Page 33 of The Alpha's Mates

“Well, it’s good to meet you Isaac, let’s get you home.” Christoph hurried from the hotel and hopped into his truck. He thought about calling Bell and Jackson to help him out, but it was late, and he’d already fucked up their plans for the evening. As he pulled away from the hotel, his phone chimed, and an address popped up. No, he wouldn’t be following his father’s orders any longer. Tonight was the last time his father would do anything to hurt Christoph or his mates.

Christoph refusedto have the meeting with his “potential mate” anywhere near his parents, especially with how they tried to force him the night before. Instead, he changed their plans, insisting he be met at an off-site location. Currently, he sat on a bench in the park less than a mile from the hotel his parents stayed in, waiting forherto arrive. His son, Isaac, sat in his truck near Christoph, sleeping, something he didn’t believe the boy did much of. Once he’d gotten the boy back to his fraternity house, he’d given him a bath. He put the boy in one of his shirts, then washed his clothes, so they’d be clean for the next day.

They didn’t talk much, but then again, Christoph didn’t know what to say. This boy, Isaac, came from a forced copulation Michel had thrown Christoph into. He wondered if Keandra knew Isaac was with Michel. Then he snorted. Of course she knew. She didn’t have any choice in the matter. Christoph frowned. Of all the people in his father’s Pride, he and Keandra got along the best. Why hadn’t she at least tried to find him?

The answer hit him square in the chest. What if she’s dead? Bile burned at the back of his throat. He knew his father was a cruel, callous man, but would he really kill her after birthing his grandson? Again, the answer was yes. Michel ruled with fear. Every action was calculated. He did things to keep the rest of the Pride subservient to him.

Fuck. I hate him so much.

He glanced down at his watch and frowned. His parents gave him little to no information other than the person he was waiting to meet had long black hair and green eyes. So far, he had seen a half a dozen girls walk by which met the description, minus the eye color, they’d given him.

“Excuse me.” A timid girl approached him on his left side. She bowed her head and clasped her hands behind her. “Are you Christoph St. John?”

“Yes.” He took in her frail form. Though she wore expensive clothes, and her makeup was applied perfectly, there was a spark missing from her. She appeared withdrawn, hopeless. She was also a lot younger than he expected as well.

“Aislinn Makino.” The hand she held out in front of her trembled. “My father said we’re supposed to meet here.”

He didn’t miss the wobble in her voice.Terrified.Of what, he had his suspicions. He’d worry about it later. All his protective instincts kicked in. This couldn’t be happening.No freaking way.The young girl who stood in front of him couldn’t possibly be who his parents wanted him to mate. Give her a few years, and she’d grow into her striking beauty—especially with those pure celadon-green eyes and all that long, black hair. Not today, though.Damn it. Her round face and body still held some baby fat from being a child.No way she’s eighteen. The age of consent to mate.

“How old are you?” He tempered the growl building in his chest.

“Sixteen,” she whispered, lowering her hand.

“I’m sorry.” He stood slowly, not wanting to scare her more. “This isn’t fair to you.”

She relaxed, but a fine tremor still worked through her as she waited, pissing him off more. “Do you know what we’re supposed to do?”

“No clue.” He scanned the area. The hairs on the nape of his neck raised. Someone watched them. His gut knotted. “How about we talk for a little while?” He didn’t want to leave Isaac alone, but he also didn’t want the girl to see his son, either. For now, he had to play the game with her as a potential enemy. It sucked because he could tell she didn’t want to be there either, but until he knew what his father’s true motivations were, he couldn’t take any chances.

She nodded, sitting down beside Christoph when he sat. “Thank you.”

“I won’t hurt you.” He lowered his voice so only she’d hear him. “I want you to speak freely and honestly. Do you understand, Aislinn?”

“Yes.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t want to be here.”

It took him a moment to realize she’d answered because her tone had been so soft. “Neither do I? Are you prepared to be the mate of a man who you know nothing about? You have to scent my mates on me.” The thought of mating thisbabydisgusted him. What could their parents be thinking?

“Of course, I do. I have been training to be a mate for years. This is an honor for my family.” The bitter scent of her lie had his stomach churning.

He lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes. “I thought you agreed to speak honestly?” He didn’t miss the fear in her gaze. “You can be honest with me. I am a friend, not your foe.”

Her head bowed submissively, and she glanced up at him through inky-black lashes. “I have to do this.”

“Tell me what you want. Not what my parents or your parents want you to say.” This time, he let the growl go. He wanted the truth. “Look at me, Aislinn.”

Ever so slowly, she raised her head. “You don’t understand.” The pain and fear in her voice almost killed him. Instinct said her parents forced this on her. He needed her confirmation.

“I understand more than you think. Just tell me the truth. Perhaps, we can help each other.”

“You can’t help me. No one can.”

Taking a deep breath, he pushed forward, making the one statement he already figured out. “You are being forced. You don’t have to say what your parents want you to say.” He laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she withdrew from his touch. “Are you being hurt?”

Tears welled up in her eyes. She broke eye contact to glance down at her folded hands. Her knuckles were white from her grip on them.

“Trust me.”

“This mating... Will get me away from my family,” she hedged.

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