Page 25 of The Alpha's Mates

“Kid,” Rapier started.

Christophe held up his hands. “I’m taking Bell and Jackson with me. I won’t do any more harm than what’s already done. My father needs to be put in his place.”

“Yes, he does,” Rapier agreed. “So, what can I help you with right this minute?”

Christoph stood there. What did he need? “Support? I know I will always be the Alpha, but I need support. Someone to stand in my corner if it comes down to fighting my father.”

“You have it.” Rapier turned to him then. “What or better yet where are you thinking of living once you’re done with college?”

Christoph knew he didn’t want to go back to South Africa. He never adapted as well as his father wanted him to. He would go wherever his mates went. “Wherever Bell calls home is where I’ll be.”

“Good answer.” Rapier nodded in approval. “Then my pride will be your pride. You’ll always have a home in Window Rock—if that’s where Bell wants to stay.” Rapier went back to work checking on the house. “So, about this Jackson guy, who is he?”

“He’s a dragon. We don’t know much about him other than he is the last of his clan.” Christoph laughed to himself. All three of them, Jackson, Bell, and himself, never really talked about their pasts or how they got to Turnskin University. For being mates, they were doing everything backwards.

“Sounds like he’d fit in well with our family. We’re all a bunch of loners or those who lost everything. He’ll be a great addition to Window Rock.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Christoph hedged. “This one is about the house.”

“Shoot. You might be able to fill me in better about this place than Bell could anyway,” he said, still checking little aspects of the stucco and facade.

“Doesn’t this seem a little... Planned?” Christoph muttered.

“I have to admit, this does seem a little suspicious,” he said. “It’s not new for counties or municipalities to send out letters of intent, especially with properties that could be considered a blithe on the community. With that said, any communications should have been funneled through the school and then sent to the sorority. It seems a little suspicious a college doesn’t know about damage, especially while students live in the building.”

“Do you think the letter is authentic?” Christoph pushed.

“I have no reason not to believe it isn’t. Everything that has been indicated needing to be fixed has had issues.” He pointed to the patio, wall, and lighting fixture.

Christoph nodded. “Maybe, I’m paranoid due to everything going on with me.”

Rapier laughed. “If you weren’t a little suspicious, I’d be worried about you. The house will take a little work, but we’ll get it up to code again.”

Christoph let out a pent-up breath. “Great, I know Bell is trying her hardest to make this the best sorority house ever.”

“When we get done with it, everyone will want to be part of her house,” her father said. “Now, is there anything else I should know about?”

Christoph frowned. “No. That seems like all of it.”

“Good, then I have a few phone calls to make. Let Bell know I’ll be back later. Also, let me know how things go with you father tonight. From what you’ve told me, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t have something up his sleeve.” Rapier lifted his hand as he started out the back gate.

“Thanks, and I will.”One issue down, several more to go.

Then my pridewill be your pride. You’ll always have a home in Window Rock—if that’s where Bell wants to stay. Rapier’s statement bolstered his confidence, even though he felt like he’d puke any minute. His stomach rolled worse than a roller coaster ride on crack. His gut knotted, and, for the first time since his eighteenth birthday, he had sweaty palms.

By the time Rapier walked into the house, Christoph had some semblance of a plan. Or he thought he did, until Bell walked outside once her father left. She took his breath away. “Did you make your dress?”

A cute pink blush covered her cheeks. “Yes. Do you like it?”

No. He loved it. She reminded him of those 1950s women. Always with the pleated skirts and fitted bodices. The neckline of her dresses was tasteful but teased the hell out of him. The scarf in her hair matched her outfit. Tonight, she wore a knee-length frock made of powder-blue material. See-through lace, or something, covered the skirt of her dress. Around her neck lay a simple strand of pearls. “I don’t like it.”

She frowned. “Oh.”

“Bell, I love it.” He pulled her into his arms and rubbed his nose against hers before placing a quick kiss to her lips. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”

“I wanted to make a good impression with your parents.” She placed her hand on his hip. “With everything going on lately, I needed this getaway from the house. Forget my troubles for a while.”

He tucked her into his side, knowing full well the dinner wouldn’t be fun at all. If anything, he worried what would happen once his father spotted both of his mates. Unfortunately, even though Rapier wanted him to prepare Bell, he couldn’t get the words past his lips. “Let’s go get Jackson.”

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