Page 3 of The Careless Alpha

I climbed under the soft quilt and closed my eyes, but sleep was impossible. Every time I tried to quiet my mind, I heard Marshall's voice saying "You're mine" and felt the promise of everything my life was about to become.

I was thirteen years old, and my future was golden.

I had no idea how much it would cost me to keep it.

Chapter 2

Marshall - Age 19

Iwiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand, breathing hard from the sparring session. Training had run long today, but it felt good to push my body after months of sitting in classrooms learning pack law and territorial negotiations. Colorado had been educational, sure, and we did a lot of sparring there, too, but nothing beats the satisfaction of a good training session with my pack mates.

"Nice takedown on Peters," Scarlett Peterson said, appearing at my elbow with a bottle of water and a smile that promised more than hydration. "You've gotten stronger."

I accepted the water gratefully, letting my gaze linger on the she-wolf who'd been making her interest clear since I'd returned from Alpha training. Scarlett was exactly what I'd expected to want in a partner. Twenty-two, experienced, confident. Black hair that caught the evening light and blue eyes that held mine without flinching. She knew how to handle herself in a fight and how to handle herself with an Alpha.

"Six months of training will do that," I said, unscrewing the cap. "Colorado Alphas don't mess around."

"I noticed." Her eyes traveled down my chest appreciatively, and I felt the familiar spark of male satisfaction. This was normal. This was what I was supposed to want. A woman who could match me, challenge me, and complement my strength with her own.

Not a thirteen-year-old girl who still slept with stuffed animals.

"Marshall!" Annalise's voice cut through my thoughts. I turned to see her hurrying across the training ground, a covered plate in her hands and concern written all over her face. "Luna Etta sent dinner. She was worried you'd miss it again."

The kid had grown in the two weeks since the claiming. Not physically, she was still small and delicate and far too young, but something in her eyes had changed. She looked at me now like I hung the moon and commanded the stars. It was flattering and uncomfortable in equal measure.

"Thanks," I said, taking the plate without really looking at her. "Tell Mom I'll eat later."

Annalise's face fell slightly, but she rallied quickly. "She made your favorite. Pot roast with those potatoes you like."

"I said later." The words came out sharper than I'd intended, and I saw her flinch. Guilt twisted in my stomach, but Scarlett was watching, and the other wolves were starting to notice the interaction. I couldn't look weak in front of them, couldn't let them think a child had any influence over me, even if she was my mate.

"Of course," Annalise said quietly. "Sorry to interrupt."

She turned to go, but Scarlett's voice stopped her. "Annalise, isn't it? Marshall's little mate?"

The possessive way Scarlett said "little" made my wolf Ranger growl softly in my mind, but I pushed the feeling down. Scarlett was just establishing pack dynamics. That was normal.

"Yes," Annalise said, lifting her chin with a pride that was almost painful to watch. "I'm his mate."

Scarlett's smile was sharp as a blade. "How sweet. And so young. You must be excited about starting Luna training."

"I am. Luna Etta is teaching me so much."

"I'm sure she is." Scarlett moved closer, and I caught the predatory gleam in her eyes. "Of course, Luna training is quite advanced. Requires a certain level of maturity and experience that comes with age."

The implication hung in the air like smoke. Annalise wasn't old enough, experienced enough, woman enough for the role she'd been thrust into. I should have said something, should have shut Scarlett down, but I wanted to see how she’d react.

"I'll learn," Annalise said simply. "I have time."

"Five years," Scarlett mused. "Such a long time to wait. Especially for a man with Marshall's... appetites."

This time, Ranger snarled audibly, and several wolves turned to look at us. I needed to end this conversation before it became pack gossip, but not because I was defending Annalise. Because I was maintaining control.

"That's enough," I said, my voice carrying just enough Alpha command to make both women step back. "Scarlett, walk with me. Annalise, go help Mom with whatever she needs."

Annalise's eyes searched my face for something I couldn't give her. Reassurance, maybe. But she was a smart kid. She nodded once and walked away without another word, her small shoulders held straight despite the dismissal.

"Alone at last," Scarlett purred, moving closer again. "I was hoping we could talk."