Page 12 of Alpha Wolf’s Arranged Bride (Rose Hollow Wolves #1)

When Jarrod hurries over to the kids’ table, I can’t help but feel a little abandoned. There are three other kids his age, and a couple of toddlers playing with toys and drawing with crayons. Jarrod joins the group with ease, fitting in as if he’s lived here his whole life.

I wish it could be as easy for me.

I stand next to the big round table, looking at the five women and feeling as awkward as a cockroach on a bare concrete floor. I try to smile in a welcoming way, but I fear it’s more of a nervous grimace.

“Hello, dear,” an older lady says, getting up to give me a quick squeeze. “I’m Mary, and these fine girls here are relations to council or guild leaders. We meet up a few times a week.”

“And we run the joint,” a pretty woman with straight, jet-black hair and pale skin, stands up to give my hand a shake. “I’m Ana, Dorian’s daughter.”

“I’m Delia,” a plump blond girl gets up and shakes my hand quickly, juggling a chubby baby swaddled up in mountains of pink plush.

“I’m Lee, and this is Jess,” the last two women introduce themselves.

I take the empty chair, wishing I could sink into it and just disappear.

“How are you settling in, dear?” Mary asks. It seems to be a genuine question, not a probe for information, but I still feel defensive.

We fight like dogs because your alpha has a secret identity you don’t know about—or maybe you do. Are all of you in on it?

“Not too bad,” I answer, reaching out to grab a piece of cake and pour some tea from the set in the middle of the table. “It’s an adjustment.”

“I bet it is,” Ana says. “You left your hometown to come out to a place you’ve never seen—and marry a man you’ve never even met!”

“Yeah,” I say, shoving a piece of cake in my mouth so I don’t scream.

I think I’d like it better if he were a stranger.

“So, can you tell us about Eccles, dear?” Mary asks, pouring some more tea. “It is, after all, the reason you came here. To build a bridge between the packs.”

Mary is giving me an even look, and her pale blue eyes are focused intently on my face. She’s old, but far from feeble.

“I wasn’t told much about the treaty,” I admit, relieved to be able to tell the truth.

“I was told by my uncle—Alpha Azarian—that I was chosen for the alliance, and I wasn’t given any choice in the matter.

My value as a bride to Rose Hollow alpha was considered greater than my contributions back home. ”

“That’s ghastly!” Jess exclaims. “You mean they just kicked you out, and you had no choice?”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

“Not what I expected,” Mary says. “We assumed that the bride was willing, and it had been a joint decision.”

“Well, I’m sorry to bring you this news then,” I say, taking a sip of strong, sweet tea. “That’s pretty commonplace for Eccles—the alpha rules, and we obey.”

Murmurs rush around the table, and the women share concerned glances. Delia, sitting beside me, takes one hand from her tightly wrapped baby and gives my shoulders a squeeze.

“That’s terrible,” she says. “Don’t worry, nothing like that happens here. The Stantons have ruled our pack for generations, and we work together for the good of all.”

“That sounds nice,” I mutter, not sure how to respond to the information.

I still don’t quite believe it. Surely there are times the alpha orders them to do things they don’t want to do. It can’t all be free choice.

“We don’t have to discuss that any further,” Mary says firmly. “We all work on our personal projects at these meetings, and plan for the next market fair. My husband and I are heads of the bakers' guild, and I made all these cakes and biscuits myself.”

“And you’ve outdone yourself as usual,” Lee mumbles through a mouthful of strawberry cream cake.

“You don’t have to show off so hard,” Ana says.

“I’m afraid I do,” Mary says, popping a small piece of biscuit onto her tongue. “We intend to win the grand prize at the next fair.”

“I’m working my butt off to make sure you eat those words,” Ana says, pulling out a small bag and placing it on the table.

“The only thing we’ll all be eating is my cake,” Mary says, smiling.

“Oh, really? Well, check out my new wares.”

Ana opens the velvet bag and pulls out necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made of silver and steel. The work is detailed and intricate, and every piece is completely unique.

“Did you make those?” I ask, astonished.

“I sure did,” Ana beams. “I even cut and polished the crystals myself.”

“They are beautiful! I’ve never seen such exquisite work.”

“I’ll make you a necklace,” Ana answers, blushing a little. “A special gift for the luna.”

One by one, the others explain their talents—Jess with her pottery, then Lee, who grows fresh produce and makes jams, condiments, and recipe bases. And finally, Delia, who does embroidery.

“That’s my talent, too!” I say excitedly. “I have a few garments at home I’d love to show you. Do you have any of your work with you?”

“Yes, I do. It’s in that big bag at my feet,” Delia answers, shuffling the baby in her arms.

