Page 3 of Alpha’s Twins (Alpha Kings Island #3)

As we finish loading the pallets and get ready for Nolan's people to arrive, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. Seriously, he makes me so nervous.

Nolan always shows up for these big deliveries; he seems to enjoy micromanaging his people.

He also has a habit of always checking out women in a really obvious way, but barely listening to a word they say, making me feel like I'm not even here half the time.

It doesn't help that I know he thinks I'm useless because I can't shift or hunt like the other wolves. I wish my breasts weren’t so big, because it always feels like I’m super exposed, no matter what I wear, when I see him, his eyes lingering on my curves in the most uncomfortable way.

I try to focus on Hannah's light banter as she talks about their upcoming vacation plans now that trade has resumed and they can afford to go away, but all I can think about is getting everything ready before Nolan’s men arrive and just praying he doesn’t turn up, too.

The shop door opens suddenly, and both our heads snap up to see Nolan himself standing there.

I gulp involuntarily as he steps inside, taking in his broad shoulders and the air of dominance that seems to surround him.

He never bothers talking to me unless it's about pack business or deliveries, which makes it all the more surreal when he walks straight up to me.

“Serena,” he greets me, his voice smooth. “I’m glad you’re here. I was hoping to talk to you.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Hannah’s face drop as she mutters something about getting a coffee and rushes off. Thanks, Hannah.

Returning my attention to Nolan, I can barely meet his eyes, “M-me? Why?” I ask, realizing how stupid I sound. It’s probably just about the delivery. That is why he’s here, after all.

He doesn’t reply immediately. Instead, he simply stares at me strangely, almost as if he’s seeing me for the first time, and I feel my cheeks burn even hotter.

“I’ve been thinking,” he finally says, leaning against the counter and looking around the store.

“You really have built something useful here. You should be proud of how it’s helped the pack. New business and all that…”

I’m so taken aback by this that I struggle to form a reply, nodding and waving my hand at the plants waiting to be packed. “Oh, okay. Thank you,” I say, falling over my words. “I’m glad it’s helped the pack. I, er, it’s important to help the pack.”

I silently question whether the pack has ever considered helping me, but I don’t say it. I couldn’t. Not to the alpha.

He must be happy with my reply, because his eyes light up, and he nods enthusiastically. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. It’s exactly the attitude we need.”

This conversation is getting even stranger, but I simply smile and hope he’ll say we can load the plants up soon.

Instead, he steps forward, towering over me as he puts his hands on my shoulders.

My whole body trembles involuntarily, and he smirks.

Something tells me he knows damn well that at twenty-two, this is as close as I’ve ever been to a man touching me.

“I have news, and I want you to remember how important it is to help your pack,” he says smoothly, staring down at me with a slight flash behind his amber eyes, compelling me to dip my head.

“We have a new trade deal with the alphas on the island. I know we’re all glad to put that nasty business to bed. ”

Unsure why he’s telling me specifically about this when I’ve never been involved in pack business, I nod along, trying to look knowledgeable. Really, all I know about the island is gossip, and bits and pieces from Ron and Hannah.

I have no intention of interrupting Nolan, and he doesn’t appear to want my input as he continues, “The good news is, our pack is going to come out of the new arrangement very, very well. Obviously, we need assurances, though, which is where you come in.”

“They want some flowers?”

I watch in surprise as his face creases into laughter at my question.

“That’s one way of looking at it,” he chuckles.

“You are to be an alpha’s mate; the youngest one, I believe.

Aiden. Not only can you help your pack, as I know you like to do, but you’re also getting quite the upgrade in status.

Something you’d never have on your own.”

I’m so shocked I can’t speak, and Nolan smirks, “No need to thank me, Serena. This works well for everyone.”

“No, it doesn’t,” I reply, snapping out of my reverie. “I’m not going to the island. My store, my plants. I have a life here.”

Nolan shakes his head and steps closer. His alpha aura suddenly feels crushing. “Not one that’s worth more than this deal.”

“Why me?” I ask quietly.

“When push comes to shove, you’re the only one I can spare. Flowers or not.” He shrugs. “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

I nod blankly, and he simply turns his back and walks away.

The plants towering around me all seem to dip slightly, leaning in toward me like a canopy of solidarity.

And that is how Hannah finds me, in the center of a collapsing display.

She tries to comfort me as the reality of how unimportant I am to the pack sinks in, the knowledge that I am completely dispensable.

However, even she can’t argue with the truth.