AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I see,” Gwen said, a small smile on her face, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Brie’s stomach clenched as a ball of lead settled at the bottom. This was not going to end well. No matter how hard she tried, there was something truly wrong with this Pack. She knew she might never be accepted by the dominants, but she hoped she’d have a chance with the maternals.
Right then, it looked as if that avenue might be lost as well.
She wouldn’t be going down without a fight though.
Brie set the cookies on the counter then looked out the window. The pups were playing a game in wolf form, bouncing around and wrestling with their claws sheathed. They had to be between six and seven years old and were so freaking adorable. She took a step toward the window then paused when Gwen put her hand on Brie’s arm. She looked down then up at Brie, her wolf brushing along Brie’s skin.
“Is something the matter?” she asked, her tone calm. Far calmer than she felt.
Gwen looked as though she wanted to say something then let go, clamping her mouth shut.
Oh no, that would not do.
“What is it, Gwen?”
The other woman let out a breath then raised her chin. “I can tell you’re a good girl, Brie.”
This was not going to end well.
“I’m a woman, not a girl, Gwen. I’m also the Alpha’s mate.” She frowned. “But that’s the problem isn’t it?”
Gwen sighed. “I’m sure you’re a wonderful wolf. A pleasant submissive who, in the right setting, can help many a dominant settle their wolves so they can protect the Pack. You arenot,however, good enough to be the Alpha’s mate.”
Shocked, Brie staggered back, her eyes wide. “Excuse me?” Her voice shook. She was astonished this woman would speak so bluntly. She did her best to keep her emotions in check. If Gideon felt something wrong across the bond, he’d be there in an instant, and she couldn’t afford that. If he didn’t let her fight for herself, then it would only prove harder for her to find her place.
“You heard me, Brie,” she said then sighed again. “I know I will probably get my throat slit for even saying it, but it’s the truth.”
Brie shook her head. “You are underestimating your Alpha if you think he’ll kill you, if you thinkIwill kill you for having poor judgment.”
The other woman’s eyes flashed, and Brie saw the truth of the other woman’s nature. She was not a bad woman; she was a maternal. That meant she’d do all within her strength to protect the youngest of the Pack. Too bad she was going about it all wrong.
“You are asubmissive, Brie.”
“I know that,” Brie snapped then reined herself back. “I’ve known that since I could first form thoughts.”
“The Alpha can’t have a submissive for a mate. Especially not an Alpha such as Gideon. He needs someone who can protect that Pack with him. You are too weak to do it.” Tears filled Gwen’s eyes, but Brie felt no sympathy. “Fate can be cruel. I know this more than most, but fate is wrong this time, Brie. You’re going to die protecting the Pack because you’re not strong enough. Gideon will die trying to save you because he can’t do anything else. No matter what, you’re not what this Pack needs.”
Brie growled, her wolf rising to the forefront. She wasnotweak, despite what this woman thought—despite what others in the Pack thought.
“You cannot know the future, Gwen. You only know what others whisper in your ears and what you fear. You arewrong. I might not be a fighter, but that doesn’t mean I won’t fight. There are reasons submissives are part of the Pack, and you should know that better than anyone. I will not back down because people are scared I might whimper if someone growls too loudly.”
Gwen shook her head. “You’re only using the Alpha’s bonds to act strong.”
“Am I? Or are you underestimating me? You’re underestimating the strength of your Alpha as well. I…I know that I’m not what any of you expected, but cutting my legs out from under me before I even begin won’t help anyone.”
Gwen let out a breath. “I cannot let you near the pups. You will confuse them.”
Pain sliced across her heart, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she stalked toward Gwen. The other wolf’s eyes glowed gold, and she backed up a step.
“I won’t claw you. I won’t even make you bleed,” Brie said softly. “As you know, it’s not in my nature. But Iwillhurt you if you don’t move away. You might think you are more dominant, but you are notmydominant. You are a maternal wolf with too much power.”
Gwen’s eyes flared, and for a moment, Brie saw her true nature. “Iona would have been a better mate than you.”
Brie slapped the other woman, keeping her claws sheathed. “Iona wouldn’t have been his mate at all. You might have gotten me for a moment with the care-for-the-Pack bit, but you are just a jealous friend who wanted more.”
“You’re out, Gwen,” Gideon said from behind her, and Brie cursed inwardly.
