Page 43 of His Rejected Alpha Mate
“Ah, cool. Will do.”
Kade came to stand next to my desk. “You okay?”
“Honestly? Could have done without being blindsided by my mate’s ex’s friends.” I rubbed my forehead. “My head hurts even thinking about this.”
He rubbed my shoulders, surrounding me with that familiar citrus and chocolate scent that meant pack to me. “Did Papa say why they were coming?”
“They’ve got the rest of his and Angel’s stuff.”
Minutes later, two imposing men approached the office, flanked by Deke and Axel. Both were around the same height, one with blond hair, the other a nondescript brown.
Kade stepped out to greet them, causing Axel to growl low. “Kade,” he said warningly. To his credit, Kade acknowledged the warning, stepped back, putting a larger distance between him and the strangers. Axel moved to his other side, wedging Kade between us.
He gave them a winning smile. “Sorry, my brother-in-law, Axel, is very protective of me because of the babies.” He ran a hand over his bump.
The blond, with moss green eyes, spoke up, tone warm as he spoke to Kade. “Congratulations. Your papa’s so excited about the babies.”
“He is. It’s weird, us being pregnant at the same time.”
“Jasper’s pregnant?” the brunet questioned.
“He is. Didn’t he say? This is his mate, Dakota.” Kade confirmed, putting a hand on my shoulder.
I could see them searching for a mating bite. It was possible that the collar of my pale blue shirt was hiding one, but shifters could pick up on the absence of them. Especially since they knew what Jasper smelled like, and though traces of his scent were all over me, our scents hadn’t merged like Kade and Blake’s had.
“Ah, so you are the fated mate, I presume?” The brunet again, now with an edge of sharpness. “I’m Grady.” He turned towards his partner, showing a mating bite in a mock innocent jab, “this is my mate, Trey.”
“Jasper is looking forward to seeing you. Once you’ve spoken to the alpha, I could direct you to our house. It’s just about finishing time, anyway.” I kept my tone measured, ignoring the insult.
“You live together?” Trey spoke this time. He sounded surprised.
“We do.”
Blake exited the office and scanned the vestibule where Roan and I had our desks. Roan was absent, likely getting snacks for Kade or off on some errand. “Ah, Grady and Trey, welcome. I’ve just had a message about your visit. Pass through rights is granted. I hope you enjoy your visit.” He gave Kade a look, and he followed his mate back into the office, leaving me with the two former guards, Axel and Deke.
The air thickened with tension until I heard the familiar clatter of footsteps that signaled that Angelica was approaching. “Bear!” Her yell was loud in the quiet. Running for me, she stopped, seeing the group around my desk and her eyes landed on the blond. “Trey!” Changing direction, she launched herself into his arms.
Trey squeezed her tight, Angelica giggling in his arms. “I’ve missed you, Red.”
“I missed you so much!” she said before rambling on about her new house, friends, and brother. Then she was asking them to come stay with her because she was sad without them.
He didn’t even hide the smug look on his face when I didn’t get a mention. Bastard.
Unwelcome Guests
Jasper
Iheardtherumbleof a car engine at the front door from my place in the kitchen where I was starting dinner for me, Dakota and Angelica. It took me a second to wonder why there was a car. It was too hot, with the July sun beating down on us most days, for Dakota to bother taking the car the short distance. Usually Dakota and Angel would shift, my little fox following the massive bear, and walk to the compound. From the upper floor, it was possible to see the boundary fence, so it wasn’t far. Dakota would carry a bag with their clothes that he’d bought specifically so he could carry it around his furry neck.
The voices approaching the kitchen were familiar. “Grady? Trey?” I looked into the hallway and found them: Trey carrying Angel and Dakota looking stiff and irritated.Fuck.I really should have given him more warning that they were coming. They weren’t supposed to arrive until later.
“Hey, Jas.” Grady came forward to hug me, ignoring the glare from my mate. I frowned, but hugged my friend tightly. I’d missed them over the last few months.
Trey came over next, still holding onto Angel, who looked like she had no plans to leave his side. “Hey, Jazzie.”
Batting at his arms, I moved away from the hug. “Told you not to call me that.”
He grabbed me, pulling me close, with Angelica squashed between us. She giggled as he tried to kiss my cheek. I squirmed away from him. From the corner of my eye, I caught Dakota glowering.
