Page 66 of The Alpha's Protective Mate

Adam steps forward. “So, this is the woman you’ve been pining over. Cynthia said you were upset, and I came by to check on you. A vampire, Robert? Are you serious?”

“It’s not as simple as all that.”

“It most likely isn’t,” my friend says calmly. “But surely you have an explanation as to why you’re involving yourself with a bloodsucker when you know we’re at war with them.”

“Let’s talk in the other room.” I don’t want him around Charlotte. He feels like a threat right now, and my wolf isn’t responding well to that. It wants to attack.

Fortunately, Adam doesn’t argue with me. I close the door behind us, and we head to the front of the cafe.

All the damage has been repaired. The team of experts I always have on call is wrapping up, and they nod at me as they leave. Once they’re gone, I turn to face Adam. “Alright. What do you want to know?”

“I want to know what the hell you’re doing with a bloodsucker.” Adam doesn’t lose his head, keeping his voice steady. That’s one of his best qualities: his unyielding patience. It’s what makes him such a good Alpha.

“She has no clan,” I begin, but Adam shakes his head.

“Doesn’t change what she is—”

“Adam…” I study my long-time friend and decide to tell him the truth. “My wolf wants her.”

The Alpha before me goes very still. “What does that mean?”

“You have a mate. You tell me.” I cross my arms over my chest.

Adam can’t seem to get any words out for a few seconds.

“She’s a vampire, Robert. Your wolf has no business being interested in something like her.”

“But it is.” I glance out the window at the dark night. “I slept with her. My wolf gave her the mating mark without my consent, but I can’t feel the bond. It’s desperately trying to claim her. I tried to stay away; I managed ten days before I cracked. I thought I would go insane.”

Adam looks shocked at my admission. “From what you’re describing, it sounds like a fated bond between wolf shifters. But that can’t be possible.”

“I know,” I say grimly. “It doesn’t make sense. But when I tried to move on, my wolf retaliated. I’ve never lost control of it before.”

“I have,” Adam says slowly. “When I met Cynthia. It was my wolf who forced me to give her the mating mark that same night. But my human side didn’t exactly put up much of an argument. Your situation is vastly different, though. Charlotte is the enemy.”

My wolf bristles.

“Her clan shunned her because she doesn’t have the same abilities as a vampire. She’s weak. Very weak, Adam. She’s not a threat to anyone. But she’s important to me. I won’t walk away from her.”

My friend watches me, his expression tense. “What do you know about her past, Robert? How do you know she’s not a spy?”

“I’ve done sufficient background checks on her. She’s not the enemy. I won’t offer any more information on her past. I know which clan she belonged to; I’m aware of her relationship with those people. Her own family tried to kill her tonight. Suffice to say, she is not a danger to us. And one more thing,” I say, holding Adam’s gaze. “I will protect Charlotte with my life. She’s mine. An attack on her will be considered an attack on me.”

Adam narrows his eyes at me. “Should I take that as a warning?”

My lips curve humorlessly. “In our world, Charlotte is as weak as a human. Perhaps even weaker. I forced my way into her life. And I plan to stay. She’s mine now.”

My friend looks at me thoughtfully. “You’ve got it quite bad, don’t you?”

When I don’t bother answering him, he sighs. “I trust you, Robert. And I trust your judgment. Your girl has nothing to fear from me or my pack. Besides, Cynthia was pretty worried about you, so she’s going to be relieved things have worked out. However, I would advise you not to let your guard down too quickly.”

I nod. He’s not wrong. I cannot let myself make every decision with my heart. I will still have to be vigilant.

“What about your pack?” Adam suddenly asks. “You know they’re never going to accept a vampire as your mate.”

“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” I admit, sighing. “But Charlotte is the first good thing to happen to me.” I meet my friend’s gaze. “When the time comes, I don’t know what decision I’ll make.”

Adam puts his hand on my shoulder. “I have a feeling you do. But whatever it is, you have my unwavering support. You’re my brother. If not in blood, then by our long friendship. I have your back, Robert. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

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