Page 33 of Mated to the Wolves

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for our people. One girl isn’t going to ruin that for us. I will hold you down myself while each one of them ruts you if I have to,” Alpha says with a snarl.

The power in the Alpha’s voice makes me shake.

“That’s enough,” Cadoc barks. “Alpha.” Cadoc lowers his head as I tremble.

“You’d better keep her in line,” Alpha demands.

“I will. Today’s been a lot for her. Perhaps she needs time to meditate and consider her new position,” Cadoc says pacifying him.

“Take her to your new pack home, and have her begin the clarity process.”

New home?

“You won’t be returning to your house with your aunt and uncle. I’m gifting you a new home for your mates. Make it your own.” Alpha smiles, once more the gracious leader he pretends to be.

“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.

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