Resisting the Alpha
Chapter 1

Bridget stood outside the church, her white dress feeling like it weighed fifty pounds as the rain pelted down, soaking her. A gust of wind wrenched off her veil and sent it into the nearby gutter, dirty water destroying it on contact.

You aren’t marrying him, Micah said, a growl to his voice.

Why? she asked, the anger draining away as her shoulders sagged. Why would you ruin my life this way? I was happy, damn it!

You don’t belong with him.

“I don’t belong with you, she yelled. Go back to your pack. You aren’t welcome in my life!”

Bridget struck hard, making contact with his cheek. Holding her hand to her chest, she turned on her heels and stormed back into the church, the heavy doors slamming shut behind her. Five of the groomsmen formed a line, blocking Micah from following her. His hands clenched at his sides as he bared his teeth at them.

Move! he demanded.

The eldest of the groomsmen, a bear-shifter of some sort, shook his head. You heard her. I think it’s time for you to leave.

Micah’s ears pricked as he listened for sounds inside the church. Over the crowd of wedding attendees, he heard Bridget crying. He hadn’t meant to upset her, but there was no way he could allow her to marry some random guy. She hadn’t even been with the loser more than a month. Who the hell married someone they’d only been dating a month? He would have stopped her sooner, but he’d only heard about the wedding that morning.

This isn’t over, he told them. You know I was right to stop the wedding. She doesn’t belong with that puny paper-pusher. She just thinks she wants a man she can control.

That wasn’t your decision to make, the bear-shifter said. Maybe you should go home and contemplate why it was so important to you that the wedding not take place.

Micah grumbled under his breath. The bear-shifter didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. Micah didn’t have any ulterior motive. He’d just wanted Bridget to be happy, and he’d known without a doubt that loser she had at the altar was only going to make her miserable in the long run. Maybe if she weren’t such good friends with the omega of his pack, he wouldn’t have cared so much, but Josette had few friends so Micah tended to watch over the ones she did have, like Bridget, even if they weren’t pack members. It had nothing to do with the e******n that was straining against his zipper, nor the fact that Bridget’s sweet scent had wrapped around him, even while she read him the riot act, making him want her more than he should.

He turned and stalked toward the parking lot and his waiting motorcycle. He hated riding in the rain, but Mother Nature was a fickle bitch. When he’d left, the sun had been shining. But ten minutes into his ride, the dark clouds had rolled in and a few minutes later, the skies had opened up and soaked him. Whipping his wet tee over his head, he shoved it into one of the saddle bags and straddled his bike. The engine started with a roar and Micah pulled out of the parking lot.

Taking a detour, he stopped by Betty Lou’s to pick up some lunch. Arguing with the obstinate Bridget had made him work up an appetite, and not just the s****l kind. The bell jingled over the door as he stepped inside the cool interior.

Betty Lou looked up from behind the counter and frowned at him. Alpha! You know you’re supposed to be fully clothed when you come into my establishment. No shirt, no shoes … no service. It’s marked clearly on the front window. Something I never had to do before your pack, and you, started showing up here half-dressed.

I’m just getting an order to go, Betty Lou. Besides, my shirt was soaked.

She snorted. It’s your own damn fault for running around in this storm like a lunatic. It would serve you right if lightning struck your sorry a*s.

He smiled. Despite her harsh words, he knew the older woman secretly had a fondness for his wolves … and for him. She always gave them extra-large portions and usually threw in a slice of pie for Micah. He claimed a stool at the counter and waited for her to pretend to cool down before he placed his order.

Pot roast sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes. He gave her his most charming smile. And a slice of peach pie, if you have any.

She harrumphed. And I suppose you want the pie for free. Like I’m running a charity here.

Micah’s smile widened in response.

Betty Lou shook her head and headed into the kitchen to place his order, grumbling under her breath. Micah swung around on the stool and faced the diner, taking in the other patrons. A group of his wolves sat at a back table and he nodded to them. Before long, Betty Lou returned with one large plate full of hot food and a smaller plate with a slice of pie.

You might as well eat here, she grumbled. You’re already inside and sitting at my counter. Can’t get much worse. Just don’t shift in here!

Jeez, Micah thought. You do something one time and people never let you forget it.

Micah faced the counter and dug into his food, suddenly feeling ravenous. When the bell jingled over the door again, he inhaled deeply. Wolf. And by the slight scent of lilacs, he knew it was Josette. Micah didn’t acknowledge her, thinking she was probably pissed at him for ruining her friend’s wedding. He didn’t have to wait long before she approached him.

Alpha. May I sit here? she asked, indicating the stool next to him.

He chewed his food in silence and studied her, trying to gauge her emotions. Finally he said, Sit.

