Filed To Story: Claimed by the Alpha I Hate Book Read Free
Teaching Witchcraft 101, seeing the beaming faces of my students, became something I was wholly passionate about. Never in my life did I think that I’d be teaching the next generation of witches, watching them learn from the mistakes of the past as they grew in power.
Still, even with all this happiness in my life, there was something missing-something I craved more and more with each passing day. Perhaps I was selfish for wanting this when I already had so much, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself.
Which is exactly why I called on the one person I knew who could help me.
“I’m actually really glad you wanted to hang out. Gives me a break from the twins.” Daisy giggled.
She pulled out a chair at the little café we were at and took a seat. I’d ordered our coffee’s ahead of time, along with an assortment of pastries. Given Daisy’s sweet tooth, I figured she wouldn’t have any specific preferences. When a few customers passed, she nodded at them in greeting.
How she dealt with the constant string of admirers was beyond me, but that’s why she was the one in charge.
I smirked, brushing the crumbs from the croissant I’d been picking at off my lap. “They tiring you out already? Those terrible two’s sure are something, aren’t they?”
“Oh, you don’t even know the half of it.” Daisy huffed, s*atching her coffee off the table. She scooped the dollop of whip cream off the top and plopped it into her mouth. “Actually, you might considering you’re a witch too.”
“Go on, lay it on me.” I encouraged her with a smirk.
“I wish there was some guide for raising twin tri-brids. It’s a blessing in disguise that only Ramona can use magic, because I’m not sure what I’d do if it were both of them. At least with Maven it’s the blood drinking I have to worry about.”
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “He’s two years old and already worried about blood?”
“Are you kidding me? He loves the stuff. Loves it more than people food, which is a bit concerning.
Tristan and Giovanni say this is normal for a Vampire child though.” She huffed, her shoulders sagging with relief.
“Well, it’s not unusual for witches to display their magic this early. Especially if they’re powerful.” I couldn’t help but add. Daisy had so much on her plate already. Adding two magical children to the mix was bound to cause some additional stress. “If you ever need some time away, I’d be more than happy to watch them. You know I love your kids.”
“Ramona has been asking about her Aunt Clara and Uncle Mason.” Daisy chuckled. After taking a deep drink from her coffee, a speculative look crossed her face. “Anyway, how have you been doing? You looked a bit distraught at Holly’s gender reveal last week.”
Even though Holly knew her unborn baby was a girl, Daisy and I still went through the motions of hosting a big get together. Holly had little to no normal experiences, and this was one we decided she couldn’t do without.
“That obvious, huh?” I muttered, my stomach twisting into knots. On second thought, coffee was probably the last thing I needed during a time like this. I pushed the steaming cup closer to the center of the table, focusing my nerves on a blueberry m*ffin topped with thick granules of sugar.
With a frown painting her face, Daisy leaned forward and reached out for my hand. The ridiculously long strands of her ebony hair fell over her shoulder, inches away from the c*nnamon bun with it’s sticky coating.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Things might be different now, but our friendship hasn’t changed. If you need anything, you know you only have to ask.”
I took a deep breath before forcing the words past my lips. Hesitating would only prolong the torture, and I’d put myself through the ringer enough times this past week alone.
“I was just wondering if-if Werewolves could put their mark on anyone, even if that person wasn’t their
Goddess given mate.” It took a great deal of effort not to cringe at myself. Anyone with two ears and a working brain would know who I was talking about.
“They can, but why would they want-” She stopped in her tracks, and this time I did cringe.
Understanding flashed in Daisy’s eyes, making her unnaturally bright blue tone’s even brighter. “Mason never marked her…just so you know. Clara, he’d be a fool not to mark you. I’m sure if you asked him, he’d leap at the chance.”
My stomach dropped. Suddenly, the blueberry m*ffin I’d been picking at no longer seemed appetizing.
“I can’t just ask him that. What if he thinks I’m trying to replace his actual mate? What if… what if he doesn’t want to?”
“Look, all I know is that he’s changed since you came into the picture. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this happy before. I think you should take the risk and ask him, Clara. I think his response will surprise you.”
