Read An Alpha's Claim for Free Online Page B

the expectant mothers? The unanswered questions weighed heavily on him.
     A hard knock on the door cut into his thoughts.
    “Come in,” Nathan said even though he wasn’t really up to dealing with anyone.
    Nathan couldn’t do anything but glare when Anik stepped inside. His first thought was to throw Anik out of the pack. However, Nathan knew that was a rash move that would do more harm than good. Anik was a valued member of his pack. Besides, neither the pack nor Regine would never respect him for that. He might not be able to throw Anik out of the pack but he could throw him out of his office. He might have done just that, but he needed answers.
    “I know you have questions. So here goes. Regine was the first person to discover I had taken a mate, but I asked her not to tell anyone. She pushed me to bring Elyse here to monitor her pregnancy but I said no. Regine insisted on me bringing her to Elyse instead.”
    Nathan was completely confused by Anik’s explanation.
    “Why did both of you feel it necessary to keep your mate a secret?” Nathan asked trying to check his temper.
    “I felt it would be better to keep Elyse away from here because of the animosity you have toward the friendship I have with Regine.”
    “What?”
    “Nathan, we both know how you feel about Regine. Every single pack member in this compound knows. Haven’t you ever wondered why no other male has pursued her? Or why I’m claimed and she isn’t?” Anik asked as if reading his thoughts.
    “It might have crossed my mind on occasion.”
    “Of course it did,” Anik replied with a soft smile. “Regine and I don’t see each other that way. We never have. What you think she feels for me she actually feels for you. But Regine always keeps in mind that you threatened her.”
    Nathan kept his stare devoid of any emotion. The joy that suddenly came over him didn’t need to be seen by anyone except for the woman who was the cause of it. Nathan wasn’t sure when it happened. All he knew was that she completed him. He’d made a lot of mistakes when it came to her. Ones that he could only blame himself for.
    Suddenly, he wanted Regine’s body next to his, but this talk with Anik was far overdue. Once it was over he’d clear things up with his own mate.
    “I take it your daughter is healthy?”
    “Six pounds and four ounces. Even though we have great doctors, having Regine there was a true blessing. She really calmed Elyse. If it’s okay with you, they’ll be moving into the compound shortly.”
    Nathan acknowledged him with a simple nod. One major rule he had about shifters and their pups was they stayed within the safety of the compound. That is, until they were old enough to defend themselves. Anik had come close to breaking that rule but Nathan now understood why. Still, he was glad that Anik’s mate and pup were now at the compound.
    “Congratulations. You’ve proven to be one of the most valuable members of this pack. I’ll make arrangements for someone to take patrols until you’re ready to come back.”
    Anik, who was making his way to the door, stopped in his tracks.
    “Thank you,” he said but saw all the emotions in Anik’s eyes.

    Soon after Anik left, Nathan did as well. He went straight to Regine’s room. Nathan smiled remembering how it was Dagger’s idea to put her in the only guest room on the same floor as his master bedroom. Who knew his brother could be a romantic? He knocked softly before opening it. He smiled listening to Regine’s soft snores.
    Nathan stripped all the way down and climbed in next to her. Regine flinched but quickly relaxed when she saw him. Laying her head back on the pillow Nathan wrapped his body around hers. He’d give anything to make love to Regine, but he doubted she’d let that happen. Nathan was more than content with having her in his arms. “I’m sorry for threatening you.”
    Regine turned around onto her back and smiled up at him causing his heart to race. Nathan stared into