The Alpha's Virgin Possession(35)

Entering the sitting room, she placed the tray on the coffee table remembering her and Nick’s time together. Heat entered her core. She ignored the need, serving them all a drink and taking a seat even as her arousal increased.

“Why are you aroused?” Charles asked.

Her cheeks must be aflame at his obvious question. “I’m remembering a time with Nick, in this very room.” Lifting the cup to her lips she took a sip smiling. “It’s a good memory.”

“Clara, we must get down to business. I’m sure you know why I’m here?”

“I’ve been told you’re to make sure I don’t suffer with some kind of syndrome and that I’m here of my own free will.” She was speaking too fast, but she couldn’t stop the words from pouring out. Sipping her tea she cursed her wayward mouth with her constantly trying to talk.

Shut up, Clara. Be confident. You’re not lying. You’re telling the truth.

For the next hour Charles took over the conversation asking her questions. He asked about her childhood up to her first turning. The look on his face as she described what happened made her feel slightly scared. There was a reason these men were the collective. They knew how to handle wolves and were stronger than many other wolves.

I bet Nick can take you.

He started asking questions about the night of her being taken, becoming Nick’s property. She answered all of the questions truthfully. There was no need for her to lie about her feelings. She had hated Nick on sight, but she made sure all of them knew he didn’t lay a finger on her.

When it got to the intimacy between her and Nick she looked down at her lap thinking about their time together. Arousal filled her core at the feel of Nick touching her.

“From the moment he bought me he could have touched me, hurt me.” She felt tears fill her eyes. “He was the perfect gentleman. I mean, I hated him, but he was so nice. You hear such horrid stories of being sold for sex, yet I was lucky. Nick is not a man to be thwarted. He never raised a hand to me in anger. Every single time we were together he was sweet, coarse at times, but I never felt scared of him.”

She rubbed her arms, wishing he was with her now, wrapping his arms around her to protect her. Clara said as much to them.

“Your family has been punished and is sentenced to over fifty years of hard labor in our jail cells. They will never come near you again or hurt you. Nick will never become an alpha of a pack. I need to know if you wish to go back to a pack,” Charles said.

“No, I don’t want to be part of a pack. Nick is everything I need. I know not all packs are horrible. I’ve had more than my fair share of being part of a pack. I’d rather be outlawed with him,” she said, pouring him another cup of tea.

Charles nodded, stared at her for several moments and turned to the silent men in the room.

“I believe we’ve gotten everything we need.”

The other men nodded, rose to their feet and said their goodbyes. She watched them leave, silently. Charles remained, sipping his tea.

“What’s going on? You’re not taking me away, are you?” Clara asked, ready to fight him.

“No, we’re not going to take you away. Regardless of our reputation we’re not some horrid beasts separating people for fun.” Charles was smiling as he spoke. “I see you love Nick and his love of you. I visited him this morning before coming here today.”

“You did? Was he okay? I’m so worried about him.” She stopped, biting her lip at her questions.

Charles chuckled. “Nick is an alpha. I know it took a lot out of him to leave you alone to deal with us. It has been a pleasure seeing him happy.”

“He told me what happened to make him an outlawed male,” Clara said, heart breaking for the man she loved.

“Yes, it was nasty business but had to be done. My biggest regret in being a collective is outlawing Nick. I’m pleased to see he has fallen for a woman who makes him happy.”

“Do you really think I make him happy?” she asked, looking up at the man as he started to get to his feet.

“Yes, you’re Nick’s life mate. You’re both attuned to each other. Your emotions are the same. Together, I know you will flourish.”

Clara got to her feet to see him out.

When they were at the door she stopped him with a hand on his arm. “What would you have done if I wanted to leave?” she asked.

“I’d have taken you away today to a new pack. Every month I would have visited to make sure you were settled.” Charles cupped her cheek. “I’m not going to tear you away from your mate. Have a happy life, Clara.”

He left afterward. Looking at the clock she saw she’d missed lunch. Nick was probably out of his mind. Rushing to the phone she started to type in his number and stopped. Calling him wouldn’t do the trick. She wanted to do something else. Putting the phone down, she entered the kitchen and started setting up her basket.