Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“That too,” he said reasonably. “I would never force a female. I think this is stupid, and I give you my word. The second I become Alpha of this pack, I will change those laws. They’re absolutely ridiculous.”
“Yes, they are,” she said.
They spoke a while longer, and she tried not to be insulted by the fact that he didn’t think she was good enough, or large enough, to stand beside an Alpha. Eventually, he took his leave.
“As a jackass, he’s not horrible,” she muttered once he was gone. She sat there for a moment longer, the thought settling fully.
Finally, Caidrik walked inside.
He didn’t knock. He simply entered, heat and the faint trace of steam clinging to him despite the warmth of the house. His presence shifted the atmosphere in the room immediately, making it dense and undeniable. His gaze found hers like it always did. He crossed the distance with unhurried confidence before taking the chair across from her as if it had always been his. “Your pack has some dumbass customs.”
She blinked once. “Exactly.”
The agreement landed harder than she expected, leaving her faintly off balance. She felt a small sting she didn’t fully understand and pushed it aside before it could show. “How could you call me a trophy?”
He cocked his head, studying her. “I didn’t call you a trophy. The book did. I was just using the language.”
“Yeah, but you said we were going to mate.”
“We are.”
She blinked again, slower this time. Sure, she might’ve been crushing on him a bit while he’d worked as her enforcer, and yeah, he was something to look at with that hard body, but he’d always been cranky. Oh, she’d felt his gaze on her but had figured it was part of his job. Nobody needed to know about those dreams of him naked that haunted her. She was a total dork when it came to males, and this one was more male than anybody she’d ever met. “Caidrik. You don’t even like me.”
“Sure, I do. I mean, you’re a pain in the ass, and this whole thing is stupid. But the pack needs a strong leader, and I like it here. I like the people. And I do like you.”
“You just called me a pain in the ass.”
His shoulders were seriously wide. “Doesn’t mean you’re not likable,” he said, unfazed. His attention shifted to the tea. “What is this?”
“Just drink it.”
He shrugged, picked it up, and tossed it back without hesitation, just like his brother had. “Huckleberry.” He considered the cup. “Tastes good. Thanks.”
She sipped as well before concentrating. “Now how about you take back your stupid claim that we’re going to mate?”
“I don’t think so.” His chin lowered. “What do you want for the pack, Nadia?”
She paused. He was the only one to ask her what she wanted. Or what she thought. “I want them to have a strong leader who protects them. We’ve been attacked too much lately.” She warmed to the subject. “Plus, someone forward thinking who’ll add farming land and let the younger wolves explore the world a little bit before coming home.”
“I want that, too.”
She poured him more of the tea since he seemed to like it. While tension rolled off all five of the contenders, and obviously they all wanted to get to the challenges, Caidrik seemed more relaxed and kicked back. “You don’t need me by your side.” Although, she wanted the job. Wanted to keep the Alpha position in her family.
“Not true. Your family gives the entire situation legitimacy and continuity.” He drank the second cup. Solomon would be so pleased.
She huffed. “I know why I want your brother dead. Why do you?”
Caidrik’s chin lifted. “That’s irrelevant and not worth worrying about. Just plan to mate me, and we’ll deal with the aftermath of my killing that bastard at a later date.”
So much for them being on the same page. “I don’t like you.” She knew it was a lie even as the words left her mouth.
“Yeah, you do.” Caidrik reached for her hand, unfolding her fingers easily with his larger ones. The contact sent awareness racing up her arm and settling deep in her chest, sharp and unwelcome, and impossible to ignore.
Her breath hitched before she could stop it. “Why would you want to mate me?” she asked, her voice warmer than she intended.
“I like this pack,” he said. “I like it here, and I can make it strong. The other contenders aren’t tough enough. And your bloodline makes it permanent. You’re needed.” His gaze stayed on hers. “Plus, you like it here too.”
“I do,” she admitted. “I love it here, but I won’t be forced to mate anyone.”
His hand was unbelievably hot around hers. “You already agreed. That means it isn’t forced.”
“Don’t get logical with me,” she said. “You know how stupid this is.”