Page 3 of Alpha Wolf’s Arranged Bride (Rose Hollow Wolves #1)

Sitting in the back of the old hall with the Rose Hollow elders, I feel like control of my life is being taken out of my hands.

I know that’s what being alpha is all about—putting the pack first and my own needs second—but after years of leading a squad in the military, I’m used to calling the shots.

There are only three elders in the pack, and I don’t know them very well. My father died two weeks ago, and upon my return to attend his funeral, I was told it was my duty to assume his position.

Looking across the table at Celeste, Dorian, and Galant, I can still see grief written deep in their faces. Clearly, they loved my father, and the last thing I want to do is let them down.

Leading a military squad isn’t the same as being alpha of the pack. I was yanked out of the only world I’ve ever known, so quickly, it’s been difficult to acclimate.

Apparently, that’s about to get ten times worse.

“Rex,” Celeste says, reaching over to touch my hand. “Are you with us?”

“Yes, sorry,” I answer. “I’m just shocked, that’s all.”

“We are as well,” Dorian says. “The last thing we expected from Eccles was communication, let alone an offer of marriage!”

Marriage.

The word makes me blank out again. I just can’t focus on the conversation. It’s all too bizarre.

After Dad’s funeral, my mother left on an extended holiday, telling me the memories would be too much for her to cope with and she needed time away.

I immediately took over the manor, put in my leave with Wolf’s Shadow—easily granted, since the alpha position superseded all else—and began to attend my new duties.

But this, I can’t do!

It’s been five years since I saw Scarlett, and I have never forgotten her. I didn’t expect to, but I believed I could leave her in my past and not be tortured by her image in my mind every waking moment.

It might have been alright if I hadn’t had to marry someone else.

“Rex?” Dorian asks. “Have you been listening?”

“Sorry,” I reply. “Please repeat that. I’m struggling to take all this in.”

“Of course you are!” Celeste says, giving my hand another comforting squeeze. “Just remember, your parents were wedded in this way, and they loved each other very much.”

“Yes, they did,” I answer. “But tell me, Dorian, what were you just discussing?”

“The potential advantage this could give us,” he replies.

“We have been enemies of Eccles for a long time. There are recorded battles where they almost decimated our pack, and there is fear in this valley. If they are inviting us in, then we can finally discover what their hidden power is. Maybe even their motive.”

“It sounds like a trap,” I mutter.

Galant nods. “Yes, it does. We’ll be on alert for that, don’t worry. But the truth is, Eccles has gone very quiet for the last few years. Maybe their power has dwindled, and they want to join with us for survival.”

“They are isolated,” Celeste points out. “And maybe they have a new alpha, or council, and they’ve decided they want peace.”

I carefully keep my mouth shut because my secret mission was just that—secret. I can’t reveal to my pack the years of recorded suspicious activity that drew the attention of Wolf’s Shadow, or that I spent a year there, attempting to learn about the inner workings of their pack.

Or that I failed and came away with nothing. Nothing but a hole in my heart.

I also find it interesting that Eccles has gone under the radar for the last five years. There were no incidents in the year I lived there, either, and it makes me wonder if they’ve always known they’re under surveillance.

Not a nice thought.

“Rex, have you faded out again?” Galant asks.

“Sorry,” I mutter. “I’m just trying to remember all the information I have on Eccles.”

“I know it must be so challenging for you,” Celeste says. “You’ve been away from the pack pretty much your whole life. This is all so new to you.”

“Yes, it is, and I appreciate your understanding, Celeste,” I reply. “This is nothing like rewilding and fighting fires—or at least, not yet.”

The others chuckle, accepting my cover story without any doubts.

As far as my pack knows, I completed a degree in environmental science at college, then immediately took a job traveling the country, giving aid to people in need, preserving and restoring damaged heritage sites, and rescuing endangered species.

My cover had to be a difficult and worthy pursuit, something selfless that kept me from home for long periods of time, something that no one would question. I didn’t mind the environmental warrior guise at all, and it wasn’t far from what I was actually doing.

“We’ll need to wrap this up, anyway,” Celeste says. “They want you there first thing in the morning, and you should get some rest.”

“What?” I ask, shocked. “So soon? I thought I had a few days, at least.”

