Page 102 of Challenged Mate
It was the latter that made my chest tighten with unease.
Asher’s hands landed on my waist, pulling me into his chest before I had the chance to move away. “Everything will be all right,” he murmured, staring deep into my eyes.
I cupped his cheek. “I know.” Ithadto be. I wouldn’t accept the alternative.
Asher smiled, then pressed a kiss against my lips.
All too aware of our audience, I pulled back before it could turn into more.
With one last, lingering look, I turned away from my mate and walked over to Stephanie.
I looped my arm through hers. “Come on. I’ll give you a quick tour on our way to my apartment.”
Stephanie hugged my arm to her side. “Yes, please.”
After brief goodbyes to Kayla and Axel, we left the alley.
My father followed.
As we walked through town, I waited for him to say something. His rigid posture and darting eyes hinted at his unease, but he remained silent.
He didn’t comment on any thing I pointed out as we made our way to the four-wheelers, and the tightness in chest intensified with every minute of silence.
My mating ceremony wasn’t the only reason my father was here.
Of that, I was certain.
Thirty-Two
“Haveyou managed to use your magic?”
Sitting on the grassy meadow behind Asher’s house, I glanced over my shoulder at my father. I’d heard his approach minutes ago, but I’d ignored him.
He’d spent the last hour avoiding every question I asked about why he was here. He’d insisted it was for my mating ceremony, but I’d be a fool to believe him. And I’d grown tired of getting the run around.
“What makes you think I’ll answer you when you’ve done nothing but avoid all my questions?”
My father walked forward and sat on the grass beside me. “I couldn’t speak in front of Stephanie.”
My brow lifted.
When Stephanie said she needed a nap, I hadn’t hesitated to offer my bed. Apparently, Asher gave her and my father rooms in his home above my apartment. But neither of them had a key, and I didn’t want to bother him as he prepared for Stanley’s challenge.
“But now you can speak?” I asked.
“Yes.”
That was all the motivation I needed to unleash the emotions that had been wreaking havoc within me since the moment I learned he wanted Asher and Chase to win the Alpha Games.
“What the hell is going on, Dad? One minute, I was your heir, the next it’s like I don’t exist. I get that you sent me away to keep me safe, but that doesn’t explain the radio silence. I’ve been worried about the pack. Haven’t you worried about me?” I hated how weak my voice sounded. I hated the tears that gathered in my eyes. But, most of all, I hated how my sadness was reflected in my father’s face as he looked back at me.
“Of course I’ve worried,” he replied.
“Then why didn’t you answer my calls? What if I was in trouble?”
“I’m not proud of my behavior, Blair.”
“That’s not an answer.”
