Return of the Alpha by Natalie Shaw Read Free Book Online Page B

too.” She managed a weak smile. “So maybe there's a chance—”
     
    Jessie insisted on making coffee. I'd thought I wasn't hungry, but changed my mind with my first bite of her chocolate-chip muffin.
    “I don't know the full story,” Jessie began. “But from what I can gather, you were the fated mate of the alpha of the Terroun pack.”
    “Craven.”
    “Yes, that was his name.” She nodded. “From what I understand you were being held prisoner, and were about to be killed when Marlow rescued you, and brought you here to Semron. He thought you'd have more chance of being accepted into the pack if you pretended to be mates. And in the end, you very nearly became just that.”
    “What happened?”
    “After fifteen years of living a lie, you finally agreed to become Marlow's mate.” Jessie sighed. “I wish to god you had.”
    “What happened?”
    “Marlow couldn't live with himself because he'd kept something from you. He'd known that Craven was still alive at the time he'd freed you from the enclosure. If he'd kept quiet, you and he would have become mates, and would still be living here today.”
    “What happened to him?”
     
    “He was wracked with guilt over what he'd done. I don't think he could live with himself, so he went in search of Craven. He felt he owed it to you to see that you and your fated mate were re-united.”
    “Do you know where he went?”
    “His note said he was going to Maja—the last known location of Craven. You went after him. That was the last we heard of either of you.”
    “So he could still be alive?”
    “If someone had asked me that yesterday, I'd have said it was impossible. Now? I don't know.”
    “Do you have a photo of him?”
    Jessie walked over to the wall unit, and picked up a framed photograph. Even though I tried to brace myself, the impact of what I saw was almost physical. Staring out at me from the photo was Jessie, arm in arm with a man. Next to him stood another man—it was apparent that the two male shifters were brothers. And next to him—there I was. The four of us beaming into the lens.
    “Marlow?” I pointed to the man at my side.
    Jessie nodded. “You still don't remember him?”
    It was hard to explain. I wouldn't have picked his face out of a line-up, but there was a sense of—what? A connection?
    “Do you mind if I call Pirus?” Jessie said. She already had the phone in her hand.
    “Sure. Go ahead.”
     
     

Chapter 8
     
     
     
    LOUISE
     
     
    Pirus came straight home. As soon as he saw me, he pulled me into his arms and gave me a hug. I felt a little awkward and wasn't sure how to respond to this man who felt like a stranger.
    “I can't believe it,” he said when he took a step back. “Where have you been?”
    “She doesn't want to go through all of that again,” Jessie said. “I'll bring you up to speed later.”
    “Do you know where Marlow is?” Pirus asked.
    “No, I'm sorry. Like I told Jessie, I have amnesia. I've only just started to remember snippets. I remembered Semron, and Marlow's name—that's why I came here.”
    “Did you come alone?”
    “No, I'm with my mate.”
    “Craven?”
    “You know him?”
    “Not really. Only what you told me on the day you left to follow Marlow. How did you find him?”
    “He actually found me. It took him forty years.”
    “Where is he now?”
    “I left him on the edge of the territory. He wasn't very happy about it, but I figured I'd be safer coming alone because I'd once been a member of the Semron pack.”
    “You must bring him here,” Pirus said. “I'll talk to the alpha to get clearance.”
     
    Pirus's senior status within the pack meant it took him only a matter of minutes to obtain permission for Craven to enter the territory.
    “Where exactly is he?” Pirus asked. “I'll go and collect him.”
    “I'll take you there,” I said.
    “No need. You rest up here. You must be ready for something to eat and drink.”
    “Craven may not trust you if you're alone. It'll