were out with Ryne and came across Arthur by accident. Don’t try to make it sound like more than it was. And before you even start, we all know that it was Ryne who managed to talk him into having his picture taken, not as a special favour to you.”

Her face flushing, Marla glowered at them. “Better be careful what you say, Zoe, because one of these days you might find that I’m the one with the power. And just like an elephant, I don’t forget.” With that, Marla spun on her heels and stalked away.

“Her memory isn’t the only thing like an elephant,” Zoe said in a not so quiet voice, while staring pointedly at the woman’s retreating h**s.

Marla must have heard for she turned and shot the most evil look their way.

Not finished, Zoe added another stinging comment. “She really shouldn’t wear such skintight clothing. It shows every bulge and bump.”

Ava couldn’t believe how rude Zoe was being and simply stared speechless, as Marla spun around and began to walk towards them again.

Phoebe placed a warning hand on Zoe’s arm, but Zoe shook it off, hot angry emotions flashing in her eyes as a low growl started to emit from her throat. Marla appeared as if she was about to lose control and Ava began to wonder if she’d end up in a werewolf version of a catfight.

At the last moment, a man wearing a suit coat and a nametag proclaiming him as the gallery manager, called Marla’s name. She paused, shot one last hateful look at Zoe, and then turned to talk to the man.

Phoebe and Rose both grabbed Zoe’s arms and dragged her out of the mall. Gesturing towards a stately, turn of the century home that was located about a block away, the sisters began to walk briskly down the street.

“What was that all about?” Ava asked, hurrying along behind. Sure, she’d stood up to Marla that morning, but she’d been a wreck inside. Zoe didn’t even seem fazed and had, in fact, deliberately provoked the other woman.

With a toss of her head, Zoe began explaining. “Marla and I go way back, but not as friends. She’s always been jealous that our father was chosen as Alpha over hers. Now she keeps trying to climb the ladder within the pack by latching onto whoever seems to be next in line. Right now, she’s mad because she chose to back the wrong brother. She was sure Ryne was next in line and got her claws into him, changing him from a nice guy into this power-hungry Alpha-wannabe.” “So she and Ryne…?” Ava queried.

“Rumour was that Ryne was planning on making her his mate.” Phoebe explained. “But when Ryne lost the challenge and left, she was out of the running again for working her way into the big house. Not that any of us think she ever really gave up. With Ryne out of the picture, she simply changed her target.”

“Oh…” Ava let the information sink in. “So that means—”

“Yep.” Zoe pulled open the door to the Grey Goose Tea Room. “She had her sights set on Arthur. When we got the call that Arthur was coming home with his new mate, Marla looked like she was about to burst a b***d vessel.”

Phoebe giggled. “I wish I’d had a camera handy. I’ve never seen anyone’s face turn that red before.”

The sisters quieted down as they waited to be shown to a table, and Ava took the opportunity to check out her surroundings. At one point in time, the Grey Goose had been a private home but was now a combination tea room and gift shop. Crafts, jewellery, scarves, and unique wall hangings were tastefully displayed in small side rooms and alcoves, while tables were arranged in the centre part of the building. The plaster and woodwork had been restored to its original splendour, while period furniture was used throughout. Soft music drifted from speakers strategically hidden in the numerous potted plants, providing cover for the various conversations that came from the patrons.

Impressed with the atmosphere of casual elegance, she wondered what the chances were of getting a part-time job in such an establishment. The waitresses seemed busy enough, so maybe the owner would consider adding one more to his staff. Tucking the idea into the back of her mind, she followed the others as a server led them to their table.

Once seated, Zoe immediately launched into a whispered commentary about someone she knew who was seated across the room. Ava glanced at the person in question, catching a glimpse of Rose out of the corner of her eye. The girl was so quiet, keeping her head down and studying the menu. Rose and Zoe appeared to be total opposites and it seemed a strange friendship. While Zoe had basically been picking a fight with Marla, Rose had almost crawled inside herself and become invisible.

When Rose left to use the ladies’ room, Ava broached the subject and Zoe happily explained. “Rose is my ‘project’. I’ve noticed lately that Daniel seems interested in her—Daniel’s my brother-in-law—and so I’ve sort of befriended Rose in the hopes that I can get the two of them together.”

“She likes to think she’s the world’s greatest matchmaker.” Phoebe chimed in.

“Well, I got you and Alex together.” Zoe pointed out.

“One success and it goes to your head.” Phoebe rolled her eyes.

“Well, what about Arthur and Marla? I knew they weren’t suited.” Leaning back in her chair, Zoe crossed her arms and looked smug.

“Knowing they aren’t suited isn’t the same as matchmaking and besides, everyone knew that Marla wasn’t what Arthur needed.” Phoebe glanced over at Ava. “He needs someone nice, like Ava.”

Ava gave a half smile and ducked her head, embarrassed at how the two women were chattering away about her mate. She was sure they didn’t mean anything by it. Letting their banter wash over her, she pondered the whole Arthur-Marla-Ryne triangle.

Marla had been paired with Ryne, but when Ryne left she’d switched allegiance to Arthur. How had Arthur felt about that? Had he been interested in Marla even knowing that she’d been with his brother? From what Julia had said earlier, it sounded like others had believed Arthur and Marla were a couple. Or did it only seem that way because Marla forced herself into Arthur’s company? The woman was certainly pushy, but Arthur could discourage her if he wanted to. The question was, did he want to? He had spent quite a bit of time talking to her yesterday.

A strange feeling quivered through her stomach. While she wasn’t in love with Arthur, it still made her uneasy to think another woman had her sights set on him. Somehow, she knew that Marla hadn’t given up on the pack’s Alpha