“No, Rex, that’s why we’re meeting now. To give you all the information we have and discuss our options before the deadline.”

A spooky chill tingles through me in response to her words.

“What if we miss the deadline?” I ask. “Or if we refuse?”

“It would be taken as a great insult,” Dorian answers. “They’d be within their rights to attack, and if history is anything to go by, that is exactly what they’d do.”

“Has this ever been attempted before?” I ask. “Uniting the packs, I mean, by marriage or otherwise?”

“Several times,” Galant answers. “It always ended with a battle, which we usually lost.”

“I hate to say this, Rex,” Celeste says. “But we need this leverage. I strongly believe that even if it is a trap, having one of theirs on our side will ensure our safety like nothing else.”

“Unless they are coming here to spy,” I whisper. “To infiltrate us, get intel on our defenses!”

There is a brief silence as the elders look into each other’s faces with shocked expressions, only to burst out laughing.

“Rex!” Celeste chuckles. “That stuff only happens in the movies. What are the chances of a military-trained, black-ops agent just sitting around in one of our quiet little mountain packs?”

I can’t suppress my own chuckle, and I have to look away, shaking my head.

“You’re right, Celeste. That is a silly idea.

I’m glad we’ve considered the option of it being a trap, though.

I think you’re right, and having one of their members could be excellent leverage.

I understand my duty, and I’m ready to undertake it. ”

“Thank you for entering into this with grace,” Celeste answers. “I know that you take your duty very seriously, and we appreciate that, but it’s good for you to go into this with an open mind. I mean, best-case scenario, you could be meeting the girl of your dreams!”

I already have.

The thought rings through me, dragging my mind back to that night five years ago. I can taste Scarlett on my tongue, feel her velvety skin under my hands, and I’m drowning in her sweet scent.

I can’t think about that now—or ever again.

It causes me real pain to shut my mind off from the memory and put it behind me. I’ve tried for a very long time to stop thinking about Scarlett, and now I have absolutely no choice.

I need to devote myself to my new wife, for her sake and for the good of both packs. If the alliance has any hope of success, all of us have to fully commit to it.

“Are you ready, son?” Dorian asks seriously.

They are such good people, I’m sure they’d support me even if I said no.

“Yes, Dorian,” I reply. “I don’t think I could be more ready. I promised you I was home to stay, that I’d be your alpha and do anything to keep Rose Hollow safe. After the wedding, my bride and I will be fully devoted to the alliance between the packs, and we’ll finally have peace in this valley.”

Even though the others look content with my speech, I know that there is still an undercurrent of worry.

I can’t help but share it. The others have a few loose rumors to mull over, and I have detailed military documents and personal reports of unexplained events tracing back to our founders haunting my mind.

We adjourn, and I head back to my parents’ manor. Part of me feels like I’ll never really call it my own, even though I legally own it now.

Maybe once I have children with my new wife, it won’t seem so big.

The idea shocks me, even though heirs were mentioned at the meeting. I’ve never seriously thought about having babies, but this is an inevitable result of the marriage, and an absolute necessity for the alliance.

I enter the big, quiet house, almost feeling it echo around me as I head for the master bedroom. The determination and commitment I feel for my new mission wavers, and Scarlett invades my thoughts, taking over my mind so intensely that I have to sit down and put my head in my hands.

Scarlett… what have I done? You’re the only one I want. And now I have to marry another woman and give her the children that should have been yours.

Even though I struggle with my emotions for some time, when I finally do go to bed, I fall asleep quickly. When I wake just before dawn, I’m full of determination and keep my thoughts under strict control.

I will undertake this duty with all the seriousness of a military operation. My pack needs me, and I will provide for them—and maybe finish my mission in Eccles and finally figure out what they’re hiding.

While I’m making coffee, my phone buzzes, making me jump.

I’m more nervous than I’d like to admit. This is worse than a dawn drop into enemy territory.

The text is from Cody, my beta and best friend from high school. I was selected by Wolf’s Shadow to try out for the position. Cody wasn’t. We kept in loose contact over the years, and he’s been directly involved in pack business while I was away.

It was an easy choice to make him my beta, and he’s helped me find my feet since I returned.

The text says, Are you ready, old buddy?

On my way out the door, I reply.

I’m coming, too, and I’ve got Dorian with me. They wanted to send a full contingent, but decided it might look like a threat.

