Page 28 of Come for Me
Unless Jack doesn’t realize she’s my mate.
I study Jack to understand why he cares for my mate so much. I note a paternal sense of responsibility Jack has toward her.
A vibration under his form becomes noticeable with the impatient tapping of his fingers at his side.
Fear and apprehension linger in the air, a sour taste for the task at hand.
He means to protect my mate from me.
My wolf stirs.
Although a strong, impressive alpha in his own right, Jack and his son can’t compare to my height, strength, speed, or knowledge of the kingdom. I’ve lived and fought for those under my responsibility. But my mate? I would destroy the world for her. My responsibilities to anyone else would be damned to hell. None were nor will ever be above her.
My mate’s presence radiates strength within me as she enters the study moments after I step through the doorway.
Stubborn girl.
These men weren’t welcome to begin with, but they’re important to my mate.
With that, I mindlink my men, and the door shuts behind us. Locking it is solely for dramatic effect and sadistic enjoyment. It’s not like they could escape me, even if they tried.
Jack swallows at the sight of me but doesn’t waver, while the mutt sweats at my dramatic act.
They’re both scared.Good. Scared people don’t want to die.
Their eyes fall to my mate.
Instinctively, I sidestep, blocking her from the mutt’s view. My muscles contract with tension surging through my wolf and me.
The two divert their gazes, and my wolf’s temper reduces to a simmer.
Jack clears his throat. “Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty, but I feel there’s been a misunderstanding.”
Plopping myself in the brown leather desk chair, I fold my hands in my lap. I lift an eyebrow, waiting for further explanation.
I can assure him I’ve misunderstood nothing.
Sam guards my mate at my side, his hands behind his back, feet planted shoulder-width apart, head high. Already, my beta is ready to die for his queen.
Another trusted guard stands at my side, who’s skilled in his dissection of enemy strategy and torture.
What’s his name again? Shit, I’ve killed a few before him who didn’t quite fit the bill and stopped learning their names.If he keeps it up, I might bother to remember his name.
My mate side-eyes Sam and what’s-his-name, appearing confused at their proximity but not uncomfortable.
They’re protecting you, darling. Get used to it.
Jack clears his throat. “My son, Caleb Waller, the soon-to-be alpha of Bloodhound pack, has chosen Alaina Grove—” He gestures toward my mate.
Alaina. Her name sears my brain, crashes into my soul, and lays claim to me. Beautiful syllables form a heavenly title for my gorgeous mate.
Queen Alaina.
The honorific will roll off my tongue and taste divine. I’d gladly worship her in every way and pay tribute with my tongue. The thought excites my wolf.
Alaina Taylor. Even better.
“—as his chosen mate. I can assure you that what you saw was consensual and within the rules of the Hunt.”
