Mated To The Wrong Alpha
Chapter 26

The next morning, they drove into town and Arthur let her off outside the Grey Goose. “I’ll only be about half an hour. Wait for me here when you’re finished and then we’ll go find you a car.”

She hopped out, waved as he left, then turned to face the entrance of the building. Biting her l*p, she began to question the wisdom of trying to get a job. She’d helped serve large meals at home when the whole pack got together, but her actual work experience was sadly lacking. It would be embarrassing if no one would hire her, especially after she’d insisted to Arthur that she needed to work. Wiping her suddenly sweaty palms on her pants, she took a deep breath and entered the Grey Goose Tea House determined to put her best foot forward. Hopefully a cheerful, willing attitude would compensate for her lack of formal training.

Half an hour later she met Arthur in the parking lot, beaming with excitement. “I’ve got a job!

It’s only a few hours a week, until he sees how I work out, but at least that’s a start. At first, I didn’t think he’d hire me given that I had no experience, but then he got called away to answer the phone and when he came back, he said he’d thought it over and would give me a try. Isn’t that great?”

Taking in her glowing face, Arthur nodded. “If it makes you this happy, then it is. When do you start?”

“Tomorrow I go in for some training, and after that, he’ll put me on the schedule.”

Arthur pulled her close and kissed her brow. “Well, I guess we’d better get you some transportation then, hadn’t we?”

The car lot was just down the road and soon Ava was walking up and down the rows of vehicles, her head spinning as Arthur and the salesman engaged in deep conversation about engine size and fuel consumption. As long as it was an automatic, not too big, and a decent colour, she really didn’t care what she drove. They finally selected a burgundy four door with a sporty grill and automatic everything.

“You can pick it up tomorrow.” Arthur told her as they climbed into his vehicle. “I’m having my mechanic go over it and check all the fluid levels, belts, tires, and brakes. Once he gives the go ahead, we’ll come back and get it.”

Impulsively, she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks. I really appreciate you getting me that car.”

“I want you to be happy here.” He put his hand behind her head and drew her close for a deeper k**s, then started the engine and headed for home.

That evening, the others disappeared as usual, so the newlyweds would have some time alone. Helen was going to a friend’s for a card party while John and Carrie were meeting with another couple to see a production put on by the local theatre group. Ava and Arthur watched a movie together, Arthur complaining because it was a ‘chick flick’ while she defended the story. When it was over, Arthur stood and put the DVD back in its case, then set it on the table so they’d remember to return it in the morning.

Stretching and yawning, he looked at her expectantly. “I think I might make an early night of it. Want to join me?”

“Well, I’m really not that tired; I did have a nap this afternoon.”

Arthur walked over and pulled her up out of the chair. “That’s not exactly what I meant.” He nibbled on her throat and ran his hands up and down her back.

“Oh! Well, in that case, you might be able to persuade me to head upstairs.”

“Persuade? In the old days, an Alpha simply chose his mate and carried her off.” He leered down at her.

“Well, this isn’t the old days.” She replied smugly.

“Possibly not, but as you pointed out the other night, on some level the wolf mentality is always there.” With that, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her out of the room. She gave a shriek and tried to struggle, but not too hard. It was rather exciting to be carried off!

They’d almost reached the stairs, when the phone rang. Arthur hesitated then shook his head. “Nope, I’ll let the answering machine get it.” Shifting her in his grip, he reached over to turn the answering machine on before continuing on his way but accidentally turned the phone onto speaker instead. Suddenly Marla ’s panic-stricken voice filled the room.

“Arthur? Ava? Oh please, let someone be there! I need help. It’s—” A scream filled the room, then the sound of wood cracking as if a door was being broken down. Footsteps and angry voices could be heard.

Arthur froze, one foot on the bottom step, digging his fingers into Ava’s body before letting her slide from his arms. They both took a step towards the phone, only to still when Marla’s voice could be heard again. “Please, please, Ryne! Don’t hurt me! I—” The sound of flesh hitting flesh and Marla’s cry of pain had Arthur leaping into action.

He grabbed the phone and growled down the receiver. “Marla? Marla! Don’t worry, I’m coming. Ryne, if you can hear this, you keep your f*****g hands off her or this time, I will kill you!” He turned to Ava, the look on his face causing her to step back in fear. “I’ve got to go to her! Ava, do you have a cell phone?” She nodded.

“Good, keep listening on this line so we have an idea of what’s going on. Call John on your cell, here’s his number.” Arthur shoved a hastily scribbled number into her hand. “He’s in town and can probably get there before I do.”

As he turned to go, she caught his arm to stop him from leaving. Quickly she kissed him.

“Good luck and be careful. I’ll be waiting here.” With the briefest of nods, Arthur ran out the door.