I agree. I’ll be on the road out of town in ten minutes.

I hurry to finish my coffee, then jump straight in the car and take the road out of town. Usually, an alpha would take a group of high-ranking wolves to an event like this, but we don’t want to spook the Eccles pack.

Unless it’s a trap. Then I’m kind of fucked.

I don’t dwell on that thought as I pull out onto the connecting road. I see Cody in his truck with Dorian and give them a wave as I pass by. They pull in behind me, and I settle in for the long drive.

I expect my thoughts to dwell ceaselessly on all the details, but my mind goes blank as I navigate the old roads. The repetitive actions of driving soothe me as curves and dips force me to pay close attention. Before I know it, I’m entering the Eccles town limits.

There is no one to greet us, which I find a little odd, but don’t worry over. Yet, as I head towards the center of town, the familiarity shocks me, and it feels like I never left.

It’s been so long, but it almost feels like yesterday. All the memories I made with Scarlett are flooding back to me.

An intense wave of excitement flows through me, and I have to admit I’m desperate to see her again, even though I know that would be the worst possible thing that could happen.

Even so, I have to be prepared. She’s from one of the first families and might be involved in the ceremony.

The idea of Scarlett watching me wed another woman twists my guts and makes my heart ache like a bruise, so I shove it out of my mind.

Hopefully, it won’t come to that.

When I reach the square, there are lots of people crowded around as if the whole town has come out for the event. A couple of people hurry forward, and to my shock, I recognize them.

Gen, Faith, and Luke. People I used to hang with! I guess this is the moment of truth.

I have no idea if the disguise I wore years ago is going to hold up. The worst possible thing that could happen is the town recognizing me as the drifter who disappeared without a trace five years ago.

“Alpha Stanton,” Gen greets me as I get out of the car. “It’s a pleasure to receive you.”

“Thank you, ah…”

“Genevieve,” she answers, shaking my hand. “GenevieveLarson. This is Faith and Luke. We are all on the council for Eccles and will escort you to the altar, where you’ll meet your bride.”

“Wonderful. My beta and appointed council are just arriving now in the other car,” I answer.

“We’ll show them the way,” Faith says. “You go ahead.”

Gen leads me through the crowd, and I try to act as if I don’t know where I’m going, but the town is shocking in its familiarity.

The old stone monuments, paved walkways, and old buildings—it feels like home.

“Straight through to the fountain,” Gen says.

Most of the town is gathered in front of the fountain, and three of the elders are waiting there for us. I recognize them immediately and look at each of them in turn, waiting to see if any of them remembers me.

Gregor, Hazel, and Mitchell look me over and give me polite smiles. I nod back and stand near them to wait. Cody and Dorian arrive soon after, and Cody gives me a “what’s up?” gesture. I shrug in response.

We wait for so long, it starts to feel weird and creepy. The crowd whispers amongst themselves, but otherwise, nothing happens. I’m just about to ask them what’s going on when a tall man suddenly pushes through the crowd towards us.

Azarian! Scarlett’s uncle!

The townsfolk move quickly out of the way as the alpha comes forward to meet me. I step forward and confidently shake his hand, staring into his eyes directly as if I’m daring him to recognize me.

“It is good to see you, Alpha Stanton,” Azarian says. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but the bride needed a little more time getting ready.”

“No trouble at all, Alpha Tallow,” I answer. “We are honored to accept your offer of peace.”

Azarian smiles, and it’s not a nice smile. When he moves back a little, a tall, pale woman moves to stand with him. Someone I don’t recognize.

Does he have a new mate?

I don’t have time to ponder, because the crowd parts and music begins to play.

I’m about to meet my bride!

I stretch up, trying to see over the crowd. A group of five guards surrounds my bride, making it difficult to see her.

Why would she need so many guards? Who are they protecting her from?

As they stop before me, I catch a faint trickle of an amazing, mouth-watering scent.

No… it can’t be!

The guards separate, and as if on cue, a ray of sunlight angles through the clouds, illuminating the woman who stands between them.

My eyes take in the ruby-red hair, emerald eyes, and pale skin, but my mind refuses to admit the truth at first. When she blinks and I see the fire hidden in those deep green eyes, recognition hits me like a physical blow to the chest.

Scarlett!