“Pathetic humans? Is that how you view us?” I put a hand on my hip.
“Most of you. You don’t seem pathetic though. You seem strong. At least you were really strong yesterday. You made a tough decision without thinking about it too long. Most humans would have debated it so long it wouldn’t have worked, or they would have made the decision for the wrong reason.”
“The wrong reason?”
“Yeah. If you did it out of guilt or something that would have been wrong. Doing anything out of guilt or anger usually backfires.”
“Can I ask you another question?”
“Is this one going to be any different from the ten you’ve already asked?”
“Is Falcon going to come back?”
“Yes. He’s here.”
“Great.” I set down my mug.
“But he’s not going to bother you.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because he’s lucky Hunter didn’t do something far worse to him.” Chet looked out the window, and it made me wonder exactly what he meant.
“Is Hunter ruthless? Would he kill someone who got in his way?”
“We’re part animal. You need to remember that. You don’t have to worry about Hunter ever hurting you though, he’d never.”
“How can you be so sure? Like you said, you’re part animal. Animals have been known to hurt their mates.” It was still strange to use that term, but it seemed more natural talking about animals generally.
“We’re talking about Hunter. You mean everything to him. It’s something you’d be wise not to forget.”
“I’d be wise not to forget? Are you threatening me?”
He took another long sip of coffee. “No. I’m telling you to get used to the way things are. You belong to Hunter now. It’s time to start understanding that you’re lucky. You’re going to be the mate of one of the most powerful creatures on earth.”
“Then why are you living here?” I gestured to the dated kitchen. “Couldn’t you live somewhere so much better?”
“We’re in hiding. I’m sure Hunter told you that.”
“He did… something about a king.”
“So what’s the problem? What don’t you understand?”
“If you’re so strong, why are you so afraid of the king? Can’t you just defend yourself?”
“That’s where you come in.” He set down his cup. “See you around.”
“Wait? What? You can’t say something like that and walk away.”
“Yes I can. Have a lovely morning, Mary Anne.”
I grabbed his sleeve. “Tell me what you’re talking about.”
“Ask Hunter about the dreams. It will tell you everything you need to know.” Chet easily brushed off my hand and went back out through the front door.
Great. I got a few answers, yet was left with even more questions. Would I ever catch a break?
Chapter Six
Gage
I was far more satisfied than I’d been a few hours before. With food in my stomach and a recent run behind me, I was almost ready to rest. Almost, because I still didn’t have Mary Anne. The expression on her face as she watched me through the window confused me at first. It was full of hurt. Then Marni knocked her shoulder into mine—her naked shoulder into my naked shoulder, and I figured it out. At least I thought I had.
“You’re doing better than I expected.” Hunter stood with his arms crossed in front of the shed.
“Great. So glad I’ve impressed you.” I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Marni and Semi had reminded me over and over that Hunter was the Alpha.
“Another few days and you might be able to join the rest of us for meals.”
“Another few days?”
“Yes. You’re not ready yet.”
“Why? You afraid to have me around Mary Anne?”
“Yes.” He strode toward me. “I don’t intend to have a young and out of control Dire around my mate.”
“She’s not your mate yet.”
“For all intents and purposes she is.” He stopped right in front of me. “Please remember that.”
“Please? I didn’t know wolves used that word.”
He pushed me down onto the ground before I could react. “You will respect me.”
“Respect you?” I sat up. “Why should I respect you?” All thoughts of playing it calm disappeared once I heard him getting possessive of Mary Anne again. Hearing him calling her his mate made it impossible for me to control myself.
“You will respect me as your Alpha. That respect means to stop thinking about my mate.”
“I can think about anyone I want.”