Mated To The Wrong Alpha
Chapter 54

Ryne popped into her mind, no doubt due to the fact that he was leaving tomorrow. No sign of Marla had been found much to everyone’s frustration, but Ryne vowed to keep an eye out for her and would warn any pack he might come in contact with, as he searched for a new home. Both Seth and Daniel were accompanying him and she wondered how the three would fare.

She’d miss Seth of course, but knew their lives were heading down separate paths. Daniel had been very quiet lately; hopefully a new environment would help him come around. And Ryne… She smiled when she thought of him. He was so like Arthur, but with a very strange sense of humour. The man was also rough around the edges, at times making her blush with some of his comments. It was all meant in fun however, and she wished she could have longer to get to know her brother-in-law. Still, once he settled somewhere, they’d be able to visit occasionally.

As if he’d known her thoughts, Ryne appeared in the doorway. He was dressed all in black, exuding the same air of confidence and power that Arthur did. “Hey, Ava. What are you up to?” “Nothing much. Just enjoying some quiet time.”

“Mind if I join you?”

She patted the spot beside her and he wandered in, his stride fluid and predatory. She loved Arthur with her whole heart, but it didn’t stop her from admiring the pure male beauty of the man approaching her. With his slightly too long black hair, and piercing blue eyes, broad chest and long legs, the man personified s*x appeal. She couldn’t stop the smile that appeared on her lips when he sat down beside her.

“You look happy.” He commented as he leaned back in the sofa. “What brings that smile to your face?”

“You.” She laughed at the shocked look on his face. “I was thinking that, next to Arthur, you’re probably the best looking Lycan I’ve ever encountered, and here I am with both of you under the same roof.”

Quick to regain his composure, Ryne leered at her. “You’re lucky that Arthur saw you first or

I’d be carrying you off with me.”

“No, you wouldn’t. There’s nothing that special about me and you can have your pick of any number of beautiful females. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how every single girl in the pack has been hanging around here. And you haven’t exactly been turning them away, either.”

The slightest hint of a flush appeared on Ryne’s cheeks and he ducked his head in acknowledgement. “True. But I haven’t encouraged any of them. None of them can hold a candle to you.”

She folded her arms and gave him a disbelieving look.

“I mean it, Ava. You’re special. You have guts. When I think of how you tried to drag yourself through the ravine with a broken leg, and then saved us all from being killed by Marla…” He reached out and brushed a curl from her face, staring deeply into her eyes. “And you’re sweet and kind…” His gaze dropped to her mouth and he slowly leaned closer.

A wave of panic washed over her as the attraction built between them. She tried to lean away, but the arm of the couch was preventing her.

“What’s going on here?” A rough voice rumbled from the doorway and both turned to see Arthur framed in it. He had clenched his hands into fists and was holding them stiffly at his side. His expression was anything but pleased.

“Arthur, it’s nothing. I was just—” She pushed against Ryne’s chest trying to create some space between them. She immediately sent positive thoughts Arthur’s way in order to reassure him, only to shiver in fear as they bounced off the edge of his mind. Arthur was blocking her, and from the look on his face, he was more than a little annoyed.

“You, I trust.” Arthur barked the words as he strode into the room. “It’s this rogue that I don’t.”

“What’s the matter, Arthur? Don’t you believe in sharing?” Ryne taunted, getting to his feet and facing his brother.

Oh damn! Her relationship with Arthur was finally on solid ground and she didn’t want anything to upset it. “Ryne, don’t tease him like that! Arthur, I don’t know why he’s behaving this way.” Her gaze darted back and forth between the two men.

“Don’t you, Ava?” Ryne mocked. “I’m starting a new pack. I need a female and you’d suit me just fine.”

