Free The Mating by Nicky Charles Page A

had the general impression that the Beta wasn’t overly pleased to see the newcomer. The look in his eyes was icy rather than the usual friendly blue she’d come to expect. Neither of the other two women were overjoyed either, if their suddenly stiff postures were any indication.

    “I just heard about Thomas and rushed right over to see if there was anything I could do.” Marla flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder, seemingly oblivious to her cool reception.

    “Since he’s in the infirmary, and we all know how you can’t stand to be around anyone who is hurt, I fail to see how you’d be of any help.” Helen rudely addressed the beautiful she-wolf.

    Marla bared her teeth at Helen in what could loosely be taken as a smile, if one wasn’t too fussy. “I meant that with Kane being up all night, he might be tired and need some help in the office. My shift doesn’t start until noon and I have done office work before.”

    “Thanks for the offer Marla, but I’ll be able to handle things until Kane gets back and if it does get busy, Elise can help.”

    “Elise?” Marla raised her perfectly shaped eyebrows and looked puzzled. “Who is…? Oh I’d forgotten. The new little mate.” She acted as if she was searching the room before letting her eyes focus on the newest pack member. “So you’re Kane’s mate. I must say, you are a little thing.” Studying Elise from head to toe, she shook her head and made a little moue. “Hmm, you’re not very strong looking. I hope you can stand up to the strain of the position. I know from personal experience how…demanding…Kane can be.”

    Flushing at the insult and implied meaning of Marla’s statement, Elise wanted to sink into the floor, but knew she had to immediately take action and put the other woman in her place, if she wanted maintain her status. Standing, she circled around the table and advanced on the woman, speaking with a trace of a growl in her voice. “I’m perfectly capable of being Kane’s mate and I don’t appreciate your comments. If you have a problem with me, say it directly to my face rather than making snide innuendos.”

    Marla stepped back in surprise. “Why Elise! I assure you I meant nothing at all. It’s just that Kane and I are old friends…” Her voice trailed off and she looked at the table. The others were studiously eating their eggs. A power struggle between two pack mates didn’t involve them. It was up to the wolves involved to work it out.

    Elise took one more step towards her and for a moment Marla held her ground, but then backed up. “I’m sorry to have interrupted your breakfast. I’ll leave you alone, but if you need anything at all…” No one responded and the woman left, slamming the door behind her.

    Exhaling loudly, Elise turned back towards the table. The others were looking at her. “That was…unpleasant.”

    “Actually, it was quite entertaining.” Carrie started to laugh.

    Helen snorted. “It’s about time someone put her in her place. Good work, Elise.”

    John just sipped his coffee, but Elise was sure he was smiling. She felt a grin breaking out on her own face as well and happily sat back down to finish her breakfast. She’d survived her first encounter with a member of the pack—Carrie, John and Helen didn’t count—and she’d come out on top. It was a good feeling and erased some of her earlier insecurities.

    *****

    After breakfast, Carrie and John left for town to pick up some supplies for their soon-to-arrive pup. Helen accepted Elise’s help with the clean up and then shooed her on her way with instructions to go exploring outside. Elise walked into the backyard and looked around with interest.

    The early morning air was cool, but the brightness of the sun promised to bring a warmer day, once the dampness burned off. Small white clouds dotted the otherwise clear blue sky and the air had the fresh, clean scent that always appeared after a rain. Noting the puddles on