The Alpha’s Secret Baby Girl

The Alpha’s Secret Baby Girl Rejected Mate Wolf Shifter Romance Stardust Hollow Wolves Book 1 Lyra Atlas Copyright © 2023 by Lyra Atlas. All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of the book only. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form, including recording, without prior written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations in a book review. Contents Chapter 1 - Holly Chapter 2 - Ram Chapter 3 - Holly Chapter 4 - Ram Chapter 5 - Holly Chapter 6 - Ram Chapter 7 - Holly Chapter 8 - Ram Chapter 9 - Holly Chapter 10 - Ram Chapter 11 - Holly Chapter 12 - Ram Chapter 13 - Holly Chapter 14 - Ram Chapter 15 - Holly Chapter 16 - Ram Chapter 17 - Holly Chapter 18 - Ram Chapter 19 - Holly Chapter 20 - Ram About the Author Books by Lyra Atlas Chapter 1 - Holly A soft cry shattered the silence, stealing Holly away from the tear-stained note she clutched in her hands. She'd read it over and over for months, and even now, with every word committed to memory, her chest ached as she set it back down. A raccoon scurried by the window, kicking up leaves as he ran from the now-shrieking infant in the corner of the room. Holly rushed to her daughter's crib side. She shushed the baby as she bundled her up, lifted her shirt, and brought the little one to cleave onto her breast. "It's okay, little bird," Holly assured her, even if she wasn't so sure of it herself. "Everything's going to be okay." The baby’s eyes closed as she suckled, and her mother marveled at her. In spite of the judgmental eyes and stinging gossip from the pack, little Mia was perfect. From the moment she was born, Holly committed to protecting her. She would never need to know her father was a traitor. That he’d infiltrated their pack to gain intel, seduced Holly, and ran off in the middle of the night, leaving them abandoned and alone to deal with the disapproving sneers. No, she’d find another story to tell Mia. She’d spin a new tale, casting Mia’s father as a hero, one her daughter would be proud to be descended from. She didn’t need to know the truth. Holly shifted her body back and forth, rocking in place as Mia drifted back to sleep. A howl came from outside, and she stilled. Even more pressing than her daughter’s opinion of her father was her safety. As enchanted as Holly was with her newborn, it was a sentiment not shared by the rest of the pack. Veiled threats and murmurs about how the child didn’t belong made their way back to her daily. She was unclean, they said. Born out of sin and disloyalty. Holly was convinced the only reason she or her child was still alive was because her brother was the alpha. But even that would only keep them safe for so long. Footsteps creaked on the deck outside, slowly coming closer to the door. Holly set Mia back in her crib and got on all fours, ready to shift and fight to defend her pup. She sniffed, taking in the intruder’s scent, then relaxed. A coded knock on the door released the residual tension from her shoulders, and she climbed back to her feet. Tap-tap, tap-tap-tap. Holly opened the door and pressed a finger to her lips. “The baby just got back to sleep.” Her brother nodded and stepped lightly through the doorway. Holly couldn’t help but smirk at the sight. Daniel was massive, six-foot-five and built like a mountain, and here he was, walking around on his tippy toes. If the pack could see him now, his already rocky reputation from his harlot sister would be completely shattered. They’d be lining up to challenge him in an instant. Holly gestured at the gray sofa in the middle of the living room and headed toward the kitchen. “Have a seat. Can I get you anything?” “A beer?” “Sure.” She took a six-pack out of the fridge and brought it to him. “Figured I’d save myself some steps. You never drink just one.” “Good thinking.” He cracked one open and nodded toward the crib. “How’s Mia?” “Even more beautiful today than she was yesterday.” Holly beamed as she sat beside him, tucking one leg under herself. Daniel stretched himself taller in his seat, looking at the peaceful baby from across the room with a proud smile. “She looks so much like you. I can remember when you were that age, you know. You weren’t nearly as sweet, though.” Holly snorted loudly, then covered her mouth. When Mia didn’t stir, she swatted her brother. “Be nice to me! I’m all…postpartum and hormonal.” “I’ll do my best.” “Good. You’re my big brother, after all. It’s your job to protect me.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as his face fell serious. “That’s sort of what I came to talk to you about.” “Uh oh. Uncle Daniel isn’t here just for a visit, I take it?” His jaw flexed, and he stared hard at the ground as if he was trying to burn a hole in it with his mind. “I’m concerned.” “Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure Mia won’t turn out like you, either,” she joked. “I’m serious, Holly.” His steady tone made her perk up and listen. “All right, Daniel. What’s going on?” “My intel is sure an attack is imminent.” “From what pack?” “Ours. They’re coming for Mia.” Holly’s face flushed, and she straightened her spine. “Our pack wouldn’t attack their own kin. I know they’re upset, but—” “They’re more than upset, they’re furious. And as far as they’re concerned, Mia isn’t one of their own. She’s a bastard cub with a double-crossing father.” “Okay, but I’m part of the pack, which makes her part of the pack.”