The Red Wolf's Mate
Chapter 17

RAINA POV

I woke up early - much too early after the night that I had. After Alpha Michael left

my room, I decided to just go to bed. I was angry. He took advantage of my

heightened emotional response in an effort to increase my arousal. And my guilt. I

had readily admitted that I felt guilty about what happened with him at the club

I pulled myself out of bed and groaned. The sun was coming in through the window,

leaving streaks of sunlight across my bed. I threw on a sweatshirt and sneaked my

way downstairs and to the kitchen. I looked out the backdoor and eyed comfy

looking patio furniture. Making myself a cup of coffee, I decided to put to good use

the patio couch. I slipped out the door and curled up on the couch. The morning was still a bit cooland there was a slight breeze, making it a peaceful time to sit and enjoy the calm. I sipped mycoffee, enjoying the fact that there is literally nothing going on right now. Aside from the chirps ofbirds and the slight breeze, it was very quiet. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, appreciating allof this.

I was not sure how long I sat outside. The sun was creeping further up the tree line, sharp beams oflight cutting through the branches. My eye caught a wolf running through the trees. The movementwas quick, and it stopped when it saw me. The tree line was dark, but I could recognize the eyes;Alpha Callan. His wolf turned back behind the trees. A moment later, Alpha Callan returned to thetree line, wearing nothing but a pair of low hanging shorts. If a man could be beautiful, that washow I would describe Alpha Callan. His chest was chiseled like nothing I had ever seen. And was thatan eight pack?

As he was walking toward me, he ran his hand through his hair. Before another thought of him andhis lack of clothing could enter my mind, I shook my head and returned to my coffee. I havebecome all too aware that these types of thoughts are not longer innocent like they used to be. Iused to be the only one who was aware of these thoughts. Now, since it seems like my desiresbecome the desires of the other, it seems as if I can't feel anything. Waves of sadness rushedthrough me at the thought of having to mute all of my emotions.

"How are you feeling today, Raina?" Alpha Callan stood at the edge of the patio, the sun shining athis back.

"Physically, I am doing better. The cut on my arm is nearly healed. The shoulder is better, although Iwould expect it to be healed by now.” I took a sip of my coffee and looked up at Alpha Callan. "Howare you doing this beautiful morning, Alpha?"

He sighed and sat down across from me. “I like to come out early and run. It helps to clear myhead."

"I can understand why. It is very calming out here in the morning.” I stretched out my legs in front ofme on the couch. I could feel Alpha Callan watch me move.

He looked back up at me, making eye contact once again. “And how are you doing emotionally?"Admittedly, his question surprised me. I would never imagine an Alpha having this type ofconversation. I shrugged as I spoke. “I don't know. Confused. Scared. Worried. Uncertain.” Hegrunted quietly, almost like he is stopping himself from laughing. “Are you sure you don't feelsatisfied?" I eyed him closely, “What are you talking about?" I pulled my legs back up to my chest.He glared at me, the look on his face changing to a scowl. “It sure seemed like Alpha Michaelenjoyed the time he spent with you last night.”

“What the hell did he say happened?” 1 was angry but trying desperately to control my emotions. Isipped my coffee again, attempting to keep some semblance of composure.

Through clenched teeth, Alpha Callan spoke, “He said that he showed you how much he is going tomiss you.” His hands were in tight fists. Why does he appear so angry? This only fueled my ownanger.

“Well, if you mean that he snuck into my room, watched me as 1 changed without my knowledge,scared the shit out of me, and then took advantage of this seemingly stupid inability to controlmy emotions by kissing me and groping me, then sure, he showed me how much he is going tomiss me.” My voice was raising as I spoke,

“And I am sure you didn’t enjoy it at all.” His eyes bore into me, the hard line of his jaw ridge withanger.

“I don't really see why that matters.” I yelled at him. “And I really cant understand why the hell youseem to care so much about the things that I do. Perhaps you should be pissed off at AlphaMichael for trying to take advantage of my lack of control of strong emotions rather than me forhaving a response when he manipulated one out of me.”

Alpha Callan stared at me, not saying another word.

“I am struggling enough right now without having to deal with an Alpha who wants in my pantsand another who is angry at me for some unknown reason.” I stood abruptly and entered thehouse, not bothering to wait to hear what else Alp ha Callan had to say.

ALPHA CALLAN POV

I watched as Raina stormed away, back in to the packhouse. I was still fuming, but I really couldn'tfigure out why. Every time I thought about another man being with her or touching her causedmy wolf to respond.

Shit. What the hell is wrong with me?

