The Mating(54)

Elise suddenly remembered the picture she’d seen and admired in the mall. It had been one of Ryne’s. Opening her mouth to comment on it, Kane sighed and began talking again before she could speak.

“In the weeks before Zack’s death and the challenge, Ryne seemed to change. He’d usually been upbeat and sociable, but suddenly he was like a bear with a sore paw, keeping to himself and miserable with everyone. Something was bothering him, but he would never tell me what it was. Even so, it was a complete surprise when he issued the challenge for the leadership. He’d seemed happy as a co-Beta and more interested in pursuing photography than seeking more responsibility. Being Alpha wouldn’t have left him with much time for taking pictures.”

“Did you ever consider not accepting the challenge?”

“No. There was something inside me that wouldn’t let me back down. Call it instinct or ego, but I knew that I had to step forward, that the pack needed me and I was the best man for the job. That’s not to say that on days like this, I don’t wish that I had remained a Beta.” He chuckled into the pillow.

“So what do you think Ryne’s doing right now? Is he really going around trying to hurt members of the pack as some sort of twisted revenge against you?”

“It’s the only reason I can think of, though any vendetta should be against me, not the whole pack.” Kane shifted under her and rolled over, folding his hands behind his head. Elise’s palms rested against his chest and their eyes locked. “I’ve had enough work for one day. Let’s talk about something more pleasant.” Reaching up, Kane twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. “Did you enjoy the party?”

“Well, it was certainly a surprise—I honestly had no idea—and it was very nice of everyone to be so welcoming.”

“Helen and Carrie approached me with the idea the first day you were here. Initially, I thought it was just a welcoming party for you, but somewhere along the line it became the next best thing to a bonding party. Both of them felt a public acknowledgement of our union     was needed.” He shrugged then tugged gently on her hair, pulling her down so that she was lying on top of him. The steady beat of his heart thudded under her ear and he wrapped an arm around her waist while trailing his other hand up and down her spine.

“Elise, are you happy here? I know it’s only been a few days, and I’ve been so caught up in business that I haven’t given you the attention you deserve but... Is it okay? Is this working for you?”

Feeling the warmth of his body spreading through hers and the play of his muscles beneath her, Elise could only think of how right it felt to be pressed against him, to feel such closeness. She nodded. “Yeah, so far it’s been okay.”

“Good.” Kane rubbed his hand leisurely up and down her back. “You know, I was a bit nervous about this whole being mated business. I’ve never really had a family—a long boring story that I’ll tell you some day—but it’s something I’ve always wanted. I’ll give you fair warning, I’m not sure exactly how to be part of a small family unit. I know how to belong to a pack, but being close to just one person is a bit foreign to me. I promise I will do my best by you, though.”

Elise lifted her head and looked down at Kane. He seemed vulnerable at that moment, not the self-assured Alpha that had faced a large crowd a few hours earlier. “I know you will,” she whispered softly, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

“I think I’m going to like this.” He replied half teasing, but she could see the sincerity in his eyes. “It will be nice to just be myself around someone and not always the stern, oh-so-wise Alpha.”

“Somehow, I think the Alpha part isn’t going to disappear simply because we’re alone.” She chuckled softly as she tried to picture Kane being an ordinary, run of the mill person.

Kane seemed to consider the point. “You’re probably right. When I became Alpha, I could almost sense a change within myself, like a set of extra dominant chemicals or genes were suddenly set free within me. I’m trying to remain calm and impartial, but I find myself having to rein in my temper when someone opposes me.” He gave a rueful smile. “I guess the old instincts will always be there.”

“It’s who we are. Yes, we’ve evolved and become more civilized over the years, but on some level the wolf mentality will always be a part of us; it’s our heritage.” Elise said simply.

“You’re pretty wise for one so young.” He kissed the tip of her nose.