Alpha Untried (Lone Wolves, Book 4)

Alpha Untried

by Tielle St. Clare

Copyright © 2016 T. L. Green

Smashwords Edition

Cover design by Erin Dameron-Hill / EDHGraphics

All rights are reserved. This e-book is licensed for individual readership only. No portion of this e-book may be resold or redistributed in any format.

To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text, please contact the author at www.tiellestclare.com

Author’s Note

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and events are creations of the author’s imagination.  Any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Raise a glass to the birthday boy!

Josiah rolled his eyes and tried not to blush though he was pretty freakin’ sure he failed at that.

He lifted his beer toward Rowan, acknowledging the Alpha’s toast, before taking a sip. Applause and catcalls filled the room. Jokes about Josiah finally being old enough to drink from the well.

Twenty-one. Today was his twenty-first birthday. It meant he could legally drink and maybe, just maybe, they would stop treating him like a kid.

He glanced at the six men who comprised his social circle. All older. Three Betas, an Omega, an Alpha...and Madge.

Madge didn’t have a rank in the Pack. He was an outlier. Not a Lone Wolf but not an active participant either. Except they saw more of him now.

The little wolf has broken his addiction to silver through one long, horrible month of deprivation, but even now, Josiah knew Kia, Madge’s mate, kept a vigilant watch on the little wolf.

Congratulations. A heavy hand landed on his shoulder and he found himself dragged against the solid form of Random’s chest. You’re all grown up. He laughed and leaned close, putting his lips to Josiah’s ear. How about a grown up birthday present? The words skittered down his spine and landed in his groin. Damn. The hand at his neck slid down Josiah’s back to the curve of his ass.

Despite knowing Random didn’t mean anything by it, Josiah’s prick leapt in anticipation, grinding against his fly in a wicked happy dance. Damn, just the thought of getting fucked by the big strong Beta made his cock hard.

Of course, at this point, everything—thinking, sleeping, breathing—made his dick hard.

Random squeezed his hip. We could—

You could keep your hands off the kid’s ass, Cledwyn growled.

And there it is, Josiah thought.

The other Betas and Alpha laughed at the familiar refrain. Josiah grinned. Though not officially mated—and with the Alpha remaining somehow oblivious—Random and Cledwyn had been together for almost six months now. That didn’t stop Random from flirting.

Josiah had long given up hope—though not the fantasy—of anything happening between him and any of the other Betas. They were all ridiculously mated and treated him like a kid.

That left the other members of the Pack.

But Josiah had no luck in that direction either. The wolves he found interesting wouldn’t look his way. Being the future Alpha sucked sometimes. Not that he didn’t want the job. He did. Mostly. Except when the thought terrified him.

Panic nibbled at the back of his brain and he took a long deep breath in, slowing his thoughts. He had years, at least four, before Rowan planned to retire and drive off into the sunset with Craigh on the back of his bike.

He gulped down his beer, banishing the remaining hint of freak-out.

So, my boy— Random draped his arm over Josiah’s shoulder. What are your plans for tonight? Getting drunk? Getting laid? I can help you with both.

Random. The warning word came from Cledwyn.

I don’t plan to fuck him, Random replied. I’m going to find him a sweet little twink to celebrate his arrival into adulthood.

The weight on his shoulder spun him around to face the room. So, darling, what interests you? Blonde deliciousness? Or the sullen emo goth dude in the corner? Random leaned in and lowered his voice. Pick the blond. He pulled back a bit and winked. Trust me.

Josiah straightened his spine, pulling up to his full height. He might not be as broad as Random or Rowan but a growth spurt in the past year meant he could meet them eye to eye. He tipped his head to the side in question. Josiah counted Cledwyn as one of his best friends and if Random was fucking around on him...

Random tossed back his head and laughed. From before, darling. Waaay before. He winked again. But unless he’s lost his ability to suck, the blond is an excellent choice.

Craigh called to Random to come help with a keg or something. I’ll go help him. You scout the talent. I’ve probably fucked most of them so I can give you recommendations. He grinned and slapped Josiah on the ass before leaving Josiah alone.