I sat back in the chair and hung my head back. I gripped the arms of the chair, trying to get somecontrol over my anger. I could not understand why 1 surged with jealousy and anger whenever Ithought of Raina with someone else. What confused me even more was that neither Nathan norAlpha Michael, who both seemed to be enthralled with her, did not have the same response.Neither got angry or jealous, yet I felt it all the time when 1 sensed that someone else was lookingat her. The response was frustrating me, making it difficult to think straight when I was around her.And these idiotic, jealous thoughts made me say shitty things to her, and I have hurt her more thanone time. For no reason.

“Rollo, what the hell?”

"I don't know. I have been searching for answers and I can't figure it out. Her wolf is defensive andprotective, so I can't seem to pick up on anything.” Rollo shrugged. I am not surprised by hisresponse. I could understand her wolf seeking out to protect Raina. “But, man, you need to stopsaying those types of things to her. It makes her sad.”

I could sense that Rollo was upset that Raina was mad at us.

I tho ught about asking Rollo some more questions, but I decide that neither of us really understandwhat is going on. I sat and stewed in my thoughts, frustrated by the ongoing lack of control that1 had with these emotions.

I have no idea how long I sat there before Beta Jack came up. “Good morning, Alpha.” Beta Jackgreeted me.

"Morning." I said, leaning forward, placing my head in my hands. “Any update on the plans?”"Alpha Michael has reported that Elder Rosemarie should be arriving by this evening. Beta Davis willbe returning with her.” Beta Jack sits on the couch, sitting in the same place that Raina had beenpreviously seated.

I looked up at him, a bit confused. FFAIpha Michael is not returning?”

"Alpha Michael is going to meet with two of the neighboring packs to gather some additionalwarriors to support the impending attack. Beta Davis anticipates he will return here in a few days.”Beta Jack sat back, closing his eyes and enjoying the sun. "Beautiful morning."

“FThat it is, or at least it was.” I mu mble to him. “F Do you know Raina’s plans for today?"

He keeps his head back, enjoying the sun as he speaks. “I ran in to her in the house and shereported that she is supposed to have lunch with Lizzie. Otherwise, she is waiting for ElderRosemarie to a drive.”

I nod my head. 'F Make sure that a warrior goes with them.”

"Of course. Are you going to join me with the interrogations again this morning?” Beta Jack stood,stretching, as if he just awoke from a nap.

FThat sounds like an excellent idea.”

RAINA POV

Stupid, cocky Alphas

I spend the next several hours brewing about the interaction with Alpha Callan this morning andAlpha Michael last night. Deciding that I have spent entirely too much time on it, I texted Lizzie toconfirm the time and place for lunch.

I jumped in the shower, relaxing under the hot water. It helped to relieve some of the tensionthat built up in my shoulders. I exited the shower and set out on getting ready for lunch with Lizzie.I wrapped a towel around myself and entered my room, this time taking a good look aroundbefore I left the bathroom. I stood in front of the closet, hoping that I brought some cute outfits.The weather was gorgeous and 1 wanted to wear one of my sun dresses. A giddy smile crossesmy lips as I saw that I did, indeed, bring my yellow sleeveless sun dress.

I decide to leave my hair down, allowing it to d ry naturally in waves. I applied a little bit of makeupand sprayed my favorite body spray. I might only be meeting with Lizzie, but that doesn't meanthat I can't look nice. It made me feel good to dress up.

I mind-1**k Beta Jack, letting him know that I will be leaving soon. I did not argue when he told methis morning that Alpha Callan wanted to send a warrior with me. While I might be pissed off atAlpha Callan, I was not so angry that I could not see the importance of having some protection. Istill did not understand the complexity of the rogue threat or what they wanted with me, but Ididn’t want to risk mine or Lizzie's safety.

“Raina, one of the warriors will meet you at the front door of the packhouse.” Beta Jack mind-linkedme.

"Ok, thanks.” I made my way downstairs and stopped at the door, waiting for the warrior to arrive. Ifelt someone looking at me. I looked around, not initially seeing anyone. I took a few steps forwardand spotted Alpha Callan in the kitchen. He was looking down at his phone, but 1 could onlyassume that it was him who was looking at me.

I smiled smugly. I turned my back to him but ensured that I was still within his view. I bent over tofix my sandal, ensuring that I bent over fully at the waist and did not bend my knees. I fiddled withmy sandal, leaning over a bit more to reach down further and fixed another strap. I kept my mindblank as I played with the shoe, ensuring that I was not conveying any emotion as I did this. I couldfeel that the dress was quite short as I bent over, and I wished, for a split second, that I had worndifferent underwear, or none at all. A low growl came from the kitchen. Satisfied that my action hadits intended effect and provided me with some payback for him being such an ass this morning, Istood back up and fixed my dress.

