Page 10 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

“Gone where?”

“She left the pack, Briggs.I doubt she’s ever coming back.She didn’t take anything with her.Didn’t so much as say goodbye or kiss my ass to anyone, not even her brother.”

The words struck me like a blow.It sliced through the haze of last night's whiskey and revulsion of Ruby's touch, a touch I had once welcomed when we were using one another for nothing more than a physical outlet in years past.

Ivy had been saying something about leaving to Caleb and Emery last night, but they were all she really had.Wolves didn’t choose to go rogue unless they were facing banishment or some other awful situation.

Did you not put her into anawfulsituation?Onyx challenged.Did you not threaten to banish her?

My heart clenched but I couldn't let them see how much it affected me.Not Ruby.Not even Colten.

"Maybe that’s for the best," I stated flatly, pushing myself to sit up the rest of the way.

Water dripped from my soaked hair, sending icy trails down my back."Maybe she’ll be better off without us."

"Withoutyou, you mean," Colten shot back.

Ruby's laughter cut through the tense air like a knife."Finally, the little mouse has scurried away.”

She stretched languidly beside me on the damp sheets."She knew she couldn't compete with a real Luna."

My wolf begged to tear into Ruby for insulting our mate.I fought his instinct.

“I rejected her.If she’s chosen to live as a rogue, she’s no longer our concern.”

Colten’s scowl swung to Ruby then back to me.

He tapped fingers on the bucket."I agree, Alpha.Leave her be.Ivy’s gone and we have more important things to deal with."

"Like what?You throwing water all over my bed?"Ruby sat up, the sheet slipping down to reveal her large breasts.

"Like ensuring the well-being of our pack," I answered for him.

I rose from the bed and started putting on clothes.I couldn't stand the sight of my chosen mate any longer than I had to.

“You can start by cleaning up my bed, Beta.”

Colten tossed the empty bucket aside with a clang."I don’t think so, Ruby."

The Alpha in me demanded obedience from all members of the pack, even my closest friend."Colten, I expect you to show respect to your Luna."

"Respect is earned,Alpha, and she's never done nothing to earn mine."

"Watch it,Beta," Ruby hissed, baring her teeth."Or I'll remind you just how easily I can make your life miserable."

"Try it," he challenged before turning to leave the room.

Colten paused at the door, nodding towards the naked female on the bed."Good luck with that.”

The door slammed shut.It was a habit I’d need to break him of soon.

"Come back to bed, darling," Ruby beckoned with a sultry smile."Let's celebrate some more.We didn’t get a chance to mark one another.I bet it will feel even more intense once we do.Plus we only went one round last night and I know you’re good for three or four."

"I have work to do.I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Wait.”

I held still and watched Ruby rise up onto her knees and reach for me.Her lips brushed against my neck.One hand on my shoulder, the other grabbing my cock on the outside of my pants.

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