Page 67 of Moonlight and Mischief
Still reeling, I reach over to grasp his thigh, trying to give him whatever support I can. Heath pushes his chair back. “Thank you for your time, Nyx. We can see ourselves out.”
Before she disappears, my dad abruptly stands. “Alpha Nyx, I would like to stay with my relatives. Let me see that my mate’s parents are safe.”
Her eyes narrow, but she says, “For Ivy’s sake, I’ll allow it. That one too, if she wishes.” Her long black nails point at me, before she spins on her heel and walks out.
The idea of hateful, judgmental Nyx abandoning her pack and hunkering down is notsomething I can tolerate. If I have a chance to help, I have to take it. I look to my Alpha. “I would like to stay too.”
Heath nods. “If that’s your choice, please be safe. And we will figure out what else we can do to help.”
My throat is thick, but I take deep breaths and stand with my father. I’ll miss Jasper, but it’s temporary. Heath leads us out and climbs in the truck with Hawthorne.
Jasper grabs my elbow and pulls me close. “I don’t want you to stay. It’s an unnecessary risk.”
“I’m sorry about what she said. But I want to help.”
“If this all goes sideways, you’ll be trapped,” he hisses, his platinum hair falling forward as he leans over me. “You can help from home.”
“I’m sorry, I already decided. I’ll be back soon.”
“I need you,” Jasper says, brows furrowing. The pain in his expression cuts away at my resolve.
Squeezing his hand, I remove it from my elbow and step back. “It’ll be okay. I’ll miss you.” My eyes burn as I fight tears.
“What did he say?” he dad asks, frowning as he looks over at Jasper speaking with Slate.
“He doesn’t want me to stay. He thinks it’s too dangerous.”
My dad crosses his arms. “That’s not his business. He isn't your Alpha or your family.” My heart twinges. “You’re doing the right thing.”
“I’m not sure, Dad.”
He huffs and walks back inside the pack house. I’m going to follow, but I can’t help but linger for one more goodbye with Jasper.
Instead, Slate goes from speaking to Heath to approaching me. “Marigold, we need you back at Bracken Creek with us.”
I blink at him. “What? Heath said I could stay.”
Slate’s expression softens. “Jasper brought up some good points. We need your knowledge of the Raven Pack to advise us. And it’ll be easier for Jasper to contribute if he isn’t panicked about your safety.”
Are you kidding me? The prickle of tears burns as anger fuels them. I could go to Heath and protest, but I already know he will back up his Beta. I hold no ranking, so I have no grounds to argue against him.
Numb, I climb into the truck. Jasper slides into the seat beside me, and Slate steers us back onto the road.
“I’m sorry,” Jasper says quietly.
All my anger overflows, and I’m not even quite sure what I’m so upset about. Flashes of Nyx calling Jasper demon spawn, Jasper going behind my back, the idea of those Raven Pack members trapped outside the pack house and left for dead, it all swirls in my mind.
“I can’t believe you did that,” I mutter, feeling hollow.
Jasper reaches for my hand, but I pull away. “I’d rather you’re angry with me and safe, than putting yourself in harm's way.”
“That’s not your call to make,” I blurt, my heart rate accelerating. “I never thought you would be that controlling.”
Slate looks over his shoulder. “Marigold-”
“Shut up, Slate, you’re in trouble too,” I snap. Hazel pats his knee and stays quiet.
“I don’t want to control you, I want you alive,” Jasper says, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl.
