Page 6 of Claimed By the Wolf
He’s not entirely wrong.
I can’t look at him when I speak to him.
I’m still shaking inside, even though I’m doing everything in my power to stay calm. Since our meeting yesterday, I wanted to pack a bag and leave. But where would I go? Brax is the only family I have, and he’s already proven he won’t watch out for my best interests. What chance do I have out there on my own? The truth is, I’ve become spoiled, complacent in this life they provided for me. And now I have to pay for it.
I glance at my brother, more shame washing over me. He would never forgive himself if I left. Nox would hold him accountable, and he would become a pariah in the pack.
Why should I care? It’s not like he’s being sold off. They’re the ones doing this to me!
I slump against the granite countertop and bite on my lower lip.
“Brynn, it won’t be so bad,” Brax insists.
“How the hell do you know?” I respond curtly.
I catch the look of worry on my brother’s face, and I realize that he doesn’t, not really.
I change my tone. “Are you sure this guy isn’t some kind of bully, someone who abuses women?” I ask in a meek voice.
Brax’s head jerks up. “Nox wouldn’t do that to you, Brynn,” he promises. “He cares about you.”
I snort loudly and spin back toward the stove, stabbing into the bacon with too much force. The fork grates against the cast iron, wearing on my nerves more. “Yeah, okay.”
“He does!” Brax insists. “He trusts you! That’s why this has to be you and only you. Who else could he enlist to do something like this?”
I cast him a sidelong look and consider his question carefully. He does have a point. The idea of mating with the Alpha of a rival pack is a delicate task, and I can’t think of a single suitable replacement. I still wish they’d asked for my input before deciding for me.
Brax’s eyes narrow as he sets his fork down, mid-bite. “If he ever treats you badly, all you have to do is tell me. And I swear to all the gods that our pack will make the entire Willow Grove pack pay in blood.”
“I know you’d protect me.” My voice cracks with emotion.
“But this union… It’s for the good of the pack.”
Brax’s statement makes my skin crawl, even though he’s said it at least a dozen times since yesterday. I get it. I do. But it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.
I suppose I should appreciate the honesty. Brax and Nox aren’t bothering to dress this up as anything romantic.
This is what’s happening, and if I refuse, the fate of the pack is on me.
No pressure at all.
“I know,” I grumble, turning off the stove. “I said I’d do it, didn’t I?”
My big brother visibly relaxes as I slap the bacon in front of him, but I don’t join him at the table. Instead, I retreat to my room.
“Aren’t you going to eat?” Brax calls after me.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Brynn…”
I stand in the hallway, but I don’t return. “I need to get ready, don’t I? Or should I go to meet the esteemed Emeric in my pajamas?”
He’s not amused. “Brynn, come here.”
Gritting my teeth, I pivot and return to the kitchen to stare balefully at Brax.
His hazel eyes are shadowed with regret. “You know you don’t have to do it if you really don’t want to.”
