Resisting the Alpha
Chapter 3

His omega worried at her lower l*p. She passed out last night when I was taking her back to her place. I couldn’t wake her up, so I just left her in the car overnight. I made sure it was locked though, and I asked Breena to spell protect it so no one would bother her. I promise, she was safe. And I swear, I made sure she was breathing when I left her here.

What did she do, drink half the bar?

A bottle of whiskey.

Micah sighed and reached into the car, lifting Bridget into his arms. Her weight was slight and she snuggled against him, showing a soft side he’d never seen before. Her hair trailed over the back of his arm and brushed against his h*p, swaying as he carried her into the house. The pack had already started to gather in his backyard for the weekly barbeque. It was going to be noisy before long, and he knew that’d be hell on the woman in his arms. She was guaranteed one brutal hangover when she awoke. Luckily for her, the werelock and his mate would be in attendance. A little of their magic just might help her out.

Josette hurried ahead of him and opened the front door, following him inside. Micah carried Bridget to his room and laid her gently on the bed. After removing her shoes, he pulled the covers over her and eased out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him. His omega stood uncertainly in his living room, wringing her hands together.

She’s going to be fine, Josette. We’ll let her sleep it off and when she wakes up, we’ll have Cade help her with the hangover she’s sure to have.

I’m sorry I left her in the car.

Micah smiled. “I’m not mad, Josette. There was no way you could have carried her into your home. I’m guessing it was late. Otherwise, I know you would have called me. Next time you need help, regardless of the hour, please pick up the phone.”

Yes, Alpha.

Micah pulled her closer for a hug, and then nudged her toward the back door. Go mingle. Breena and Cade should be here soon, so you won’t have to face the pack alone. I’ll keep them in line when I get out there. I want to make sure Bridget has everything she’ll need when she wakes before I head back outside.

Josette started toward the door and paused. Thank you for taking care of her. She means a lot to me.

I know she does. She’s been a good friend to you, even if I don’t agree with all of her choices. She stands up for you, and for that, she has my respect and gratitude. What he didn’t tell her was that, for some reason, his wolf had liked the sight of the mouthy woman in his bed. Hell, if his hard c**k was any indication, the man liked her there too. Seeing her hair spread across his pillow had made his heart pound and he wondered what she’d look like after a night of lovemaking. But that was a subject to analyze later.

Josette nodded and continued out the door to join the pack. Micah went into the kitchen and filled a glass with water and then grabbed the bottle of aspirin out of the cabinet over the stove. He carried the items back to the bedroom and set them down on the bedside table, where Bridget would replace them when she awoke. He also scribbled a note telling her to come out back when she was ready. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d joined them for pack events, and he doubted it would be the last.

Once he was certain she was okay and had everything she would need, he joined his pack in the backyard. A dozen more wolves had shown up while he was inside and someone was blasting music. Several people were already in the pool and more lounged on the chairs nearby. His yard was larger than most, his house sitting on three lots. At times like this, the extra space came in handy. If the entire pack showed up, it would be more than a little cramped, but the older generation usually stayed home and watched the grandkids. This was a time for Micah’s generation, and those younger, to let go and party.

Alpha, come join us, Nicolette called out. The perky blonde had been after him for months, trying to coax him into her bed, but Micah was too wise to fall into her trap. Word was out that Nic wanted to get pregnant. No way was he having pups with that psycho bitch.

Maybe later, he called back and made his way over to the grills. Sean was already flipping burgers on one and had hot dogs cooking on the other. It took a large amount of food to feed everyone, but the pack took turns supplying the meat. Micah always provided everything else.

Everything okay? Sean asked. I saw you carry Josette’s friend into the house. She didn’t look so good.

She had a little too much to drink last night. She’ll be fine.

Sean nodded. Think she’d give a wolf a chance?

Micah growled at the thought of Sean and Bridget together. The younger wolf swallowed hard and took a step back.

I apologize, Alpha. I didn’t realize you’d claimed her.

F**k. I haven’t claimed her. I just don’t want the pack sniffing around her. She’s Josette’s best friend … I won’t have a bad breakup making her feel unwelcome around here.

Sean didn’t look like he believed him, which made Micah question his own motives. What he’d told the wolf sounded plausible enough, but in his gut, he knew he was lying. It was no secret he’d always desired Bridget, but he wouldn’t make a move on her. It was more important for Josette to have friends than for him to get laid. He’d like to say any willing woman would do, but lately he hadn’t felt as satisfied with his s****l encounters. They’d left him feeling cold and empty once the moment was over. He knew, somehow, that being with Bridget would be different. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, there were sparks between them, and he hadn’t missed the heated looks she’d tossed his way. But he couldn’t act on them. Right?

