Page 43 of Ruthless Reign

I look over, nodding as I remember walking past it with Annabelle. I place a hand over my stomach as it growls with hunger. I have no idea how I'm so ravenous again after my first lunch with Annabelle, but I suppose not eating for well over a day, followed by strenuous activity will do that to you.

"Come on, Red," Lex says, placing his hand on my lower back. "We'll grab you a quick bite to eat."

"She needs it after that," Maverick taunts again and I resist the urge to slap him.

Cade just smiles. "It's probably best to grab a quick snack. Then we can get down to business. No sense doing it on an empty stomach."

I nod in agreement, grabbing a hand from both Lex and Maverick and letting them lead me toward the hall.

Behind us, I hear Alpha Daxton and Cade making small talk, and I'm surprised that they are getting along—well, as muchas possible. Alpha Daxton still sounds a little hostile, but then again… when doesn't he?

As we enter the large white open space, I take note of the long tables set up. Various pack members are seated along the sides, plates full of food in front of them as they all chatter among themselves.

Most of them glance up as we enter, giving a nod at our arrival before returning to their plates.

At the far end of the hall, I see a buffet style set-up, aromas drifting around. We approach it together and I spot a range of different foods—a variety of meats, salads, hot vegetables, and large pitchers of water.

Grabbing a plate, I join the small line as some members go back for seconds, dishing out some roasted chicken and vegetables onto my plate. Lex fills his plate with nearly one of everything, while Maverick appears pickier, opting for red meat and salads.

We don't wait for Alpha Daxton and Cade, slipping into some vacant chairs at the end of a table where Alpha Wyatt is sitting. I notice the last few empty seats are with us too, and the other alphas soon slide into them.

Cade looks around proudly, giving me a wink when he notices me watching him. I chew my pumpkin slowly, not returning his enthusiastic gesture, but not glaring at him either.

"So, are you going to explain to us why you felt the need to steal my mate?" Maverick asks sternly.

It feels like everyone in the room suddenly vanishes, leaving just us. I quickly swallow, my lips parting in shock at his words. Alpha Daxton raises an eyebrow in surprise, while Lex appears unfazed. Of course, it's our no-filter ally that addresses the elephant in the room.

"Oh! Does this mean that you are going to take Nyx as your mate now, Maverick?" Alpha Wyatt says excitedly.

Even though Maverick already told me in the bedroom that he wouldn't leave me, my heart beats wildly at hearing him claim me as his mate for the first time. Behind us at the next table, I spot Mason and Theodore, watching with wide eyes and open mouths as they eavesdrop our conversation—not that we're doing a great job at being discreet.

Cade leans forward, exchanging an intense glance with Maverick. "Oh, so she was still up for grabs?"

I haven't known him for long, and to be fair, most of our time together has been filled with some form of hostility on my part, but even I can tell he's teasing. Maverick, on the other hand, fails to see the humor. He slams down his fork, leaning across the table as he grabs Cade's shirt and rips him forward. "No. She's not up forgrabs."

Lex clears his throat, shooting Maverick an exasperated glance to remind them both of his presence… and the fact there was never any uncertainty when it came to our mate connection.

Neither of them pay attention to him. Maverick tightens his hold on Cade, while the other man smiles sweetly, completely unbothered. Around us, I'm eerily aware that we have the attention of everyone in the room. A few people stand—New Moon members mostly—and Alpha Daxton and I share a look that saysthis is getting out of hand, fast. I wait for him to do something about it, but to my horror, he points to me with his finger.

Shit—this is my job.

I try not to dwell on the fact that the Goddess Ophelia was this super mediator. She would have been negotiating with alphas that were out for blood, ready to go to war—not already sitting at the dinner table eating together. My job is obviously far easier, but I still have no fucking idea how to defuse this.

Swallowing the last of my food, I stand up, leaning forward to latch onto Maverick's hand. The stubborn asshole still doesn'tbudge, so I reach for Cade's shirt, the section bundled in Maverick's grip. Yanking them apart, my cheeks flush yet again as the entire room watches me.

"That's enough," I hiss quietly, hating the attention.

Cade stretches back into his chair, flashing me a grin. Maverick, on the other hand, returns to his food… ignoring me. Asswipe.

"I'm going to make one thing clear," I start, raising my voice a little despite the internal fear begging me to stop as people straighten up to listen. "I am not a possession." Pausing, I glare at Cade. "And I'm not up for grabs," I direct toward Maverick. "Whateverthissituation is, we will work it out. But bywe,that includesme."

Lex smiles proudly as I sit back down, shielding my face with my hand as I try to hide in my food.

"Good job," he murmurs, resting his hand on my leg.

I don't say anything back, and thankfully, people start to return to their own food, chatter filling the room once more. But the alphas keep watching me closely, with a mixed range of expressions.

How does one become a qualified mediator to a bunch of psychotic leaders?

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