The Alphas Fated Mate

Definitely Not a Horse, but a Wolf

In under 15 minutes from the moment they left their home, the old truck came to a slow, creaky stop, and the engine settled into park mode. Stepping out of the truck, they walked towards a brick building next to a tiny park. A little bell above the door jingled as they entered, and the inside of the place was filled with all sorts of things for pets.

Liam wasn't exactly thrilled about being dragged to a vet by this woman. He figured she owed him some big favors for this unexpected inconvenience. Even though he knew his paw had already healed because of his shifter DNA, he appreciated her concern and willingness to get him checked out.

Behind the receptionist's desk, there was a girl who looked about Aria's age. Her hair was the color of milk chocolate, tied in a loose bun, and her smile was as bright as the sun. When she saw Aria, she jumped up and gave her a big, excited hug. Aria hugged her back, confirming that this must be the person they had talked to on the phone. Liam wasn't so good with names, but he guessed it was probably something starting with a 'B.'

Aria noticed the confusion on Liam's face and introduced them, saying, "Liam, this is Bon. Bon, this is Liam. Her dad's going to take a look at your paw."

Bending down in front of him, Bon ran her hands through his coat and said, "Wow, he's huge, Blu. Are you sure he's not part horse?"

Brian kept calling him a bear, but I think he's more like a wolf," Aria said, noticing how interested Bon was in her hands. She acted like it wasn't a big deal.

"Wolf? He's too big for a regular wolf. Well, at least all the mixed wolf types I've seen," Bon thought out loud, admiring Liam's looks. "He's really good-looking, no matter what mix he is. I've never seen such a shiny black coat or those amazing blue eyes."

Liam tried to stay still and calm as she checked him out, but he felt his wolf's unease with her touch, even though he knew her hands weren't meant for him. He looked at his oblivious mate and sensed her inner conflict. She loved her friend but had a hard time with someone else touching him. She wanted to push her friend away and show her claim over him. Liam found her possessiveness charming.

Changing the subject, Aria asked, "So, is your dad around?"

"Oh, yes! He said to bring you right back. I think he's really happy to see you," Bon replied, taking her hands away and getting up.

Right then, a round man with white hair and rosy cheeks entered the room. If he had a beard, he could be mistaken for Santa. "Of course, I'm thrilled to see my other favorite girl." He gave Aria a warm hug. "It's been too long."

"I missed you too, Mr. Harris. Thanks for agreeing to check Liam's paw," Aria said, hugging him and leaving a little space between them.

Mr. Harris turned his attention to Liam. "Anything for one of my girls. Bring this big guy into my exam room."

Liam followed them into a small white room and settled down next to Aria's feet. Mr. Harris put on some gloves and said with his usual smile, "Aria, why don't you go have lunch with Bon. I'll take care of Liam, and then I'll bring him out to join you two."

"Hey, Mr. Harris, can you tell me what kind of dog Liam is?" Aria asked.

Looking at Liam, Mr. Harris answered, "He's a wolf mix for sure. He's really big, so he might have some giant dog in him. Wolves alone don't get this big. Maybe some Mastiff, but I can't be sure. Has he been aggressive?"

"He got a little uneasy when Brian was around, but not aggressive. He seems more protective. I think he used to be a guard dog for someone. Have you seen him before?" Aria explained.

"No, I haven't treated him before. He might have been trained as a guard dog, though. He's certainly big enough. He seems to like you," Mr. Harris observed.

Aria admitted her attraction to Liam and scratched his ears. "Honestly, I'm kinda smitten with him too."

Mr. Harris gave a knowing smile and changed the subject. "Your lunch is probably cold now. Go join Bon, and I'll bring him back to you when I'm done."

Aria kissed Liam's head and whispered, "Mr. Harris is a nice man, and he'll take care of you. Listen to him. I'll be right outside waiting for you." She stood up and said, "Thanks for checking on him, Mr. Harris."

"You're welcome, Aria. Now, go eat your lunch so I can get started," Mr. Harris replied.

She smiled at them once more before leaving the room. Mr. Harris then turned to Liam, unwrapped the bandage Aria had put on his paw, and saw that the wound had almost healed, which didn't surprise him. After cleaning the area and applying some ointment, he took off his gloves and threw them away. He walked to the door, locked it, crossed his arms, and changed his tone to a firmer one. "Shift now!"