Read Online An Alpha's Claim by Naomi Jones - Free Book Online Page A

hundred.
    Nathan’s first mistake was to challenge her to a race. His second was allowing Regine to shift into any animal of her choice. Of course, she picked the cheetah.
    Regine didn’t take her gift for granted, especially as it made Nathan a little jealous.
    Right now, her gift was going to allow her to win—again. He’s lucky I didn’t choose to fly over here, Regine thought before picking up a little speed.
    The challenge was always the same. It started with both of them staying for special occasions. Then evolved to anytime she had a two-day weekend. Depending on Regine’s schedule, Nathan would bring their bags to the cabin and meet her back at his home to begin the race.
    This time the winner got to be pampered for the remainder of the Christmas holiday. Regine could use the pampering. The pack females felt better with her bringing their children into the world; she’d been putting in extra hours. Regine loved her job but these past few weeks had been exhausting. She looked forward to this weekend.
    The wind picked up, but that didn’t bother her. The moon had been her guide thus far. The scattered branches and fallen trees were proof she was getting close. Though the cold air filled her lungs, Regine went even faster. Her first request would be for Nathan to run her a warm bath.
    It was becoming difficult to see with the snow smacking her face. Just a little bit more , she told herself . You’re almost there. Then a light appeared in the distance. Knowing it was the cabin, she ran with whatever reserve energy she still had. It was close, but still felt so far. Not much farther till my bath. Regine stopped in midsprint as the cabin came into view. The lights were on, but no fire was set. Nathan hadn’t made it there yet. “Yes!” she screamed in excitement. Inhaling deeply, she checked for his scent and couldn’t find a trace.
    Regine would’ve smiled in victory had she not caught sight of an oncoming wolf. His black-and-brown fur blew in the wind, but the snow didn’t dare touch it. It was as if nature knew not to fuck with this wolf. Too bad she wasn’t nature. The wolf stopped in midstep and looked dead at her. His golden-yellow eyes held an intensity that showed how ready he was. You’re not winning this one, Nathan.

    Nathan cracked a slight smile, knowing Regine couldn’t see it. But she’d definitely felt his confidence. You’re in for a big surprise, little one . He watched her very carefully assess the hill. Nathan knew she’d jump. It was just a matter of time.
    After tracking Regine for the past hour, he’d finally caught her scent and ran like a bat out of hell. Nathan decided to run through the rocky side of the woods because it was a shorter distance. Fewer trees and more boulders to maneuver through, but he made it just in time.
    Regine took a few steps back. Then she did exactly what Nathan expected—she jumped with the grace of a true cheetah and landed on her feet. He was right behind her.
    The determination he saw in those chestnut-brown eyes spoke volumes that made his heart race. He was doing the right thing. He slowed slightly, like he always did.
    Regine got to the door and pushed it open. Shifting out of her cheetah form, she sported the cutest smile he’d ever seen. Once Nathan made it inside she closed the door behind him. Her feet looked frozen, her hair disheveled. The dirt and mud covered her chocolate skin, but all Nathan could think about was how beautiful she looked.
    “Now, I don’t want to gloat. But I did beat you. Again. Na, na, na, na, na, na,” she said in a singsongy voice that had him laughing. “First things first. I’m tired, and could use a warm bath.”
    “Regine.”
    “Secondly, you are to say ‘yes ma’am’ anytime I make a request, because I know you hate it.”
    “Regine.”
    “Thirdly.”
    Nathan shouted to catch her attention. “Regine!”
    “What? I’m making my victory list.”
    “You might want to walk into the living