The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) - Susi Hawke Page 0,8

other tight, and for a brief moment, being home felt good again.

Jared didn't allow me more than a minute. Before I finished processing how much taller and thicker he was in the shoulders, he was already pulling away and motioning for me to follow. One look at his pinched expression reminded me of the reason I broke every speed limit to get here. The pack and what it needed would have to wait. Right now, Elisha's life depended on me.

When Jared covered his mouth with a rough sob, my heart fell into my stomach. I staggered back a step, holding my palms up in denial. "No. Tell me I'm not too late?" Before I could ask another question, a strangled cry from overhead gave me my answer—the omega lived.

Taking a breath, I willed my anxious wolf into submission. The sucker paced and clawed at my skin, demanding to take over, the one thing I couldn't allow. With this much at stake, my human side needed to be in control.

Sorry, wolfie. Stand down. I've got this one.

Jared winced and tilted his head toward the stairs. "Again, I'm sorry to put you in this position. And for my display of emotion. It’s just that… Isaac, our epsilon healer… I believe I mentioned him when we last spoke? He had a vision during the winter solstice, saying our pack would find salvation and renewal this year. His words came back to me while I was waiting for you to get here. Seeing you now, I know his vision signaled your return. I just hate the burden I've placed on your shoulders with what I'm asking of you."

Knowing even as I spoke how I meant every word, I straightened my shoulders and stood tall. "You didn't put this on me, Jared. This pack was always my birthright, and it's past time I accepted it. Do I want to claim Elisha in this state? No. Hell no. But he didn't ask for this any more than I did. I won't allow him to die because my uncle was a piece of shit.” I started to say more, wanting to linger rather than face the task ahead of me.

Another loud, mournful cry had my wolf pacing again. Glancing at Jared with a clipped nod, I muttered, “Wish me luck," and strode away before he could respond. Heading straight to the stairs, I took them two at a time, sudden haste pushing me every step of the way.

My wolf and I both felt the same pull, demanding we get to the master bedroom as quickly as possible. I didn’t understand it, but it was as if my own life depended on saving this omega’s.

Move. Get there faster.

Every second felt like an eternity. Each cry sounding through the bedroom door felt like a steel blade piercing my heart. And yet I stopped short of opening it when I got there, pausing with one hand on the doorknob and one palm on the solid wood separating me from whatever I would find on the other side.

As badly as I needed to reach Elisha, I also needed this final moment to prepare myself. Consent from an omega in heat was dubious at best. But from one who was delirious and at death's door? Any yes he gave would be meaningless. Did I have it in me to do it anyway? Could I really fuck this stranger to save his life? And even worse... could I stomach giving him the claiming bite and forging his life to my own?

It was too much responsibility. And if I were to die tomorrow, he would be right back in this position.

Shut up, idiot. Quit trying to talk yourself out of what you know you're already planning to do. You wouldn't be here if you weren't going to claim this omega as your mate. Quit waffling and alpha up. Elisha's life is depending on you.

Whether it was my persuasive self-talk or the bloodcurdling scream I heard next, I couldn't say. But the terrifying shriek had me shoving the door open. One step into the room and I nearly hit my knees, staggering at a wave of omega pheromones and an enticing fragrance smelling of home… and a curious mix of jasmine and sagebrush.

Was it possible?

No… and yet there it was.

The powerful aroma could only be one thing—the scent of my true mate.

All my life I had searched for the place I truly belonged. This pack hadn't ever felt like my home, and neither had any