hell with this, he wasn’t going to pace anymore. Jasper was finally
his, and it was about high time the little guy realized what that
entailed.
“Also.” Zeus waited for Avanti to turn around. “Have my mate
brought to my office.” This ought to be fun to watch.
“Yes, Alpha.” Avanti gave a slight bow and went to do as told.
See, that wasn’t so hard. Why couldn’t Jasper do that?
Zeus walked to his office, sitting behind his desk and trying his
best to look casual. He shifted around, trying out a few different poses before he heard Jasper all the way down the hall.
“I don’t care what he wants. Touch me again, and I’ll tie your nuts
into a bow.”
Zeus actually felt sorry for Avanti. The guy was probably pulling
patience from his ass in order to deal with Jasper. A flustered-looking soldier came through the door first, his face tight as he pointed to
Zeus.
“You bellowed?” Jasper crossed his arms over his chest and
pursed his lips. He’d have to call Maverick and ask him if this was
how Jasper normally acted. If it was, he was surprised the Alpha
hadn’t shoved Jasper into his arms when they met.
“I believe we can come to some sort of compromise. I’m a
reasonable man.” He waved his hand toward a seat. His mate’s face
softened. He smiled and sat down, looking to Zeus for guidance. “I
won’t tell you anything wrong, so why is it so hard for you to listen to me?”
Jasper’s smile faltered. “This is what you call a compromise?”
When Zeus nodded, Jasper continued. “I thought I had made the right
decision about coming here. You don’t want a mate. You want a yes-
Jasper
27
boy. I’m sorry, Zeus, that’s not who I am. And I’m also sorry you
can’t accept me for who I am.” Jasper spoke softly.
“Now wait.” Zeus held a hand up when Jasper stood. “Sit, talk.”
“About what, how I can better serve you?” Jasper pulled at the
hem of his shirt. “Just type out a memo, I’ll be sure to get a copy.”
Zeus didn’t stop his mate. Instead, he watched the saddened man
walk away and wondered how he could be screwing this up so badly.
His mother had always obeyed his father, and their household was in
complete harmony as a child.
All Zeus wanted was the same. He knew no other way to be. His
father had made all of the decisions, ruled with a loving hand. Zeus
wanted that same harmony, that same devotion he saw in his mother.
Pushing away from his desk, Zeus decided a long walk was in
order.
* * * *
Avanti watched the Alpha’s mate close the door quietly, tears
apparent in his eyes. He hadn’t liked the obnoxious man at first, but
seeing anyone this sad gave him pause.
He really didn’t know Jasper’s story, so he would reserve
judgment until he got to know the Timber wolf a little better. From
what Taz said, the guy was a riot. So far Avanti hadn’t seen that, but being someplace strange must be upsetting to say the least.
Jasper walked down the hall briskly, heading straight into the
living room. Avanti followed, curious about the man. He chuckled to
himself. Minsheng was in there. This should be interesting.
“Hello, Minsheng.” Jasper smiled.
“You soldier?” Minsheng narrowed his eyes, placing his small
hands on his hips. Avanti really liked the little guy. He had spirit.
“No, I’m Zeus’s mate.”
Minsheng looked puzzled. “But you man.”
28
Lynn Hagen
Avanti couldn’t understand Minsheng’s confusion. The three men
had been forced into prostitution. It wasn’t a secret that the clientele were men. So why was the little man baffled?
“Yes, the last time I checked I was. Although lately I’m beginning
to wonder.” The Alpha’s mate mumbled the last part. What exactly
was going on?
Avanti nodded when Torem joined him, both watching the
redhead and the menace getting to know one another.
“Guy seems a little prissy to me,” Torem commented.
“I thought so, too, and obnoxious as well.” Avanti shook his head,
“I think there’s more to him than that, though.”
Torem curled his lip. “All I know is that our Alpha waited a very
long time for Red to get here, and for what, so he can look down on
us? He shouldn’t think he’s better than everyone else. He’s not even
all that.”
Avanti smelled the flourish of sadness coming from the living
room. He cursed when he realized what he shouldn’t have forgotten.
Jasper was a Timber wolf, able to hear their conversation.
The redhead went on talking, acting as though he hadn’t heard a