He took a breath and scanned the room. Maybe he should go for the blond. Josiah wasn’t saving himself for marriage or mating.

He’d tried to find someone to fuck, but the dominant wolves who attracted him refused to submit to the future Alpha. They assumed he wanted to fuck them. It sucked because the truth was, he wanted to get fucked.

Oh, he planned on doing the fucking at some point, but it seemed vitally important for him to know how it felt to have a cock in his ass, to be held down and fucked hard before he did it to someone else. And make no mistake, he wanted to fuck. At least he thought he did. Damn. He needed another beer.

He whipped around, heading to the bar. His feet froze in position as the door to The Distant Howl opened and Phillip walked in.

Phillip. Banned from the Pack for trying to kill the Alpha.

Tension rippled through the room as others became aware of the wolf’s entrance.

A threatening growl erupted from behind the corner of the bar.

Everyone around him turned toward the noise but Josiah recognized Rowan’s snarl without needing to look. Josiah kept his eyes on Phillip. The man didn’t flinch at the sound. His lips twisted into a small smile as if he expected, even welcomed the Alpha’s approach.

And approach he did.

The crowd around Josiah parted and Rowan stepped through.

What the fuck are you doing here? the Alpha demanded. You’re banished.

My banishment is over. One year. As of yesterday. Phillip spread his arms wide. Aren’t you going to welcome me back to the fold?

Before Rowan could grab and physically throw Phillip out of the bar—which Josiah assumed was the Alpha’s plan—Craigh came in from the back, laughing. He stopped short, as if the tension in the room created a physical wall.

Craigh! Phillip shouted. He slipped past a stunned Rowan and strode across the room. Without even pausing, he threw his arms around Craigh and yanked him into a full-body hug. I’ve missed you.

Craigh’s mouth dropped open and he stared blankly forward, as if he couldn’t believe what was happening. He raised his hands. Shock locked the breath in Josiah’s throat when he thought for one brief moment the Alpha Mate would return the embrace.

But Craigh slammed the heels of his hands into Phillip’s hips and shoved the smaller man away. In the past, Craigh worried he might hurt one of his friends—for an Omega wolf, the dude was huge—but over the last year, being mated to Rowan and hanging out with the Betas, Craigh’s confidence and control had grown.

He stepped away. What are you doing here?

It’s been a year. My banishment ended yesterday and I’ve returned. Did you miss me?

What? No, you tried to kill my mate.

Phillip shook his head. It was all a misunderstanding. Let’s get together for coffee tomorrow and talk about it.

Over my dead body, Rowan snarled.

Phillip tipped his head back and laughed. That’s a joke, right? Phillip faced Rowan. And I heard you didn’t have a sense of humor.

Rowan growled. Get out.

But I was going to have a drink with my friends. Get reacquainted, as it were.

Get out of my bar, get out of my Pack.

Phillip offered a mocking, sympathetic sigh.

Well, I’ll leave the bar, but you can’t kick me out of the Pack. Not without reason.

You tried to kill him, Kia pointed out.

Phillip blinked with exaggerated innocence. The cocky grin made the hairs on Josiah’s spine stand straight up. A misunderstanding as I said. I fulfilled my punishment. As of yesterday, I’m a member in good standing with this Pack.

The line of Rowan’s jaw clenched. I should have killed you when I had the chance.

The corner of Phillip’s mouth pulled into a dangerous smile. Yes, you really should have. He turned on his heel and walked toward the exit. Bye, Craigh. I’ll be seeing you.

The door slammed behind him. A dead silence smothered the room. Josiah’s heart beat once, then again. Before he could exhale, the whispers started, low murmurs in the far corners of the bar. The whole Pack would find out what happened by morning. Hell, the way cell phones lit up and fingers flashed across screens, the Pack would be fully informed in the next fifteen minutes.

Rowan remained frozen in place, every muscle in his body contracted, his eyes staring at the closed door.

