Both his brothers assumed their alert stance.
In no time, the wolf reached their spot. His yellow eyes were eerily luminous in the morning sun.
Greetings, said the alpha wolf. My puppies told me you’re in town, so I had to come see you. I hope you are well. How are things?
Nothing new or exciting, I’m afraid. To what do I owe your unexpected visit, Alpha? Quinn asked.
The wolf sat, relaxed. Ah, Bengals. Courteous as always. I came to discuss the proposal. Have you given any thought to it? My sister’s pup has pestered me nonstop about it. She’s really smitten by you. Almost every day she calls me to ask if you have made a decision. I think the arrangement will benefit both of our families. I see this is a good match and my pack has offered full support.
About six month ago, Jason Bishop came to him to ask if Quinn would marry his niece, Ivy Bishop. It happened after he gave Ivy a job at Animatrica. Alpha Bishop was a good friend of his father, and he wanted to help out the pack any way he could.
However, Quinn wasn’t interested in the alpha’s niece. He only had his eyes for Vanessa. He tried to let her down gently but the woman did not get the message. Sometimes, Quinn suspected Ivy had been playing dumb. She ignored his rejection and just kept coming at him. Now that Vanessa was his, it was time to give the alpha a straight answer.
Alpha, I’m flattered by your offer, said Quinn. But my heart belongs to someone else. I have already taken a mate.
Have you? The alpha looked surprise. Is it by chance the girl in that video?
You saw it? Quinn was surprised. He didn’t think the old wolf would follow social media. Yes, she is.
The alpha sighed. I was afraid of that. My niece didn’t take that lightly when she discovered it. She was extremely upset.
Quinn and John traded glances. Quinn was irritated that the alpha spoiled his niece rotten. Ivy Bishop was the delight of the pack, and in his eyes, she could do no wrong. Her sense of entitlement was the first thing that put him off. Ivy might be beautiful, but he wouldn’t touch her with a fifty-foot pole.
Quinn lowered his head. I’m sorry to hear it, but I never promised her anything.
I know, I know, but my niece got the wrong idea. Since you took her in at your company, she thought you might harbor a little interest. I see she’s mistaken. The alpha sighed again. Youngsters these days never take my advice seriously. I also blame my sister Josephine for her upbringing. Since her mate died, she’s focused her energy on raising Ivy. Josephine was looking forward to this match. She has her eyes on hosting the grandest wedding in Aspen.
More likely the she-wolf was more interested in Quinn’s fortune. Werewolves didn’t like to mix blood with other shifters. They religiously revered their pure bloodline and were more likely to mate within the pack.
After all, dogs never liked cats that much.
My apologies if I’ve been sending the wrong signals, Quinn chose his words carefully. The last thing he needed was to offend the alpha. The Bishop pack had more than thirty wolves in the area. It wasn’t wise to stir up temperamental wolves unnecessarily. Now that I have made my decision, I hope we can solve this misunderstanding amicably. If you like, I can explain this to Ivy directly.
No need, said the alpha. I’ll set that girl straight. Congratulations on taking a mate. I suppose we’ll be having a grand wedding soon?
In the near future. The day hasn’t been set, but I’ll make sure you receive an invitation.
The old wolf grinned. I never pass up the chance to attend a great feast in the merry company of good friends. I’m looking forward to it. Well, I’ll be going then. He shook his fur, dislodging the snow. Thank you again for receiving met. Good day, Quinn Alexander. Trent. John.
Good day, Alpha, said Quinn.
Once the wolf was out of their sight, Trent turned to Quinn. His brother was worried. Surprisingly, the Alpha took it well, but I don’t think his sister and niece will do the same. I heard Josephine Bishop has told people in Southland that it was only a matter of time before you agreed to the arrangement. I went downtown yesterday and an old friend asked me if the rumor was true.
Where did Josephine Bishop get that idea? said John. That woman is delusional.
She’s a renowned gold-digger. Rumor has it she left her mate for a younger, wealthier man. And when that man left her a year later, her mate wouldn’t take her back. Many said she had something to do with her mate’s death. She also had been on the lookout for a cash cow. It’s common knowledge. People in this city know who Josephine Bishop is. And now she’s pushing her daughter on Quinn so she can secure her future, said Trent.