Daisy spoke with such confidence that it was hard not to buy into it. It filled my chest, mingling with the mouthwatering scent of roasted coffee beans and flaky pastries. I took a deep breath and nodded. “
Alright, I’ll do it. I’ll ask Mason to mark me.”
“Good. I can’t wait to see his mark on your neck.” Daisy winked, beaming at me from across the table.
She took another gulp of her coffee, making a sound low in her throat as she gazed at it almost lovingly.” Actually, there was something I needed to ask you in return.”
“Oh.” I replied, just a tad surprised. “Is it about the Magisterium? You already know there’s a spot open for Ramona once she becomes of age, but I wouldn’t mind starting some basic training with her once she’s able to walk and talk.”
“It’s not that, but I’ll definitely take you up on that offer. This is more about Mason and whether or not you think he’d be interested in…a job of sorts.”
My eyebrows lifted on their own accord. Mason was a warrior by nature, but he didn’t have a set job here in the pack. He’d run patrol with some of the other’s when he was on call, but that was about it.
“What’s the job for?” I asked.
“Well, Nolan’s Beta is retiring. He’s getting up there in age and his mate is pregnant with their fourth.
Pretty soon he’s going to have a pack of his own to run.” Daisy said with a giggle. “And well, Nolan was wondering if Mason would take his place.”
Daisy left it to me to reveal the good news, not that I minded one bit. I all but raced home, barging through the front door of our little town house with enough speed to send Mason scrambling in the kitchen.
“Sh*t, Clara! You scared the hell out of me.” His head appeared from around the corner, a lopsided grin spreading across his face. A faint blush stained his cheeks, telling me that I wasn’t the only one planning something.
“Not expecting me back so soon?” I smirked. “Whatcha up to?”
Mason’s eyes widened just a fraction before he disappeared inside the kitchen. There was a series of clanks and bangs that sounded a whole lot like an avalanche of dirty dishes. I crept closer to the kitchen, peeking my head around the corner just in time for Mason to bulldoze his way past.
“Actually, I’m not quite done in there yet.” He chuckled nervously, rubbing at the back of his neck.
No matter how hard I tried to peer around him, he managed to get in the way. With a huff, he guided me by my shoulders into the living room.
“What exactly are you up to in there?” I mused, seconds away from making a break into the kitchen.
That lopsided grin of his returned, forcing my heart to sk*p a beat. He flopped down on the couch, then grabbed me by my hips, pulling me down on top of him. A laugh flew past my lips as I settled onto his lap, tangling my fingers in the ends of his overgrown hair. He’d spoken about getting it cut a few times in the past, but I actually loved the rugged look it gave him.
“You know how last weekend you and Holly designed your dream houses? Well, I might’ve borrowed a few pages.” He admitted, a hint of emotion t*inkling in his eyes. There was obvious excitement, but it was tainted by an uncertainty that bled into his voice. Mason was worried I wouldn’t like what he’d done. A beaming smile tugged at my lips, the joy that followed filling my heart until I thought it might burst. No one-not a single person in my life had gone to such lengths for me. I smoothed my fingers over the c*arse strands of his beard before pressing my lips against his.
When I pulled away, fighting the moisture that gathered in my eyes, my head was swimming.
“When do I get to see it?” The obvious eagerness in my voice made his shoulders relax.
“It’s going to take me some time to buy the rest of the supplies, and before you offer, I don’t want any of your money going to this. This is a gift for you.”
It had been a sore spot between us that I was the only one with a job. Mason had tried a few here and there over the years, but he wasn’t passionate about them. This was exactly why the position of Beta was perfect for him. Mason loved this pack with his whole heart.
“Hmm, I think I have just the solution you’re looking for.” I hummed; my eyes fluttering shut as he nuzzled his cheek against my own. Each inhale of my scent he took sent a warmth surging lower, one I couldn’t focus on if I were going to relay the good news.
New Book: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
Dayson was the alpha of the largest pack in North America. Powerful figures from other packs sought to offer gorgeous girls as potential mates for Dayson. He steadfastly rejected these advances, he was not a pawn to be manipulated. But eventually there came a mysterious girl he could hardly say No. Who was she?