“Thank you, Alpha.” I force the words out of my clogged throat. “This will be the last time you invoke the mating rites, won’t it?”
“Are you questioning me?” Alpha frowns.
“It’d be a shame if I fought you every step of the way and it negatively impacted what you’re trying to do for our people.”
The Alpha’s eyes flash amber.
“It would be difficult for me to give up so much while the women in the pack suffered. Ending the mating Rite is my one request.” I hold my ground.
This is for the women of this pack. The Alpha pauses for a moment.
“It’ll be the last one.” A threatening growl rumbles in his chest. Cadoc grows restless beside me. “Andrea will show you to your new home.” Please kill me now.
I allow Cadoc to lead me away feeling the Alpha’s eyes burning a hole into my back with every step. If I ever become expendable, I’m going to be in trouble.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Calling our new dwelling a house would be like calling a Ferrari a two-door sedan. On a generous amount of land, surrounded by tall pine trees, the tri-story timber mansion is supported by beautiful pillars composed of natural multi-colored stones.
Parking in the garage off the front, we walk onto the cherry-stained front porch and inside. The open layout gives us plenty of room to be together or have our own space.
A large oversized black couch is covered with cozy plaid blankets. A fire crackles in the large hearth on the wall farthest from the door.
The mantle is built into the stone wall surrounded by an arrangement of large black chairs angled around the fire. A mixture of stone and wood, the house reflects the nature outside.
Bo whistles. “Alpha pulled out all the stops with this one, didn’t he?”
“Well, he has to try to pacify the unwilling, doesn’t he?” I cross my arms beneath my chest. It takes more than a pretty house to make up for the loss of my right to choose.
Fell places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes.
Kirk smiles. “Why don’t we look the place over and decide where we’d like to stay?”
“After our mate gets her first choice.”
“That’s easiest. It’ll be the one with the biggest bed.” Bo smirks and I grit my teeth.
I know he lives for reactions, but he never fails to get under my skin.
“Give it a rest,” Fell calls from across the room. The force behind his words surprises me. “She’s had enough thrown at her over the past few days.”
“If you would’ve stayed gone; all this could’ve been avoided,” Bo snips.
“Do you know how I arrived here? Shackled, drugged, and forced to leave behind my old life.” I
turn to face him.
“You don’t expect me to believe that do you?” Bo delivers a fake laugh. “Always over dramatic.”
“Wait.” Kirk glances at Cadoc. “Is she serious?”
“Am I, Cadoc? He was there.” I turn my ire to the tall man looming behind me. “He initiated the capture.”
“Is that true,” Fell’s forehead wrinkles.
“I did acquire her—”
“You’re right. ‘Cause she’s not a piece of property you can purchase,” Fell’s eyes narrow. The strong menthol aroma of agitation comes off him.
“Gentleman. Another argument will do us more harm than good,” Kirk says.
“Speak for yourself. I could do with a brawl.” Bo’s black eyes light up with mischief and blood lust.
“I did what my Alpha told me, the same we all do,” Cadoc says unapologetically.
Fell turns away at his statement and I study the two. There’s something between them I don’t understand.
I wander away from the testosterone-fueled stare-down and explore the chrome kitchen. I run my fingers over the handle of the double oven and admire the farmhouse sink.
The stainless-steel fridge has a water and an ice dispenser with three settings for the cubes.
“At least we’ll have good ice,” I tap the pellet symbol.
“You always liked that kind best,” Fell appears beside me.
I refuse to lean into him because he’s familiar.
“Um Hmm.” I move to the dining section which houses a large round table made of maple wood with eight matching chairs. It’s the perfect layout for a group that wants to spend time together without feeling overcrowded.
