Page 20 of Ruthless Reign

"No, I think we should talk now," I interject. "What is it that you want from me exactly?"

Cade tips his chair back, casually glancing over at me. "We just wanted to see if we were correct."

I sigh loudly in frustration. "About what?"

"Whether you were my mate or not."

It's so quiet that you can hear the night animals outside, chirping and howling in the woods. I'm surprised I didn't notice it earlier, but then again, I was running for my life. Probably like I should be doing right now.

"Why would you even assume that?" I ask heatedly. "You obviously know that I have already mated with—" The words get caught in my throat, my teeth biting down into the soft flesh on the inside of my lip.

"Two other alphas, yes," Cade confirms, finishing my sentence. "We know. That's why we were curious."

I can't help the frown that appears, temporarily forgetting that I'm supposed to be hostile and afraid. "I don't understand. Why would you assume I was your mate if I already had two?"

"For that exact reason," Sawyer answers, as if it's the most obvious thing in the entire world.

I shake my head. "I don't follow. Let me get this straight. You stalked me, kidnapped me—by smashing my head, I might add—just to see if I was your mate?"

Cade actually has the nerve to frown. "You seem really upset about that. It keeps coming up in conversation. Sawyer, let Ezra know I need to speak with him in the morning."

"Of course I'm upset," I gape at him. "You would be too."

"Understandable, but like I already explained, it was a spur of the moment decision. But if you're that unhappy about it, I'll speak to him."

There's too much shock and disbelief surging through my system, that I can't seem to find the strength to close my mouth. I continue to stare at him in disbelief, confused more than ever.

"You're really going to speak to him about it?"

"Well, you seem to be quite upset about it. What kind of alpha would I be if I didn't try to correct our mistakes?"

Finally, I manage to close my mouth—only for a second though as I start laughing hysterically. The two men wait for me to finish, bewildered expressions on their faces as they watch me.

"Correct your mistakes? If we're going to go down that path, then I would suggest starting with the most obvious fact—you are hunting women and kidnapping them," I snap.

Cade raises an eyebrow. "Only a few," he confirms, pausing when he spots my eyes widening. "For good reason."

"Oh, of course," I mutter sarcastically. "To see if I was your mate. Well, excuse me for not agreeing with your reasoning."

Ignoring me, he turns to Sawyer. "I can see that we're not going to make much headway tonight. Escort her to a room and we'll resume in the morning. But, let the others know that we are expecting company. I believe we may have some wolves from her other packs arriving at some stage tomorrow."

It feels like a rubber band, snapping back into place as I'm jolted back to reality. "Don't hurt them," I beg. "I mean it, Cade. If you hurt any of them, then this fucked up bargain we have can kiss my ass."

Cade pushes his chair back, positioning his hands on the edge of the table. "I have no reason to hurt them. But if they touch any of my pack, then I'll deal with them as I see fit."

I follow his movements, shoving my own chair back. The force sends it toppling over behind me. "I'll rip your throat out."

"I'd really love to see you try," he teases playfully, giving me a wink. "Sawyer will take you to your room. Don't try to escape. We'll be watching."

Not waiting for my reply, he turns and heads out the door toward the stairs. I open my mouth to yell out to him, but Sawyer cuts me off.

"Follow me, please," he orders, holding his hand out toward the entrance.

Begrudgingly, I shut my mouth, trailing behind him as he leads me upstairs.

I glance around as we ascend, noticing the excessive amount of white, even on the second level. There's a long hallway once we reach the landing, lined with closed white doors and one lone black door at the end. I just catch it closing, a soft thud confirming that it's the Alpha's room.

Sawyer grabs the top of my arm, giving me a tug as he pulls me along the corridor toward it. About halfway along, he pauses, gesturing to a closed door.

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