He hadn’t thought much about it really, not until now. Past one hundred, it was time for him to replace a mate. The women the other packs in the area had been sending to him weren’t making the cut. He’d found fault with every single one, his wolf turning his nose up at the choices provided. The only time his wolf seemed to pay attention was when Bridget came around, but he refused to believe that Josette was right and the obstinate woman was his intended mate.

Alpha, if you don’t claim Bridget, you know the other males are going to sniff around her, Sean said. She’s a beautiful woman, and now that she’s single again, they’ll think she’s fair game.

If Bridget wants to date a wolf in the pack, I won’t stop her. But if she’s made to feel unwelcome when the relationship ends, that wolf will pay dearly. The lot of you, you all treat Josette horribly … and I won’t have her losing a good friend over someone’s uncontrollable hormones.

Sean glanced Josette’s way. Not all of us.

Micah arched a brow. Is she your mate and you just don’t want to claim her because she’s the omega?

No, but I wouldn’t mind dating her. I don’t think I’m her type, though.

What makes you say that?

She’s been making eyes at the bartender at that place she goes to with Bridget. High Noon. And he’s been looking right back. I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before they start dating.

Micah watched Josette as she tried to make herself as small as possible, shrinking away from the pack. “The incubus? She’s interested in the incubus?”

Sean nodded.

If she wants him, she’ll have him. I’ll talk to Cade about a spell or charm to keep the leech from sucking out her soul. It’s the only way for them to be together.

Sean gave her a longing look again. If it doesn’t work out between them, maybe she’ll consider going on a date with me.

Maybe. But Micah didn’t have hope for such a union. If Josette were interested in anyone in the pack, she’d have said something by now. He wasn’t sure of her exact age, but knew she was in her early twenties … plenty of time for her take notice of the wolves around her. It was obvious her mate either wasn’t in the pack, or he refused to acknowledge her because of her status.

Alpha, will you be bringing more women here as you search for your mate? Sean asked. I don’t think the other alphas are taking the matter seriously, or they would send you better choices. That last one looked like she worked on the street corner.

Micah fought not to smile. Sean wasn’t far off. In the end, Micah had turned her away without even welcoming her into his home. He’d known right away she wasn’t the right wolf for him.

No, I don’t think I’ll bring anyone else around for a while.

Sean shifted from foot to foot. I know it isn’t my place to say this, but did you ever think that maybe your mate isn’t a wolf? Look at the werelock. He mated a witch. Maybe you should branch out into the paranormal community. I think the pack would welcome a witch or another shape-shifter.

What about a human? He mentally cursed the moment the words left his mouth. Had he lost his mind? A human?

Sean looked out over the pack. I can’t speak for all of them, but most of us just want you to be happy. If your mate is a human, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

But some would.

They might challenge her, thinking she was weak, but I know any woman you choose would have to be strong. I can’t see you with a weak woman.

Micah smiled. No. No weak women for me. I’d feel bad every time I raised my voice or my temper got the best of me. I need someone who will fight back.

Sean glanced at the house. Micah didn’t miss the look in his eyes. The last thing he needed was his pack trying to play matchmaker for him. Especially if it involved Bridget. The sooner he found his mate, the better. The pack had been on edge lately, what with so many of their friends replaceing mates. No wolf had mated, other than the werelock, in the last fifteen years. Some were starting to mumble that they would be cursed until Micah found his mate and settled down. He didn’t put stock in such crazy notions, but knew his pack was another matter.

He moved away from Sean and went to mingle with his pack, listening to those who wanted to express concerns, and congratulating those who had good news to share. Slowly, he made his way to Josette, who looked positively miserable.

Not having a good time?

She shook her head. Will Breena be here soon?

Micah glanced at his watch. Shouldn’t be too much longer.

Maybe I should check on Bridget. She hasn’t been in your house before, and may be disoriented waking in a strange place.

She’ll be fine.

Josette worried at her lower l*p, a nervous habit he’d noticed quite often. Can I ask you something?

Of course.

How do you know if you’ve found your mate?

Micah claimed the chair next to hers. This is about the incubus, isn’t it?

She nodded.

Not having found my mate, it’s hard for me to say. Some claim their inner wolf will refuse to acknowledge anyone else. Others, like Cade, didn’t really know until in the throes of passion, when the need to mark and claim his mate overwhelmed him. I think it’s different for everyone. Do you think Max is your mate?

“I’m not sure. I’m attracted to him, but I don’t know if that’s all there is. If he asked me out on a date, I’d say yes, but the whole incubus thing makes me nervous. I don’t want to lose part of my