Her power and strange knowing, always left me feeling inadequate.
“I’m done.” I side step him, careful not to let our bodies touch and grab the mug, rinsing it out before I place it in the dishwasher.
“Let’s get this over with.” I follow him to the door, glaring at his back. Caught between being a burden and a prisoner, I’m completely off balance.
Rolling my eyes at his sporty black toy parked in the driveway, I curse his ability to make me feel less than. The pack was busy overnight bringing the boys what they felt they needed.
Disabling the alarm, he opens the door for me, and I sink into the buttery leather seats.
I buckle my seatbelt admiring the wooden paneling interior, fancy knobs, and gauges.
“How are you enjoying the luxury?” he wiggles his eyebrows.
“Like it? I’m not sure we aren’t in a spaceship.”
He laughs. “For as much as it costs, it should feel unlike any other experience.”
Turning over the engine, he throws the car into reverse, and floors it down the driveway. Jerking the wheel, he spins the car around. I squeal.
“You’re mad.” I clutch the handle above my head.
His eyes sparkle with vitality and the smile spreads across his lips is genuine. “I like to go fast.”
Bo punches the gas, throwing me back against my seat. I hold on for dear life. There’s no conversation as he takes the winding roads like a race car driver. Rock music flows through the speakers.
I’ve always seen him as the quintessential bad boy, young, reckless, and striking; but I can’t help wondering about his words.
I have no idea what it’s like to be an heir. What does he do for his family? I study him from the corner of my eye as we roar into town. He parks in front of the main high-end clothing store on Main Street.
“You need clothes.”
“No, I don’t. They brought my things from college.”
“Trash all of it.”
“Absolutely not.” I shake my head. “That’s ridiculous.”
“You’re becoming the matriarch of our clan. That requires a more—,” His gaze roams over me. The hint of disdain reminds me of exactly why I can’t stand him. “Refined look.”
“I like how I look.”
“And it’s fine in some instances. But you need things that’ll fit with the pack members you’ll be rubbing shoulders with,” His tone reeks of condensation that makes my stomach sour.
“No. I’m not changing for the people who’ve never given a shit about me.”
He grips the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white. “There are many different ways to wieldpower and fight, Ylva.”
There’s a seriousness I’ve never heard before in his words. It’s the first time he’s said my name. Facing me he meets my gaze.
“I know this world. Trust me to arm us to fend off the attacks I know will be coming. Power shifts always leave people in an uproar.”
“But the Alpha –”
“Doesn’t have the favor he thinks he does. There are always workarounds if you’re clever enough,” Bo’s voice is full of knowledge. What secrets does he hold?
“Should I be worried?” My voice lowers as I try to read his blank face. The man gives very little away.
“Yes,” his tone is serious.
Air rushes from my lungs. My heart races and my palms grow damp. My stomach cramps and my senses go onto high alert, seeking out potential danger.
Being out in public has always hinged on which pack members I run into. Even though I’m older, my body remembers the experiences.
“Don’t panic.” He lowers his voice. “Everyone’s watching. You’ve always been good at holding your own. Keep doing that, and remember you have people at your back now.”
I give a shaky nod. “Good job, Princess.” He squeezes my knee. Warmth spreads through my body. Regardless of our issues, he’s at my side, and I won’t be facing anything alone today.
“Time to go shopping for pretty things to show off that delectable body you like to keep hidden.”
“I don’t hide it.”
He’s already out the door. I push open the door. He frowns.
“Don’t you dare,” he says, taking over door opening.
I raise my hands in surrender. He offers his hand, helping me stand when I take it. Pack politics are now in full effect. Nothing is caring about his manners.
Still, it’s a nice change from the college boys I’d dated over the years. We enter the store and the sales woman rushes toward us.
