“We will stand by you alpha.” Valerio said suddenly. He was the hybrid that had joined my pack recently. He was a big help when Lucy had went missing, he was also able to confirm that Austin had been under a powerful spell.
The boy was grateful to finally belong somewhere and I still believed that I’d done a great deed by bringing him into our family. for now, I had someone that would stand by my side when I wanted Eden to stay with me and rule next to me.
To my relief, everyone else soon agreed with him as well, even Jake who still didn’t seem pleased nodded his head to help.
I smiled. “Thank you,” I said. “I don’t know the details of our plan as yet but there will be one soon. Everyone must prepare for a great fight, one bigger than our fight with Ariana’s father.”
I stayed back a little more to discuss everything. Lucas had made sure to show his support throughout the entire thing and I was thankful that he was here.
Later that night I got home and dropped onto my bed with a loud thump.
I closed my eyes and thought of the beautiful green eyes that had already made a place in my memory and my heart. I remembered the way Eden’s lips parted when I had touched her, remembered the rush to my shaft by just the scent of her sweet arousal. The scent had filled my nostrils and it had taken all of my self control not to take her against the tree, deep in the forest.
I was suddenly hit with an irresistible, strong aroma that awakened all of my senses all at once.
I froze.
My mate’s scent.
I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I couldn’t get enough of the intoxicating scent.
She was definitely here.
f**k.
I wanted her so f*****g much that it hurt.
It was already starting…
***EDEn***
As I walked into the palace, the first thing I saw was James at the top of the stairs, watching me. I felt my body tremble with desire at just the sight of him. The heated look in his eyes completely held me in place, for a moment I couldn’t even move an inch. I quickly looked away, however. My brothers had explained to me how important it was that I stayed away from James during my stay here.
Even I found it weird that Hunter had agreed to let me stay here. The way he’d spoken, the questions he’d asked, it made me believe that he surely knew about my mate.
So why would he let me go on my own without the protection of the council?
They’d made sure I remained a virgin, completely untouched. All of that had been saved for Hunter. In fact, the closest I’d been with a man was in the woods with James.
I knew it was completely normal that I wanted to be held only by him, he was my mate after all. But it hurt to think of another man touching me. That was something I knew I would have to eventually get used to and I wasn’t sure I would be able to live through that.
Without even realizing it, my eyes were on my mate again.
I forced my gaze away from James once more as Lucy rushed to my side with a bright smile on her face. She was glowing, the kind of glow that a woman only achieved when she was pregnant and happy. Her baby bump was growing at an alarming rate, but that was normal for werewolves. “I’m so happy that you’re finally here and away from that dreaded place!” She cried before wrapping her arms around me.
I returned her hug, happy to be in her embrace. Having not seen my sister in years and finally being able to be around her was a blessing I didn’t know would ever come.
Austin, her mate and husband took my hand in his. There was an edge to him, it told me that he was worried about something. He must be concerned about James, I could already see it in his eyes that he wasn’t going to sit back and just watch while I was here. James wanted me and he didn’t hide it, he was determined to have me. So, it made sense that Austin would be worried, the safety of his brother would constantly be on his mind.
“It’s a pleasure to have my mate’s sister here with us,” he said as he let go of my hand.
I smiled, “thank you for having me.”
I stole a glance at James once more and held my breath at his penetrating gaze. The man had the power to make me feel things I’d never once experienced before. But more than anything, I loved how much he wanted me. He wasn’t afraid to show it, not to his family, not to the council, not to anyone.
That thought completely warmed my heart. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a mate that fought for me, to have someone that loved me unconditionally. I let myself dream of these things even though I already knew that I could never have a mate.
What hurt more than anything about my contract marriage to another man was to know that James was the mate chosen for me. He was perfect, everything I’ve ever wanted in a male. He possessed all of the qualities that I admired, I knew this without even having to spend a decade with him.
Someone cleared their throat and it was only then that I realized I’d been staring at James the entire time.
I tore my gaze away from him to see Lucas grinning at me. The younger brother was a splitting image of both Austin and James.
“Well this is awkward,” he noted. My cheeks flushed at his words. I’d definitely been caught in the act, if anyone was watching, I’d already failed the test. It was only a few minutes since I’d arrived and already I couldn’t look away from James for even a few seconds without turning back to him.
Lucy looked as though she was trying not to laugh.
“You’ll get used to Lucas, trust me.” She teased as she playfully hit his arm.
He grinned at her. “I always knew you liked me since the very beginning.”
“Lucas.” Austin growled, annoyed by his comment.
He held up his hands and grinned. “What? I was only speaking the truth.”
He grabbed a bowl of nuts from the table as he waved at us, walking backwards. “I’ll see you guys later, enjoy!” He shouted as he continued to wave.
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