She slid onto the stool and folded her hands in her lap, swiveling to face him. Josette chewed nervously at her lower l*p, but Micah waited patiently for her to say whatever was on her mind. She usually only approached him when she needed reassurance, or help getting her pack mates off her back. As the omega, she was picked on, no matter how many times he told his wolves to treat her with respect and to help take care of her. She was their weakest link, but had a calming effect on those she graced with her presence.

I just wanted to tell you that I understand why you did it.

He swallowed hard, nearly choking on his food. That wasn’t the response he’d anticipated.

I’d wondered how long it would take you to notice, she said. I just wanted you to know that you had my support, and I’m sure Bridget will come around.

What in the hell are you talking about? I only stopped the wedding because she was going to run roughshod over that guy and would be miserable inside a year.

A small smile tugged at Josette’s lips. Is that what you’ve told yourself?

As someone who had a tendency to sit back and observe those around her, Josette usually had good insight into people’s motives … but she was dead wrong this time. Micah had only stopped the wedding as a favor to Josette. She might have shown her friend support, but he knew that his omega wouldn’t want Bridget to make such a colossal mistake. That was all––nothing more.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Josette arched a brow. So it’s a coincidence that you have to replace a willing woman whenever Bridget is around? I doubt I’m the only one who’s noticed your reaction to her. Here’s a hint: wear baggy jeans if you don’t want people to know how you feel about someone.

That time he did choke on his food.

If it’s any consolation, I think Bridget secretly feels the same way about you. She only chose Paul because she really wanted to get married. If she’d known you would eventually make a move, I’m sure she would have waited.

Just because I replace her attractive, he said, doesn’t mean I’m going to act on it. She’s your best friend, Josette. I wouldn’t jeopardize that. If I were to date her and we broke up, it could ruin your friendship. Do you honestly think she’d be comfortable around the pack after that?

Josette tilted her head to the side, giving him a quizzical look. “I wasn’t talking about you dating her. Don’t you know? She’s your mate, Alpha.”

“That pushy, opinionated woman is not my mate. Don’t you think I’d know it?”

Maybe you’ve been denying your feelings for so long, you aren’t sure what you feel towards her. Your instincts are guiding you, but you’ve pushed them aside because of some preconceived notion that she can’t belong to you if she’s friends with me.

Micah snorted. Your psychology classes are starting to show. Quit analyzing me.

Josette shrugged. I’m just telling you what I’ve observed. You can do what you want with the information, but the only way the two of you are going to be happy is if you admit you have feelings for each other. Bridget is every bit as stubborn as you, which is why she’s your ideal mate. She won’t take any of your crap and she’s strong enough to lead the pack by your side.

The pack would never accept a human as their alpha’s mate. Why do you think I’ve had female wolves visiting from other packs? I have to mate with a wolf.

“It wouldn’t be a true mating and you know it. How can you have an heir to take over if you don’t mate with your true mate? Quit being so blasted stubborn!” She shouted the last part, which took him by surprise. Josette was always so meek. She had to feel rather strongly about the situation to be raising her voice to her alpha.

We aren’t alone here, he reminded her. Are you going to make me publicly punish you because my wolves witnessed you raising your voice to me?

No, Alpha. I just … I just want you to be happy. You’ve always been there for me, and I want to return the favor. I thought you’d finally come to your senses, but I see I was wrong. Josette’s face screwed up with determination, a glint in her eyes he wasn’t sure he liked faintly noticeable. Very well. If you won’t listen to reason, I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.

Now that sounded ominous. Josette, it isn’t that I don’t appreciate what you’re trying to do. I just think you’re wrong. There’s a difference between desire and need. And I don’t need that blasted woman.

Josette rose from her stool. We’ll see.

With a sigh, he watched her walk out the door. If she’d gotten it into her head that Bridget was his mate, he was certain she’d go to her friend’s house next. If she couldn’t convince him, she’d try to convince Bridget. Which meant trouble was coming his way. He’d have to be vigilant, keep his guard up. No telling what tricks the two would get up to.

Josette had thrown down the gauntlet and he’d have no choice but to respond. It wasn’t that Micah didn’t want a mate, because all wolves wanted their mates, but he was certain Bridget didn’t belong with him. Truthfully, he’d found her irritating, even if he did desire her. What man wouldn’t? She had slender curves and an abundance of chocolate-colored curls that hung all the way to her waist. She was definitely worth a wet dream or two. Until she opened her mouth.

With a shake of his head, he finished his meal, left some money on the counter for Betty Lou and headed back out into the storm. It had slacked off a little, but the cool rain still pelted his skin. Pointing his motorcycle toward home, Micah pondered his next move. He knew Josette well enough to know she wouldn’t give up. Once she got an idea into her head, she wasn’t satisfied until she saw the desired results. His omega might be sweet and biddable most days, but she could also be one stubborn woman.

His life was about to become very interesting.