Page 34 of Ruthless Reign

I mean, that much was obvious from our first meet in the bedroom. But chatting to her over chocolate milkshakes and chicken wraps has been a pleasant surprise.

I'm still on guard—suspicious about this pack—but this girl talks more than I do, and it's easy to tell that she's genuine. No one would be able to babble at such high speeds and produce lies, and her animated movements and extensive range of facial expressions keep me wildly entertained.

She wasn't kidding when she said the food here was amazing. It's on par with the café at home, and even though I'm technically a prisoner here, it's oddly relaxing hanging out with her. For a moment, I even start to forget about my problems.

"Matteo says he doesn't want kids yet, but I think he's just saying that because he knows that's what I want. You know what men are like—always changing their minds, pretending to agree to keep us happy. Gosh, can't live with them, can't live without them," she rambles, only pausing to take a sip of her drink.

I blink, wondering if she even managed to take a breath during her rant. So far, I know all about her partner, Matteo, and how he's five months older and they mated on her twenty-first birthday—which was only a year ago. Both are full-blooded members of the pack, so they grew up together, attended school with each other, and lived a few streets apart with their respective parents… who are all still alive and kicking.

Annabelle has a younger brother who's turning twenty-one in a few months and her father works closely with Cade, overseeing the town's construction and infrastructure. Apparently, Matteo is also in Cade's inner circle, and because of the two men in her life, she sometimes works for Cade as well—when she's not busy as a part-time teacher's aide.

We bond over our shared work with children, even though the age gap between them is several years. But no matter which way you swing it, children will be children—messy, loud, lovable, and a little exhausting.

"Do you think Cade will want children?" she asks suddenly. I'm taken aback because she makes it sound like I'm here willingly, open to the prospect of not only putting up with him butbreeding with him.

The thought reminds me of the heat I felt in his office—not my actual heat, but the feeling in my stomach when he made a comment about taking me. As much as I'm confused and annoyed by everything, there's something hot about consent. What does that say about me as a woman? Consent should be the bare minimum—no exceptions.

Maybe it's because I had assumed that I would be forcefully taken against my will here and hearing him say otherwise was more comforting than I care to admit.

But also… he's horribly good-looking.Among other attributes from what I've seen...

It's really not fair that alphas are genetically blessed. Though, based on what he told me, he's only from a short line of alphas. Still… if I wasn't feeling so murderous toward him, I might actually admit how gorgeous he is. But he can pry that confession from my cold, dead mouth.

I nearly choke out loud on my internal thoughts, quickly bringing my attention back to Annabelle as she looks at me eagerly.

"Uh," I splutter. "I have no idea. You'd have to ask him."

She smiles, laughing like I've just delivered a punchline to an amazing joke. "But we hold the power, silly. It's our bodies. I mean, sure… the world is in chaos. But just because there's a universal, cosmic crisis, it doesn't mean that I'm going to go against my beliefs."

I suddenly get a headache as I start trying to dissect her statement. "Annabelle," I groan. "What do you think is happening here? Why do you thinkI'm here?"

It's my roundabout way to assess whether she knows I was abducted. I watch her closely, waiting for her reaction.

She puts her drink down, gazing at me closely. "Alpha Cade brought you here to see if you were his mate," she answers softly with confidence.

I nod sternly. "But not willingly."

When I check to see if she reacts with shock or horror, I'm a bit disappointed to see her smile turn sad. "I know. Matteo was part of the crew that went and got you."

"Oh," is the only response that I'm able to coherently mutter.

Annabelle's face brightens up at my deflated look. "If it makes you feel any better, he got injured."

That… throws me off. The way she's trying to cheer me up by telling me her mate got hurt. When she catches me staring at her with bewilderment, she waves her hand dismissively. "Don't stress about it. He's a tough cookie. And he's completely fine, soI hold no grudges. Besides, I did warn him that was the risk they were facing."

I didn't manage to harm anyone that night so I can only assume that it was Maverick that injured Matteo. She doesn't appear angry about it, strumming her fingers on the table.

"Surprisingly, that doesn't make me feel better," I say quietly. "But I'm still angry about how Cade has gone about this."

Annabelle nods, understanding. "I get it. If it was me, I'd be upset too. But I can also see his point of view in a peculiar way."

"It's a monstrosity," I argue back, though my voice is level and calm. "He says it was just to get me here to talk, but given what's happening out there with hunters, I just can't find a way to fully believe him."

Her face wrinkles with repulsion at the mention of hunters. "I know. It's disgusting what some packs are doing. And I know his method wasn't ideal. But you have two other mates, right?" She pauses, waiting for me to nod, which I do. "I think he felt like he had no other option. I'd probably guess that they wouldn't be open to just letting you come here?"

This time, it's my turn to laugh. "Probably not," I admit. "It was already a mess when I met my second mate."

The rest of my sentence falls flat, the usual upsetting thoughts plaguing me. Annabelle reaches across the table, resting her hand over mine.

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