Page 2 of Bully Alpha's Pregnant Mate

“The elders aren’t backing down on this, Alec,” Quincey tells me. “They want this arrangement made quickly. No delays, no hedging. It shows you’re committed to East Hills, not Starfire Hollow.”

Commitment. That’s the core of it, isn’t it? They want a leader who won’t hesitate to sacrifice himself if it means keeping them safe. They want to know I’m as loyal to them as they’ll be to me.

Blood might be thick, but duty, loyalty—that’s what binds a pack to its alpha. And right now, my duty is clear.

I’m silent for a long moment, letting Quincey and Kai’s words roll over me, sinking in like heavy stones. My mindturns over the tradition, the expectation they’re setting on me. An arranged mate. It’s not what I pictured for my life, but as I stare out over the land, watching my new pack—my people—sparring, training, laughing, it’s impossible to ignore the sense of rightness settling in my bones. This is where I belong now.

“So, what’s your take on this?” Kai asks, giving me that narrow-eyed look I know all too well. It’s the look she gives when she’s probing for the real truth, reading beyond what people are willing to say out loud.

I consider my answer, knowing full well they’re both watching for any flicker or slip that would betray a crack in my resolve.

“Honestly?” I finally say, my voice low. “It’s… different. But I know the pack needs this. The elders may be few now, but they’re putting their faith in me. I owe it to them to do whatever’s necessary. If that means marrying by tradition, then so be it.”

Quincey’s mouth twitches again. “So that’s it? No objections? No hesitation?”

“I don’t see the point in fighting something that only benefits the pack. Besides…” I let out a slow breath, debating whether to let them in on the truth. The part I’ve never told anyone. Not even my best friend Damien, or Quincey.

There’s a part of me that still believes in that ridiculous, half-buried idea that somewhere out there, there’s someone meant for me. A mate I might love, the way Damien and my sister found theirs. I watched them fall, both feet and heart first. That bond, rooted in something deep and intangible, has been my own quiet hope for years.

But right now, it sounds like a fantasy, some old idea I need to set aside. I have a responsibility to my pack. To protectthem from threats, like the ones that wiped out our elders, and if that means giving up the hope of marrying for love… maybe it’s not as hard as I thought.

“You’re sure about this, Alec?” Kai presses, leaning in a little. “Because once they announce it, there’s no going back. The pack doesn’t take broken promises lightly.”

“I know what I’m getting into, Kai,” I reply. “And I’m not the type to take on a commitment I can’t keep. I want them to know they can count on me. That no one—not a single demon or rogue—will ever lay a finger on this territory without going through me first.”

Quincey lets out a low chuckle. “Spoken like a true alpha.”

“Look, I get it,” I say. “This isn’t the easiest road. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that bonds don’t always come prepackaged and perfect. Sometimes they’re forged in duty, not just choice. And who knows?” I shrug, trying to ease the tension in the air. “Maybe I’ll end up with someone I can grow to care about. Someone who’ll surprise me.”

Kai snorts, clearly unimpressed with my optimism. “So that’s what you’re banking on? A maybe?”

I let out a laugh, low and a little bitter because I know what she’s getting at. “When you’ve lived my life, you learn to live with a few maybes, Kai. But I believe there’s a reason for every move we make. A reason I was sent here, to this pack.”

Quincey nods. “Well, let’s hope you’re right. And let’s hope she’s someone you can tolerate.”

A smile pulls at my lips. “Come on, Quincey. Give me some credit. I think I’m a little easier to get along with these days.”

“Maybe,” he says, though his grin softens the jab. “But it takes a certain kind of person to handle an alpha. And you’re not exactly the… easiest guy to handle.”

Kai lets out a breath. “Let’s be real, Alec. The only woman who could stand you is probably the one that doesn’t take any of your crap. So here’s hoping that’s who the pack picks.”

They’re not wrong. Whoever this mysterious mate is, she’ll have to be able to handle the challenges of this role—and deal with me, a man with a past full of mistakes, one determined to prove he’s worthy of leading this pack.

Quincey’s laughter fades, and he looks out over the land, his gaze distant and thoughtful. “You’re making the right choice, Alec. East Hills doesn’t need a leader who’s half in. We need someone who’ll commit, who’ll put down roots here.”

“Roots,” I echo, staring out at the rolling hills, the dense forests, the territory that’s now mine to protect. “Maybe that’s what I need, too.”

Because maybe, despite everything, that’s what I’ve been searching for all along—a place to call mine, a bond to anchor me, something that goes beyond pack allegiance. Something that feels like a future.

Kai nudges me with her shoulder, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Just don’t lose your mind about it. We all know you’re prone to a little… intensity.”

“Oh, I’m perfectly calm,” I reply, the words dry as dust.

“You’ll manage,” Quincey comments. “Just don’t look too pained when they present your bride.”

I glance at him, mock horror crossing my face. “Quincey, you think I’d do something as undignified as cringe?”

Kai bursts into laughter, elbowing Quincey as she shakes her head. “Oh, this is going to be fun to watch. I’m bringing popcorn to the ceremony.”

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