The Red Wolf's Mate novel Chapter 17

 RAINA POV

| woke up early - much too early after the night that | had. After Alpha Michael left
my room, | 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. |
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, | 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 cool and there was a slight breeze, making it a peaceful time to sit and enjoy the calm. I sipped my coffee, enjoying the fact that there is literally nothing going on right now. Aside from the chirps of birds and the slight breeze, it was very quiet. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, appreciating all of this.

I was not sure how long I sat outside. The sun was creeping further up the tree line, sharp beams of light cutting through the branches. My eye caught a wolf running through the trees. The movement was 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 the tree line, wearing nothing but a pair of low hanging shorts. If a man could be beautiful, that was how I would describe Alpha Callan. His chest was chiseled like nothing I had ever seen. And was that an eight pack?

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

"Physically, I am doing better. The cut on my arm is nearly healed. The shoulder is better, although I would expect it to be healed by now.” I took a sip of my coffee and looked up at Alpha Callan. "How are 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 my head."

"I can understand why. It is very calming out here in the morning." I stretched out my legs in front of me 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 of conversation. I shrugged as I spoke. “I don't know. Confused. Scared. Worried. Uncertain.” He grunted quietly, almost like he is stopping himself from laughing. “Are you sure you don't feel satisfied?" 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. “lt sure seemed like Alpha Michael enjoyed 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. I sipped 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 to miss you.” His hands were in tight fists. Why does he appear so angry? This only fueled my own anger.

“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 control my emotions by kissing me and groping me, then sure, he showed me how much he is going to miss 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 with anger.

“I don’t really see why that matters.” I yelled at him. “And I really can’t understand why the hell you seem to care so much about the  things  that  I  do. Perhaps  you should be pissed off at Alpha Michael for trying to take advantage of my lack of control of strong emotions rather than me for  having 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 pants and another who is angry at  me for some  unknown  reason.”  I stood abruptly and entered the house, 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’t figure out why. Every time I  thought about another  man  being  with her or touching her caused my 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 some control over my anger. I could not understand why 1 surged  with jealousy and anger whenever I thought of Raina with someone else. What confused me even more was that neither Nathan nor Alpha 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 looking at 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 than one 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 and protective, so I  can’t seem  to  pick  up  on anything.”  Rollo shrugged. I am not surprised by his response. I could understand her wolf seeking out to protect Raina. “But, man, you need to stop saying 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 understand what is going on. I  sat and  stewed  in my thoughts, frustrated  by the ongoing lack of control that 1 had with these emotions.

I have no idea how long I sat there before Beta Jack came up. “Good morning, Alpha." Beta Jack greeted 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 will be returning with her.” Beta Jack sits on the couch, sitting in the same place that Raina had been previously seated.

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

”Alpha Michael is going to meet with two of the neighboring packs to gather some additional warriors 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 she reported that she is supposed to have lunch with Lizzie. Otherwise, she is waiting for Elder Rosemarie 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.