Gasping at his boldness, she struggled to her feet and placed herself in between the two, her back firmly pressed to Arthur’s chest. She could feel it starting to rumble. “But you’re his brother; part of the pack. You can’t claim a pack member’s mate!” She hoped he was joking. There was a glint in his eye, which made her think he simply had a weird and ill-timed sense of humour, but still…

Ryne reached out towards her as if to grab her arm and pull her away from Arthur. His gaze was hot, and he seemed intent on having her, no matter what the consequences. Suddenly, he veered his hand off course and flicked the end of her nose. “Gotcha!” He burst out laughing, and then Arthur started to chuckle, too.

She looked from one to the other, then put her hands on her h**s and scowled. “That was not funny!”

“Yes it was.” Ryne chuckled. “The look on your face was priceless! I figured life has been pretty quiet around here lately and you needed some excitement.”

“Oh you did, did you?” She turned to look at Arthur and glowered. “And what’s your excuse?”

Arthur shrugged and pointed at Ryne. “He made me do it.”

“That’s right. Two big bad Alphas teaming up and picking on a poor, defenceless female. One who’s injured no less! Honestly, if this is how you two behave together, I don’t know how this pack ever survived!” She huffed and hobbled out of the room, catching their surprised expressions out of the corner of her eye. Good, she chuckled to herself as she made her way down the hall; let them stew for a while. It serves them right! Making sure her mind was firmly shut to Arthur, so he’d have no idea that she wasn’t really that upset, she paused outside the kitchen.

Smiling, she reflected how good it felt to be herself again. Ever since she’d mated Arthur, her life had been in turmoil and she’d never really known where she stood. She’d been so busy trying to please everyone that she’d lost herself. Joining a new pack had been nerve wracking. Suddenly being a mate—and an Alpha’s mate no less—had her stepping into a job that she was ill-prepared to handle. And then, in trying to please Arthur, she’d done her best to befriend Marla when she didn’t want to and that had certainly ended up a mess! Sighing in relief that it was all behind her now, she pushed the kitchen door open.

Of course, Helen was there as always, preparing the next meal and humming away. She was never happier than when she had an army to feed. Carrie sat in a rocking chair, feeding John Jr. and after greeting everyone, she settled into a nearby chair, watching in envy as the child suckled, his small fist brushing against his mother’s breast while he looked up at her with big, blue eyes.

She slowly exhaled, feeling a trifle melancholy. There’d be no baby for her this season.

Looking up, she noticed Helen watching her with knowing eyes that seemed to say ‘Don’t worry, maybe next time.’ She nodded. Possibly it was all for the best. At least now she and Arthur had some time together without any danger or drama.

“So,” Helen spoke out loud. “Where are the two hooligans?” “Hooligans?” Ava asked.

“Yes, hooligans. Arthur and Ryne.”

“Oh, them.” Rolling her eyes, Ava explained what had happened.

Helen chuckled. “Reminds me of when they were pups. Those two could come up with some of the most outlandish schemes.”

“Yeah, remember when…” Carrie chimed in as she lifted the baby over her shoulder and began to pat his back. Soon all three were laughing as the antics of the two Alphas were related.

“Oh, it’s good to have Ryne back.” Helen wiped tears of laughter from her face as she leaned against the counter. “He always kept Arthur from being too serious.” “And Arthur kept Ryne from flying off the handle.” Carrie added.

The two men in question chose that minute to enter the kitchen, both looking a little sheepish. Arthur spoke first. “Ava, I’m sorry. Our little joke wasn’t in the best of taste.” “Yeah, we were teasing. I never thought it might upset you.” Ryne added.

Ava tried to look stern but ended up shaking her head and allowing a smile to creep onto her face. “All right. I’ll forgive you this time.”

Ryne, being the closest, grabbed her and pulled her up into a quick hug, which she returned. Surprisingly, while pulling away, he whispered in her ear. “If you ever get tired of my brother, remember I was only half-joking.”

Before she could respond, he passed her over to Arthur who enveloped her in a bear hug. Over Arthur’s shoulder, she saw Ryne watching them with a strange look on his face. When he noticed her, he smiled and winked, then went to invade the cookie jar. Maybe it isn’t such a bad idea that Ryne was leaving after all!