Page 111 of Challenged Mate
“Blair.” Hugh grinned. “Even more remarkable in person.”
I barely hid my shudder. His voice was also different in person. Not the sound, but the feeling it gave. Like his irises, the cadence was eerie.
Asher shifted, positioning himself between me and Hugh. “You will not speak to her more than is necessary.”
“So aggressive.” Hugh tilted his head to see me over Asher’s muscular shoulder. “Is this the kind of male you like, Blair? I must say, I’m surprised.
“Then again, you didn’t really get a choice when it came to your mate, did you?” He gave me a falsely sympathetic look. “Your father and those greedy pack leaders gave you to him, tied with a big red bow. All for the chance to get their paws on their oil money.”
My pulse spiked, but not for the reason Hugh thought.
He doesn’t know Asher and I are fated mates.
Instinct said to keep it that way.
“Where’s Hunter?” I asked.
“What? No, ‘hello’?” Hugh pouted. “I’m hurt, Blair.”
I didn’t dignify his words with a response.
Seeing I wasn’t interested in whatever game he played, Hugh let loose a dramatic sigh. “Hunter is fine. He is with my colleague.”
“I want to see him.”
“Give me the Moonstone, and I will do more than show him to you. I will hand him over.”
“You invoke the wrath of all the North American packs by abducting one of our own,” my father growled between clenched teeth. He took a menacing step forward. His fists clenched at his side. “Release Hunter, or I will contact each of my allies and inform them of your treachery. Let’s see how the other covens react to news of your extracurricular activities, Graystone.”
“Oh? While you’re at it, will you tell them of your daughter’s unique heritage?” At my father’s hesitation, Hugh smirked. “I thought not. So, how about we all abandon these petty threats and get down to business.”
My father bristled, but Hugh ignored him. His pale irises focused on me. Gone was any semblance of kindness. “Give me the Moonstone, Blair.”
“I told you. I don’t know how.”
“Come here, and I will help you.”
“Absolutely not,” my father barked.
“No,” Asher growled at the same time.
Hugh didn’t spare either male a glance. “I thought we had an agreement, Blair.”
“We did. We do,” I quickly corrected. “But I’m not lying. I don’t know how to give you the Moonstone.”
I held my breath, my pleading stare willing Hugh to believe me. I tried to let the truth shine from my eyes. If I could, I would gladly hand over the Moonstone. I wasn’t trying to deceive him.
My efforts seemed to work.
Some of the anger seeped from Hugh’s expression, replaced with cool calculation. “I believe you.”
I breathed a sigh of relief.
“However,” he continued, “I will not leave here without the Moonstone in my possession. So, I propose a compromise.”
The tension billowed amongst my group again.
“What compromise?” In my gut, I already knew what Hugh was going to say.