“Don’t disturb the little one,” I say, reaching down. “I’ve got it.”

I pull the bag into my lap and pull out a few items. Delia has blouses, dresses, and shawls packed inside. All of them have inspired designs, but her technique needs a lot of work.

“These are very pretty,” I say. “But I’d love to help you with the stitching, if you’d like my advice.”

“I’d love some help!” Delia exclaims. “I just can’t quite make the delicate lines I want, and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.”

As the other women move off into their own conversations, I take out Delia’s sewing kit and show her a few simple tricks to neaten her stitches.

“You need a smoother thread as well,” I tell her as I finish off a delicate rose pattern. “It’s extremely difficult to get an intricate design with rough thread like this.”

“You seem to be doing fine,” Delia says, watching my fingers fly across the fabric as I dip the needle in and out.

“Years of practice,” I answer, getting ready to tie off.

The baby in Delia’s arms suddenly cries, making a little spluttering sound. Delia rocks her and pats her back gently, but the baby doesn’t settle.

“Can I have a hold?” I ask, putting down the embroidery.

“You sure can,” Delia answers, sighing. “I love my baby girl, but it feels like weeks since I had a decent sleep.”

“How old?” I ask, snuggling her against my chest.

“Six weeks. Her name is Lily.”

“How sweet,” I reply, rocking the baby gently. The little girl settles, smiling and waving her fingers at me.

“How did you do that?” Delia asks, wide-eyed.

“I don’t know,” I answer, looking down into Lily’s face. “I just feel so calm around kids, I think it passes on to them, especially babies.”

I rock Lily a little more before I realize the rest of the group has gone quiet and are watching me.

“What a wonderful mother you are,” Mary murmurs. “Your son is such a fine young man. You’ve raised him well. To be so confident, he must feel very safe and secure.”

But he’s not safe!

The thought pierces through me, shattering my calm and bringing tears to my eyes. Lily fusses immediately, and I hand her back to Delia, wiping my eyes in a vain attempt to cover my tears.

“Oh, my dear!” Mary says, coming to wrap her arms around me. “Whatever is the matter?”

Her kindly hug and warm voice make it impossible for me to keep my emotions in. I cry softly, letting Mary hug me and stroke my hair.

“You can tell us, if you want to,” Ana says. “And if you don’t, that’s okay, too. You’re in a strange place, with people you don’t know, and you’re entitled to being a bit fragile.”

Her words make me cry even harder, and Jess has to run and get some tissues.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble.

Immediately, reassurances come at me from right around the table, telling me I have nothing to apologize for.

“It’s Jarrod,” I say, looking over my shoulder to make sure my son is still occupied. “He was in danger back home, and I still don’t know if he’s safe here. It’s been so stressful for us, and I’m having a hard time settling in.”

“Oh, my poor dear,” Mary says, letting me rest my head on her shoulder. “The worst fear for a mother is something happening to her child! His father must no longer be in the picture?”

I just nod and gulp, hoping to avoid the question entirely.

“If you don’t want to give us the details, that’s fine,” Ana says, her voice gentle. “But if his daddy causes any problems at all, we’ll be there to stand in his way, I promise you!”

Well, this is getting awkward.

“We mean it,” Delia says, reaching out to hold my hand. “You’re with us now. This pack would never send you away to go to a strange place against your will. Every single one of us would protect your boy with our lives if we had to. You have nothing to fear from his father, or anyone else!”

Oh, God, I wish that were true!

“Thank you,” I murmur, letting go of Mary. “I haven’t felt this cared for in a very long time.”

“That sucks,” Ana snaps. “All of us are your honorary sisters now, and we won’t let anyone hurt you or your boy.”

Even your alpha?

I look down into my lap, twisting my hands together as I try to get myself under control. I appreciate that the women are offering their support without asking for details, because I certainly can’t tell them the truth.

“I can see this is a delicate issue,” Mary says as she returns to her seat. “None of us will ask you to reveal anything you aren’t ready for, but we’re all here for you when that time comes. You’ve survived something, that’s for sure, and I feel honored to have such a strong, loving luna.”

The other women all add their agreement as I wipe tears from my cheeks.

I feel more accepted here than I ever did at home.

I let their voices wash around me, feeling comforted by the way the sounds seem to act like a blanket that keeps their warmth in and the cold, cruel world away. When their words suddenly stop, I look up in alarm.

Rex is standing by the table, staring down at me. His gaze sweeps the table, taking in everyone’s surprised faces and noting the sudden silence.

When his amber eyes return to me, there is concern in his expression—but it is tinted by suspicion.