Shifting Magic (Shifted) by Lynn Leite

The Alpha’s brothers, of course. That would explain a lot.
    “Faith , I know we are asking a lot, but it might help countless others.”
    “You say you think someone at the clinic is relaying information to Howland?”
    “We aren’t positive, but it is the only way of him knowing about a meeting just hours after it was arranged. He had to have been tipped off right away for him to have one of his men in position.”
    “ So how does my pretending to date a mated man help exactly?”
    Nina answered quickly. “It’s no secret you are attracted to Ranger , right?”
    “Yes. I mean n o, I was. I would never. I knew he wasn’t my mate or anything. He’s just…”
    “ It’s fine. I get it. Relax. I was just pointing out how that could work for us. If you and Ranger appear to be a couple, then whoever it is that is in contact with Howland will more than likely cozy up to you for more info on the Alpha family. Meanwhile, I appear to be just some
    human that moves in with Willow and Ryder. Making it very clear that I know they are weres.”
    “And Howland ’s whole beef is he wants to keep the race pure,” Sam added.
    “Oh , he’s gonna love Nina then,” Faith said rolling her eyes.
    “ That’s what we are hoping. Look, Faith, I know it’s a lot to ask,” Rory apologized.
    “I’m honored that you trust me. Alpha, I am happy to serve the pack.”
    “ It is settled then. Nina will move in with Willow and Ryder. Ranger, you are going to have to be careful to only see your mate in private.  In public, you will be with Faith. I know it will be hard.”
    “ More like impossible,” he grunted.
    “Hey , it’s not like a mated wolf is my dream date either,” Faith snapped at him.
    “ Sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound that way.”
    “I know. Look, we can seem like we hang out at your place a lot. You can be with your mate, and Willow and I can bake cookies or something.”
    “Thanks Faith.”
     
    Knight and Gage stood sentry at the doorway watching the small blonde stand up for herself in a room full of Alphas.
    “She has guts,” Gage mumbled.
    “That she does, Knight agreed. He didn’t bother to even look at his brother. Faith Weir was far more interesting.
    “ Knight, I know that look. Now is not the time to flirt with the new girl.” Gemma knew her bothers-in-law. Each of them had a harem of women willing to fall at their feet with just one look. She knew they didn’t usually take advantage of their attraction to the opposite sex, but the look Knight had on his face said his next target was going to be Faith.
    “I was just looking. She’s beautiful.”
    “ That she is. I don’t think anyone will question my son being with her,” Gemma hoped she was right. This was a risk for all involved.
    Knight tried to suppress the growing unease he was feeling as a growl escaped.
    “Knight?” Gemma looked questioningly at him.
    “I just don’t like the whole thing. Mates being kept apart. Nurses being asked to walk into the front lines.” Gemma didn’t miss the emphasis he put on Faith’s involvement.
    “Faith is no more at risk than she was before. Howland will more than likely target Nina. I can’t say as I like it either, but, as with all my daughters-in-law she is stubborn.”
    “I don’t like it.”
    “Which part, Knight? Is it Faith specifically or the whole situation?”
    “Let it go Gemma,” Knight growled. He might as well have said it was Faith. Gemma had no idea if Knight’s attraction to the girl was just because he tended to be attracted to most females or if it was something more. She looked to Gage for answers. His shrug told her he had none.
    “I think we may have a problem,” Gemma whispered to Royal as the family started to head out.
    “Problem ?”
    “ Your brother.”
    “ Which one?”
    “Knight , he seemed very interested in Faith.”
    “He is very interested in all women,” Royal pointed out.
    “I think this might be more, Royal.”
    “ You have always been a