Page 39 of Rejected Pregnant Mate

"Do what?"

"He listens to you. Why?"

"Well, it's probably more accurate to say he listened to Scott. If I weren't the Alpha's wife, he wouldn't have backed down, but I guess my marriage does have some perks." I held out a hand to her. "I'm Nayeli."

"Rhie," she said, her voice soft. She shook my hand, and I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Nice to meet you, Rhie. Sorry, that's our introduction. That guy is such a dick.” I was going to offer her a drink on the house, just to settle her nerves, when a strong familiar voice rang out from behind the register.

"Nayeli. Can I see you in the back for a minute?"

I whipped around to see Scott and felt the blood drain out of my face. "H-how long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough."

His expression was unreadable, and his voice gave nothing away. Fuck, what if he didn't approve? I'd gotten so wrapped up in the moment and my desire to help Rhie that I didn't stop to consider what Scott might think. I was a member of his pack, and I'd just gone and publicly confronted another wolf. It was disrespectful and could have started a fight.

I kept a straight face, told Rhie goodbye, and promised her she wouldn't see any trouble in my coffee shop again. Then I went through the employee door behind the counter, heading back towards the office, but I didn't make it far.

The instant we were out of sight of the customers, Scott's hand closed around my wrist. I expected him to be angry, and his grip was tight, but he didn't yank or try to force me anywhere. He just stood there, his eyes burning as they searched my face.

"That was very reckless," he said, his tone low.

I bristled, trying not to snap. "He was harassing her. What else was I supposed to do? Just stand there and watch?"

"No, but you should have called me." His thumb stroked over the skin of my inner wrist. "But I have to say...you did well, mate. Protecting the weaker pack members is one of the most important parts of my job, and seeing you do the same is... nice."

I blinked. "Huh?"

"I like seeing you assert your dominance," he said, stepping into my space.

"My...dominance?" I echoed, feeling dumb.

"You're an Omega, but you still stood up to Mike. You put him in his place. You showed him that he isn't at the top of the pack. I find it... sexy."

"O-oh." I didn't know what else to say. Was that a compliment? I felt my cheeks warm and cleared my throat. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." He leaned down, pressing his lips to my forehead. My skin tingled where he touched, and my heartbeat sped up. "But if you're ever going to stand up to an Alpha like that, call me. Okay? Mike is just a punk, but I wouldn't want you going up against someone stronger."

I should have pushed back on the way he was talking, as if I was always going to be around, always going to be his Omega, but it just felt too nice at the moment. I was glowing from his approval, and still full of adrenaline from the encounter. I hated anything in public, but I'd impressed even myself when someone else needed help.

"Okay," I agreed. "What was his problem, anyway?"

Scott's face darkened. "It's not my place to tell anyone why Rhie was sent away from her former pack, but now that she's here, a lot of lower-ranking male wolves seem to think they can stake a claim on her. They think since she's disgraced, she should accept whoever offers to mate her first."

"That's horrible!"

Scott nodded once. "It is...although some Alphas would say I should just let it happen so she stops causing strife among the ranks. But she's told me she doesn't want a mate, she just wants to live her life in peace, and it just feels wrong to force her."

I grabbed both his hands in mine and searched his face, taking in the chocolate brown of his eyes and the dark stubble on his jaw. "You're absolutely right. See? Your heart is telling you that the old, misogynistic pack ways are wrong."

"Thank you," he murmured, his eyes lowering to my lips. "For trusting me. I know I haven't come as far as Samson, but I'm willing to listen, at least."

"Well, I..." I had no words. Instead, I did something stupid.

Something crazy.

I kissed him, just quickly on the corner of the mouth, but it changed his entire expression. He went from looking unhappy about the Rhie situation to lighting up like the sun. He didn't try to kiss me again, or get any closer, but I knew that if I moved in again, we'd end up locked in his office ripping each other's clothes off.

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