Page 169 of The Alpha's Second Chance Mate

“I think it’s worth it,” Farrah said, leaning back in her chair, her nose wrinkled in disgust. “Even if we have to resort to physical punishment. It’s a good price to pay to prevent that psycho from hurting anyone else.”

“Speaking of Kyle,” I said, remembering the conversation I’d had with him the day before, “he’s still got it in his head that I’m going to give myself to him.” I glanced at Cole, worry building in my chest. “He’s fixated on me for some reason.” I frowned. “Why does it seem like he’s obsessed with me?”

“My guess?” Farrah said with a bitter smile. “He envies what Cole has. The pack, the respect, and—” she glanced at me and shrugged “—his mate.”

That was possible. If that was true, it meant he’d do anything to get Cole out of the way.

“If he thinks getting rid of Cole will help him with that goal,” I said, shifting my eyes to Cole, “he may target you even more than he has so far. We need to think about that. Maybe I’m not the only one who needs around-the-clock protection.”

Cole raised his lip in a disgusted sneer. “That fucker won’t put a hand on you, otherwise he’ll draw back a nub. I’m not worried about myself?—”

“You should be!” I exclaimed, eyes widening. “He’s a maniac.”

“I think what Cole is saying,” Trent said, “is that he can take care of himself. The most pressing issue is your protection and getting Ashton back.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but Trent cut me off with a sharp look.

“There are things that need to be done,” he said. “This is inherently dangerous, but Cole, just like the rest of us, knows what’s at stake.”

I closed my mouth, not entirely placated. I’d never win this argument.

“What we can do with that information is use it,” Cole said. “If Kyle truly does want Avery, and it isn’t just some psychological ploy, then he may get sloppy. He might try to come for her himself. Maybe…” Cole trailed off, eyes narrowing. “Maybe wefuck with him the way he’s been fucking with us.” He looked up, a wicked grin forming on his lips.

“What does that mean?” I asked, eyeing him.

“He wants you, and I’m in the way of everything. If he makes contact again, you should string him along, seed the conversation with things that will make him think you’re turning on me.”

“Oh, shit.” Farrah leaned forward, a hungry gleam in her eyes. “Yeah. Avery, you should tell Kyle how controlling Cole is. That he’s stifling you, keeping you close, and that it’s miserable to be around him.”

“I think I can do that,” I said. What was a little lying when lives were on the line?

“Even better,” Langston said, “tell him you’re scared of Cole. Lay on some bullshit about him getting paranoid, that you need someone to help you get away from him.”

An icy fist wrapped around my heart as it dawned on me what Langston was saying.

“You want me to get Kyle to come out and try to take on Cole,” I said. “To come and save me or something?”

“Exactly,” Langston said, nodding to me and then Cole.

“I like it,” Cole said. “He’s unhinged enough to believe it.”

I swallowed hard. “Okay. I’ll come up with something when he calls next. I’m not going to like it, though. It’s going to put an even bigger bullseye on your back,” I said to Cole.

He kissed my cheek and squeezed my shoulder. “Like we said, I can fend for myself, but I’ll be careful.”

“Let’s go talk to the guy,” Porter said, jerking his head toward the basement. “He’s had enough time to stew.”

“As much fun as I’m sure that will be, I’d rather get out of here before you start,” I said, more images filling my mind of what might happen down in the basement. It made my stomach twist in disgust.

“Fair enough,” Cole said. “You want a ride back to your house?”

“Stormy’s would be better.” No part of me relished the thought of being alone.

“I’ll escort her,” Zayde said. “I’m more of a computer guy. I’ll let these guys handle all that. I can stay outside and watch the place while I’m there, too.”

“Thank you,” I said, shooting Zayde an embarrassed smile.

“That works,” Cole said. “I doubt Kyle will do or try anything so soon after yesterday, but better safe than sorry.”

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