Come on. Cledwyn tapped the Alpha on the shoulder. Rowan whipped around and snarled at his Beta. Cledwyn stepped away, but didn’t back down. Let’s move this to your office. The rest of the Pack doesn’t need to see any more.

Rowan nodded and stalked toward the narrow hallway leading to his office. Cledwyn and Random immediately followed, Craigh a little more slowly.

Madge, can you watch the bar? Kia called to his mate.

Madge twitched like an electric shock ran over his skin. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. Pushing his shoulders back as if to give himself confidence, he jumped off his barstool and walked around the end of the counter. As he passed by Kia, the Beta wolf leaned down and whispered something in his mate’s ear. Whatever he said made Madge smile and his cheeks turn red.

Kia patted Madge’s ass then followed the others out of the room. Josiah hesitated. He wasn’t precisely one of Rowan’s Betas. More like a Beta intern.

But he was the Alpha in training. He straightened his spine and found himself rolling his shoulders back, much like he’d seen Madge do, as he walked down the hall to the office.

He tapped on the door before sliding inside without waiting for a response.

The Alpha stood behind his desk. The other Betas and the Alpha Mate crowded around. Rowan’s gaze met Josiah’s. The Alpha raised his chin in acknowledgement but didn’t comment on his arrival.

I am so sorry, Craigh said, stepping forward.

Did you invite him here? Rowan demanded.

Craigh jerked back as if he’d been slapped. What? No.

Then how is this your fault? The Alpha’s tone burned with anger but it didn’t seem directed at his mate.

I’m the one who convinced you to not banish him forever.

Oh, right. The line of Rowan’s jaw hardened further. Josiah swallowed in sympathy with the strained muscles. Damn, his teeth had to be vibrating under the pressure. I’ll know better next time.

Next time? Random asked, dropping down into one of the chairs. He’s going to be on his fucking best behavior, at least publically.

Rowan nodded.

Maybe they’ll let you banish him again because of what happened to Random and Cledwyn, Kia suggested.

The two Beta wolves had been tranqed and trapped in a barn, which someone then set on fire. They all knew Phillip orchestrated the murder attempt. The fire had destroyed any lingering scents. With no evidence, they hadn’t been able to do anything about it.

Josiah witnessed the attack, but he’d been no help. The guys who’d carried Cledwyn and Random away had been unfamiliar. Guilt rushed through his chest.

No proof, Craigh sighed.

I’ll call Kal. Rowan gripped the table, the tips of his fingers dark with his claws, scarring the wood grain. Kal was a member of the High Council. Josiah didn’t understand the relationship between him and Rowan but their past connected them. Last time he said we didn’t have enough proof but I won’t have that asshole in my Pack. I don’t trust him.

Everyone in the room murmured their agreement—some of the comments involving swear words.

Okay. Rowan nodded as if he’d made a decision. He sighed and dropped into his chair. It didn’t take him long to go from pissed off to decisive. You guys get back out there. I’ll call Kal.

Closest to the door, Josiah put his hand on the doorknob.

Craigh, you stay with me, Rowan announced. And until this is resolved, everyone watch yourselves. I don’t trust that asshole. He’s going to do something to fuck up this Pack. It’s our job to make sure he doesn’t succeed.

* * * * *

Josiah loped into the Alpha house. He’d finished classes for the day and turned in a beast of a paper. He deserved the night off. Maybe he’d head to The Distant Howl for a drink. Finally find someone to fuck.

His birthday night had been a bust with Phillip showing up, the crowd subdued and quiet when the Betas returned to the main bar.

Josiah had dropped by The Distant Howl several times during the last week—study breaks he called them—but no luck. Not in finding the right male at least. Hell, any male would do at this point.

He tossed his backpack in his room. Technically it was a guest room but for the past four months he’d spent more nights here than at his parents’ house. After a week crashing on the Alpha’s couch, Rowan told his mate to find Josiah a room.

He wandered into the kitchen and stared into the depths of the refrigerator. Nothing interesting.