The Alpha Takes a Mate Read Online Free PDF Page A

tonight no pack member would ever be mistaken, Elle Smith was his mate , and he intended to claim her.
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    Elle lay on her bed as Layla finished running fingers through her hair. The other woman had stayed with her instead of going back to her family home. She and Layla were the same age, and tonight would be their first outing to the feast.
    “Are you nervous?” Layla asked.
    “Nervous about what?”
    “About everything. Tonight is our first feast , and you’ve been mated today. Brandon is the alpha. That has got to be high on the cool factor.”
    She smiled at Layla’s enthusiasm. “I’m a little scared. After tonight everything is going to change. Mom keeps giving me weird looks, and my dad looks worried. Between the two of them they’re freaking me out.” She stopped to take a breath. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m worrying about all the wrong reasons.”
    “What is there to be worried about?” Layla asked, taking a seat on the bed.
    “Have you seen the way the pack treat women, human women? I’ve seen the ones they’ve taken to their bed, and they blank them as if they mean nothing.”
    Several humans had left because of the pack ’s treatment.
    “You can’t think Brandon will treat you that way. I know what you mean about the treatment of the pack. As much as I want Lewis, I wouldn’t put myself in that position. I refuse to.”
    She reached for the other woman’s hand. Elle gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “We’re in this together.”
    “I know this is going to sound strange, but are you a virgin, Elle?”
    Averting her eyes, Elle nodded her head. “I’ve never found the right guy.”
    “I’m a virgin as well. Grace Hill is not exactly the place to be giving your body to just anyone.”
    “Have you ever thought of leaving?” Elle asked.
    “What do you mean?” Layla tilted her head to the side, observing her.
    “You know, getting away from here. Like my birthday, only staying away for that time.” Elle stared down at their hands waiting for her to answer.
    “ I’ve thought about getting away. It would be nice to leave for a little while and explore, but I always see myself coming back. This is my life, Elle. I love being here. Grace Hill, for all of its faults, is my home.”
    Elle smiled. “ I know.”
    “Are you thinking of leaving?” Layla asked.
    “No, I’m not thinking about it.”
    The bell sounded in the distance letting everyone know that the wolves would be on the hunt. Humans were free to roam on the night of the full moon at their own risk. She moved to the window to stare at the empty table. When the bell rang again they’d be able to place their waiting pots onto the centre of the table. For most of the evening the humans would be ignored, or at least that was what she’d been told.
    “If you’re not thinking about it why are you talking about it?”
    “This crap with Brandon is what’s making me think about it. I need time away. Do you really think an alpha should mate with a human?”
    Layla shrugged. “It’s not up to us what we think or feel. I doubt he’ll let you go.”
    The sounds of wolves howling invaded the night’s silence. Goosebumps erupted along her arms. Staring out of the window, Elle spotted a large black wolf on the edge of the forest. The sight of him reminded her of Brandon. The wolf was large and commanded her attention. She found herself avoiding eye contact.
    “Elle, are you okay?” Layla asked.
    “Yeah, I’m fine.” Elle turned away from the window. “Don’t mention our conversation to anyone, please. I’d hate for someone to use the information for the wrong ideas. I’m not planning on leaving.”
    “I hope not.”
    More howls invaded the silence, and her stomach tightened.
    “I wish I knew what was going on.”
    Layla lay on her stomach with her head in her hands. “I don’t. They’ll probably be thinking about killing something or actually doing it.”
    Sitting on the edge of the bed Elle ran her fingers through her