Page 45 of His Rejected Alpha Mate
Warmth lit his eyes at my proposal, then died out as we heard hissed words and movement from our unexpected guests. “That might be a problem,” Dakota said flatly.
“I’ll go see Kade’s friend, Poppy, is it? At the spell shop tomorrow. Get another soundproofing ward.”
Great idea. In the meantime, until you see Poppy, let’s just use the pack link.Dakota’s rumbling voice echoed in my mind. I’d forgotten about the pack link, out of practice of using it.
Sure thing.
After nearly an entire week of Grady and Trey with their passive aggressive remarks to my mate, I was ready to kick them out. Not before giving them a piece of my mind first, of course. I hated being the cause of my mate’s pain.
I’d visited The Spell Shop, Poppy mysteriously absent, and gotten some spells that were useful around the house to help things some. It soundproofed their bedroom and bathroom, meaning we couldn’t hear Trey constantly bitching about things Dakota had said, or how he acted around me. We had our room’s soundproofing extended to give Dakota more space to pace and let off some steam when he caught a look he shouldn’t have.
Inside, I felt so torn, like I was being both the worst mate and friend of all time. When they weren’t goading Dakota, they were some of the people I loved best in the world. Angel adored them and didn’t see what it was doing to her bear father to follow them around. She hardly asked for him and each time she reached for Trey, I could see something inside him die a little.
The kitchen was empty when I extricated myself from my mate’s arms, leaving our comfortable bed to head downstairs. He and his bear were clinging on tighter with what they saw as a threat in their territory. I’d broached the subject of the length of their visit, but Grady had changed the subject. Both of my friends were being evasive, and I hated it.
I started some pancakes for Dakota. He’d said how much he loved mine and I wanted to bring him breakfast in bed as a special treat for being so patient. I was just plating up the heart-shaped pancakes, a bowl of strawberries and syrup all ready to go, when Trey came downstairs. His eyes lit up at the tray that was nearly finished. I glowered at him. “Not for you.”
“What? Why not?” He rested a hand on his chest, face all indignant.
“You know why.” I told him, eyebrow raised, waiting for him to lie.
He quit the look, slumping into a seat at the counter. “Fair. He’s not all bad, you know.”
“I do know, since he’s my mate. The Luna picked him for me, Trey. She knew what she was doing.”
“We’re just looking out for you.”
“Well, you can look out for Angel today instead. I’m taking my mate on a date. Best get some dates in before this one comes.” I rubbed my expanding belly. At eight weeks, I was a third of the way through now and growing more excited by the day.
“We’ll entertain Red, no problem. You two go off and have a great day. Maybe do some baby shopping and pick things out?” His one-eighty almost gave me whiplash, and he laughed at my expression. “Even I can see how well he treats you. That man adores you. Wouldn’t have put up with us this long otherwise.”
“Speak for yourself. I’m a fucking delight,” Grady said, coming downstairs to join his mate. “Oh! Pancakes!”
“Get your own.” I said, whisking the tray away from his grabby hands.
Their laughter followed me as I made my way carefully upstairs.Only me.I warned over the bond as I pushed over the door.
Dakota’s eyes lit up when he saw me. Me and not the breakfast I was carrying. That he didn’t seem to notice. How couldn’t I have realized before how much my mate loved me? Because that was love in his expression. His eyes sparkled, his lips lifted in a smile, just for me. Goddess, I loved him too.
I love you, Dakota. You are the most perfect mate anyone could wish for.I set the tray on the bed next to his legs.
He gaped at me.Really?
Sitting down on the bed, I reached for him. I loved the difference between our hands. His large and slightly calloused, with hair dotting the knuckles. Not pretty hands, but gentle despite their strength in everything to do with me and our family.I do. I’m going to tell you every day to make sure you believe it.
Tears lined his beautiful, dark eyes.I love you too, Jasper. I just never thought—
What?
He looked down at our joined hands, fingers intertwined.At first, I felt like I was the safe option. You got pregnant, so it was easier to be with me. This last week you’ve felt like you were on my side. It was us versus them. I know they’re your friends—
I know what you mean. I think it really made it real for me. Seeing how you were, even when you were being judged and criticized. You are so easy to love, my gentle bear.I leaned down and kissed each of his fingertips.When you’re ready, I’d like to properly bond with you. We have the whole day, so we can go out first—
Let’s bond now. I don’t want to wait any longer.
Really?
Close the door. They don’t get to hear this.Dakota moved the tray over to the empty side of the bed while I shut and locked the door. If Angel needed us, then she’d have to find Grady and Trey instead. She was theirs today.
