Page 37 of Ruthless Reign

"Are you okay, Stevens?"

I nod, staring at him. "I'm fine."

Someone pushes into my back gently, and I glance over my shoulder, eyebrows shooting up as I find Maverick there. He's basically cut off Lex's access to me, barging him out of the way as his large head shoves under my arm.

"I'm okay," I tell him by mind link, pleased when it works. We were never able to do so before, but the night I was taken, it seemed to have kicked in on its own. I'm thankful that we still seem to have that connection, even if it was brought on involuntarily in the face of danger.

"We're going to rip this bastard apart," he says, a growl entwining with his words.

My feet take two large steps back as I place myself in the middle of the two groups. Maverick looks pissed—which is quite entertaining since he's still in wolf form—while Lex looks bewildered and almosthurt.

Quickly, I mind link Lex too, reassuring him that I'm alright.

I have no doubt they can probably hear my rapid beating heart, but I can understand their confusion. They came barreling in here, expecting a fight—and here I am, safe and sound, placing myself between them and their enemy.

"What's happening, Red?" Lex asks firmly.

"It's… hard to explain," I murmur back, our silent exchange drawing attention. "Can you shift back so we can talk?"

I nearly jump out of my skin when I hear Maverick's voice next, his words sending a shock through my body. "Answer the man, Nyx."

Apparently, Lex is as dumbfounded as I am that Maverick is able to hear our conversation. When I glance over at Alpha Daxton, he appears none the wiser, so I assume this is amates only specialty.

But then, the most puzzling and horrifying thing happens—Cadejoins the mind link.

"She's all good, gentlemen. I promise she's been well taken care of. If you'd like to turn your attention to the left, you can change in there. Or, you are more than welcome to come inside and shift in the house. Just be mindful of the mud."

I whip around, eyes widening as I glare at him suspiciously. He's a few feet away, a smile on his face, showing his amusement at the chaos.

"What the fuck is going on?" Maverick snaps, while Lex lowers his head, almost like his wolf is trying to sigh.

"You have got to be kidding me," he mutters, slowly heading in the direction of the changerooms with a look of defeat.

Hesitantly, Lex's pack members follow suit, a line forming behind him as the Blood Moon Pack disappears inside.

I shift my attention to the other side of the group, eyebrows touching my hairline in surprise. "Alpha Wyatt?" I ask, out loud.

His wolf tosses his head, a yipping sound filling the air as he jumps forward, wagging his tail as he passes.

Oh, my Goddess. I'm so embarrassed.

I knew this would be awkward, even if it was a better alternative than a bloodied fight. But irrespective of how happy I am to see them all, a part of me wishes for the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

This is going to be the most uncomfortable conversation in the history of linguistics.

Begrudgingly, Maverick shoots me a final glare, before heading toward the house. I can't help but notice that he purposely digs his paws into the muck deeper, leaving huge muddy prints as he strolls into the all-white house.

When they are out of sight, Alpha Daxton connects with me again, his voice stern. "Stevens, would you mind telling me what is happening?"

Biting down on my bottom lip, I cringe, looking at him. "I may have…accidentallyacquired a new mate."

For once, he's speechless, the only indication that he heard me is his sudden turn to face Beta Alix. They must silently communicate because they too head toward the change rooms.

Okay, I was wrong. Now it's even more awkward as I wait by myself, with only Cade and his small number of men. I can't bring myself to look at him, instead gazing out at the trees as I try to ignore the burn in my cheeks as they flush with humiliation.

Lex is the first to emerge, a pair of black jeans hugging his legs and a white cotton shirt. He heads straight for me, pulling me into his arms.

My body sags with relief, arms wrapping around him fast. He breathes in my scent, face buried in the crook of my neck before he places a soft kiss on my cheek.

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