Yep, we got him.

Nathan came through the front door.

“Hey, Raina. Beta Jack asked me to accompany you to lunch with Lizzie. You know, for safety.” Heelbowed me and winked as he spoke. The action made me laugh, lightening my mood.

I smiled back at him. “Better safe than sorry.” 1 stood on my tip toes and kissed Nathan, holdingit for a few seconds before breaking the contact. I turned to the door to leave, but before I did, Imade sure to say goodbye to Alpha Callan. “FS ee you later, Alpha Callan. Please do let me knowwhen Elder Rosemarie arrives.” He did not respond, but I looked back at him and saw him staring atme.

Nathan and I walked to the café not far from the packhouse. We were mostly quiet, enjoying thewalk in the warm late spring weather. I reached out and held his hand as we walk. I liked theclose contact with him.

Nathan was the o ne who finally broke the silence, F'Hey, Raina. I wanted to apologize about mybehavior with you and anything that I did that was too forward. I know that there is a lot ofcomplicated emotional stuff going on. I definitely don't want to make it any harder for you thanit already is.” He stopped walking and turned to me as he spoke. His eyes burned with sincerity.“Thank you, Nathan. I appreciate it." I reached my arms around him and hugged him, placing myhead on his chest. I sighed, realizing that I should probably not make too much contact for too long.My hope was that Elder Rosemarie will be able to provide some training and I can learn to manageand control my newly discovered abilities.

The rest of the walk with Nathan to the café remained peaceful.

“Rainalll” Lizzie squealed, breaking the silence from the peaceful walk I etljoyed with Nathan. Sheran up, throwing her arms around me in a hug. “How are you feeling?”

Fl am feeling better. Look at you! You look so happy!”. I pulled back and looked at her. She trulydid look like she was glowing. “No mark yet?” I teased her.

“No, not yet. There are some logistics we are trying to work out since he is from another pack.” Shestarted pulling me toward her table outside the cafe.

“I think I am going to sit on the bench over here and just keep watch.” Nathan moved and sat on abench, only a few feet away from where we were sitting.

FFWhat is he doing?” Lizzie asked, clearly confused as to why he is sitting in the bench.

FF odyguard.” I shrugged my shoulders as I responded. “So, tell me all about Derrick!”

She giggled in delight. “Oh my goddess, Raina! He is amazing!” She was nearly jumping up anddown in her seat as she spoke. “The feelings I have had for a boyfriend have never compared towhat I feel for Derrick.”

"What happened at the club that night? I remember seeing Derrick with Beta Davis in the club.Did you not smell his scent then?” I asked, curious as to what happened that the club.

“I thought I smelled him, but the club was so crowded. The smell of humans was overwhelming. Bythe time I thought I had finally tracked down the smell, it was gone. I went outside to see if I could replace it, and that was when all hell broke loose.” She rubbed her hands together as she spoke. “Iwas so worried about you when you came outside. I didn’t know what to do.”

I could see how upset she was about what happened that night. I hadn't thought how scary it hadbeen for her.

She continued speaking. “Derrick ran by me and my heart nearly left out of my chest when I caughthis scent. He paused for a second to look at me and then ran off into the woods. Derrick isAlpha Michael's top warrior. He couldn't stop to meet his mate.”

F'Oh wow, Lizzie." I really didn't know what to say. I moved my hand and touch hers, hoping toprovide some comfort as she was recalling the events.

Fl wanted to run after him, but Alpha Callan ordered me to stay. I am glad that he did. It wouldhave been stupid for me to run after him. But I was terrified. I saw the rogues who ran out of theclub. 1 was afraid for you and Derrick. I hadn't even touched Derrick and I was afraid of losinghim.” She paused but then smiled.

“Sho rtly after, Derrick came right back to me. He told me that Alpha Callan had taken you back tothe packhouse. And, the rest, is history.” She laughed and touched her lips.

clearly the first kiss was something to remember!” I joked.

Raina, you have no idea. I mean, you know I have kissed my fair share of guys. But the kiss fromyour mate is like nothing else.” She swooned as she spoke and I

co uldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. 1 was beyond happy for my friend and just hoped that oneday, I would be able to replace the same thing.

We spent the next few hours talking, eating, and drinking, We offered Nathan food at one point,and he joined us for the last hour of our conversation. Although I had not been gone from Lizzie'shouse but just a few days, I had misse d talking to her. The conversations I have had lately havebeen less than ideal, and definitely not with another woman, and I didn't realize how muchthese types of conversations had meant to me.

“Ladies, I hate to break up the futi, but Alpha Callan has just let me know that Elder Rosemarie hasarrived.”