Page 88 of Challenged Mate
Fair?
Nothing about this situation was fair.
Orla returned from the back room, acting as if she hadn’t heard our conversation, but without a silencing barrier, I knew she had.
I faced the mirror. I meant it when I said I wouldn’t go through with the mating ceremony, but there was no need to storm out of here like a petulant child. So, I let Orla continue her work.
Kayla tried to catch my eye in the mirror, but I refused to look at her. I stared at myself, chanting a determined mantra in my head.
I will not do it. I will not comply. Consequences be damned.
Twenty-Six
The next morning,I sat on the end of my bed, staring at the horizon long before the sun made its appearance.
Asher and Chase hadn’t returned last night. I’d known I should rest—that I should wait to worry about the next day’s troubles after a good night of sleep. But sleep eluded me as my mind ran through every possible scenario I’d face when I told Axel I refused to become his mate.
In some, I imagined Axel’s reasonable demeanor. He would try to convince me my safety depended on officially joining the Wilds Pack as his mate. In response, I’d tell him I could ensure my own safety.
In other scenarios, I pictured Axel getting angry. He’d feel humiliated, and he’d refused to release me from the agreement solidified by the North American packs in the Alpha Games.
In those scenarios, I would mention my bond with Asher. I would urge Axel to consider what kind of life he would have, mated to a female who belonged to another. His life would not be filled with contentment. Rather, it would be contentious. Every morning, noon, and night he’d regret following through with the bargain struck in the Alpha Games.
I’d make sure of it.
Hypothetical conversations continued to play in my mind as I showered and got ready for the day. Kayla had texted last night to tell me there would be a luncheon at the park to kick off the mating ceremony celebrations.
I hated that my favorite place in town would be marred by the memory of this event.
I considered skipping the luncheon, but then I wondered if it would be a good time to try and reason with Axel. I didn’t want to be dramatic and have it out under the full moon with the entire Wilds Pack watching.
So, when the time came, I locked the apartment and hopped on my four-wheeler. I parked as close to the park as I could. Four huge white tents covered the field near the playground. Shifters of all ages and sizes walked inside, smiling wide despite the horrors of the other night.
When I entered the tent, I was immediately hit with a sense of excitement and eagerness. Dozens of long picnic tables lined the space, covered by lace ivory cloths. Some were occupied, but most of the shifters stood in groups around the tent, chatting amicably with happy faces.
Kayla wasn’t wrong when she said the mating ceremony would liven the pack’s spirits.
I felt a little bad that I planned to ruin the whole thing.
No one noticed my entrance, giving me time to take in the overflowing floral centerpieces and the crystal chandeliers hanging from the top of the tents.
How long had these details been planned? There’s no way anyone could have pulled this off in less than a day. Not even with magic.
“You look lost.”
I turned and watched Jenny and Debbie walk across the plush grass towards me. The couple looked stunning in their respective dresses. Jenny’s was a flowing floral number, ending just below her knees. Debbie’s dress was more form-fitting. The pastel cocktail dress had a sweetheart neckline and cinched waist. It hugged her toned thighs, showing off her killer figure.
I looked positively frumpy in my stretched-out blue jeans and loose tank top. Kayla hadn’t mentioned the luncheon would be so… fancy.
Pushing away the hint of insecurity trying to burrow its way into the back of my mind, I greeted the couple.
Jenny motioned to the glittering tents. “What do you think of your party?”
“It’s not my party.”
Instead of being offended by my snipped reply, Jenny and Debbie laughed.
“We told Kayla this wasn’t your style,” Jenny said. “It’s not even the alpha’s.”
