Page 14 of The Alpha's Forced Pregnant Mate

“We’re not here to get to know each other, Julian.”

I sighed. “Look, this whole thing is going to be a lot less painful if we can just try to get along. We’ll be working together for at least the next two weeks, so let’s try to be friendly. Tell me what you like to do besides hunt demons.”

She was quiet for a moment. “Hiking. I love to hike. Being in the woods feels like coming home. I’m a descendant of the Norse gods, so it makes sense, I guess.”

I nodded but didn’t say anything. My ancestors were mostly German, French, and English. “Do you have a favorite trail?”

“There’s a place called Goose Lake outside of my hometown that has some really great hikes. What about you?”

I shrugged. “I used to like fishing when I was younger. Never really got into hiking, though.”

“Maybe we can find some time to go hiking while we’re on the hunt.”

My heart leaped into my throat. Maybe she was beginning to come around. I decided to test my luck. “If we can get some time away from the rest of the pack, I think I’d enjoy that.”

“Don’t push it. I’m only working with you because you’re a lesser evil.”

“Why are you so determined to fight this, Whitney? I know you can feel the same things I do.”

“The only thing I feel is irritation and a need to punch you in the face. Repeatedly.”

I sighed. “You’ll have your chance soon enough. I want to see what we can find out about the demons before I bring you into my territory.”

“Fine by me,” she snapped, pushing her plate away. “Let’s get out of here. I’m ready to go home.”

I didn’t move, just looked at her. “It doesn’t have to be like this. You could just accept that we’re mates.”

Whitney laughed. “I wish it was that easy. Mating isn’t something I ever considered. It’s not something I want. I don’t have time for it or the distraction it brings. And I certainly don’t want to be mated to an enemy of my pack.”

Her words were like a punch in the gut, but I forced myself to look unaffected. I smiled at her, letting my eyes roam over her body. “Well, your body says differently, Sweetheart.”

She growled at me, showing me her teeth. “I’m not your sweetheart.”

She wasn’t denying my words. “Sure thing, Sweetheart.”

“You’re a dick, Julian. I don’t know what you think you see in me, but I promise you there’s nothing there for you to grab onto.”

The server came by to pick up the check, and I looked at Whitney while he was there. “We’re going to need another moment.”

“Okay,” he said, walking away quickly.

“I think you’re full of shit,” I said. “I think you’re attracted to me and that makes you angry because you’re trying to convince yourself that you’re not.”

“You attacked me just a few hours ago. Attacked. Your teeth were around my throat.”

“We’re wolves.”

“And?”

“And that’s just foreplay, Sweetheart.”

That was enough to piss her off to the point that she stood, clearly intending to leave. I hadn’t meant to push her so far, but arguing with Whitney was fun. Making her angry was fun. Seeing the fire in her eyes was incredible. But my mate was tired and had had enough of whatever was going on between us.

I stood as well, grabbing her wrist as she turned away.

“Let go,” she growled, not looking at me.

I let my voice drop low so she could hear every ounce of truth in it. I already knew she would refuse me, but I’d be a fool not to try. “Stay with me tonight. Take some of that hate out on me, Whitney. I’ll let you. And then I’ll show you how good of a mate I’ll be.”

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