Alpha

Chapter 9

Randall appeared at my side, giving me an uneasy smile.

"We have a space where the ritual can take place. Given the impending banishment, we, unfortunately, must set the time for today."

"I am not interested in mating with that monster," I growled.

"No one will insist upon it, Miss Nolan. The mating rights ritual is not about winning the right to the deed but stopping another from courting you. That is what Mister Dawson is doing. He is challenging Mister Marlowe so that he cannot chase you if he loses."

"This has to be stopped," I said, chasing after Randall.

He paused near the reception desk, letting out a sigh.

"I am afraid that when a demand has been set, it cannot be revoked. There is no turning back from this. I would suggest that you return to your chalet and, perhaps, discuss the event with your pack. One of them might be able to offer more insight. If you wish to attend the fight, it will be held in the auditorium at midnight."

With a frustrated huff and a mighty scowl, I turned away. As I crossed the lobby floor, I looked at Colin, who had a mighty smug look on his face. Unable to hold my anger, I stalked over to him and swung a right hook.

The crack echoed through the lobby, and as Colin dropped to the floor, I began to walk away. Gasps, laughter, and clapping could be heard as I reached the door to the corridor. Konrad held it open as I walked through.

"Do you need ice for that hand? Because if you do, there's plenty of snow out there."

"Don't be a smart ass," I muttered.

Konrad took my hand as we walked along the corridor. He kissed the sore knuckles.

"Remind me of this when I upset you."

"You're always upsetting me."

"Then maybe incredibly pissed off."

"Yeah, that would be the one."

The guard opened the external door, and the cold wind hit me like a brick wall. I shivered in the tiny dress, walking quickly along the path.

We stopped at the steps to my chalet. Our pack chalet was on the left of the row, sitting higher than the row on the right. They were nestled against the side of the mountain, covered in a thick layer of snow and looking picture perfect.

Konrad gave me an uneasy smile as the silence grew between us. I was cold, but at this moment, I didn't care.

"I don't regret a single thing."

"You should. This is dangerous."

"I'll be fine."

I rolled my eyes. Ridiculous macho male nonsense.

"You have such little faith in my abilities, and I am offended. Maybe you should make it up to me."

"Is that right? And how, if I didn't already know, should I make it up to you?"

Konrad smirked and walked up the stairs into the chalet. With a sigh, I followed. I'd be a complete idiot if I thought that this night would end any other way than him in my bed. As I climbed the stairs, I couldn't decide if it was a good or bad thing, but I was smiling, so I guess that maybe it was leaning in one direction.

I'd not anticipated every single pair of eyes landing on us when we entered the chalet. There was a whisper in my mind to slip away and indulge in a little scandalous behavior. It seemed that even though my mouth said one thing, my mind always dragged me back to the gutter.

Alec and Joey made a beeline for us.

"Well?"

"Do you want the good news or the bad news first?"

They exchanged glances, and Alec answered.

"Good first."

"The hotel manager had enough evidence to fire the barman and banish the culprit."

"And the bad? Joey asked warily.

"He got angry and demanded a ritual fight against Konrad."

"Oh," he said softly.

"For mating rights to me."

Both winced.

"Come on, I'll make you a drink. Even on holidays, I can't escape the barman life."

As Alec moved behind the bar, the people near it moved away. Joey slid up onto one next to me. Konrad seemed a little uneasy about the whole situation. Or maybe it was because in two hours, he'd be in the ring, fighting for something that he didn't think he would get even if he won.

"So, you have questions?" Alec asked.

"Countless," I muttered. "But most of all, how can Konrad get out of this?"

Konrad took his drink and wandered off. I found it a little strange but said nothing. Joey shrugged at me, giving me a grim smile.

"I have an answer, but you might not like it."

"How is any of this possible?"

"It happens all the time. Wolves get their snouts out of joint about something and retaliate in the only way they can. Ritual fights are common. You seem rather bent out of shape, Megan."

"Of course I am. Konrad's stuck in this terrible situation, and if he loses, it's going to put his clan and his leadership in a bad way."

"One, no one said he was going to lose, and two, he doesn't seem that upset by it. You know what I think?"

I'd turned to look at Konrad, who was talking to Erin. That was not a smart move, Konrad. Instead of getting angry at the view, I turned back to Alec and Joey.

"I'm sure you'll tell me regardless of what I say."

"If you are this invested in trying to save Konrad, then he must mean something to you. Admit that you like him, Megan. It's okay to let the wall down for someone."

"Of course I like him," I hissed softly. "But take a look at the view and tell me what you think that's all about."

Alec and Joey looked. It was Alec that responded.

"A wolf talking to other wolves like most do in a party situation. You're reading into it way too much."

"Uh-huh. I didn't read into anything Shelly did, and look where that got me."

Alec leaned on the counter, lowering so that he was closer.

"Look, I can give you the answer that he needs. Do you want to hear it or not?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"Because you might not like it," Joey muttered, flicking his head at Alec. "His words."

Alec rolled his eyes before looking at me.

"All you need to do is officially mark him as your mate. Once you've marked him, you are no longer available for mating with any other wolf. It is that simple."

"No, it's not," I muttered. "Not when it comes to Alphas. Marking him won't make much of a difference. I've heard that there are quite a few Alphas that can bend the monogamous mate mark."

Picking up the drink, I turned to look at Konrad. WasI wrong about what I could see? Did I continue to find fault with him so that Icould avoid the future that he could easily provide?