Page 55 of The Renegade Mate

“I did, actually.” I raised my voice, wanting the Pack members around us to hear. “You want to be an Alpha. Alpha’s keep their word.”

“I don’t want to be an Alpha. I am an Alpha. And I’ll do what the fuck I please, and my Pack won’t just accept it; they’ll be happy they have me looking out for them.” Arrogance oozed from him as he shrugged, the satisfaction plain on his face. “Besides, I think I’d rather keep Sofia close by for now. Keep you under control.”

My fists clenched at my sides. Anger flared hot and fierce inside me, pushing back against the fear.

“You always were a fuckturd, Brock. I see that hasn’t changed.”

His laughter echoed around me, then before I could react, he lashed out with his fist, hitting the side of my head. I staggered back, but Brock wrapped his hand around my arm, his grip like a vise, as he punched me again and again. Stars danced across my vision. This was Brock making a statement in front of the Pack. I went down, the ground connecting painfully with my knees.

That was when I saw about fifteen enforcers emerge from the building behind Brock. They’d been lying in wait in case we’d hit the compound. Brock slammed his foot into my chest, sending me sprawling across the ground. As I tumbled, I saw Jase and Mason head toward me, murder in their eyes. I made sure I caught their eyes and shook my head. With his enforcers, Brock outnumbered Jase and Mason. There was no point in them dying here. Either Brock would kill me, or I was right, and he’d save it for a dramatic scene at the Pack Meet. Either way, I had to save Jase and Mason from a suicidal and futile attempt to save me now.

I saw Mason glance from me to Brock and then at his enforcers. I clocked the moment he worked out there was nothing he could do. The pain and frustration on his face almost broke my heart. He reached out and grabbed Jase, holding him back. Then, I had other things to think about.

Brock strode forward, grabbed my hair, and started dragging me back into the compound. I kicked out, twisting to try to get to Brock, but then two of his enforcers joined in, catching my legs and slamming their knees and fists into my body. It hurt, fuck did it hurt. Their fists pounded into me, the dull thuds ringing in my ears. Sharp pain erupted in my ribs, my thigh, my chest, as their blows landed. I took the beating, trying not to cry out, and then everything went dark.

Chapter thirty-two

Ryan

Islammed Mason against the wall. “How could you?” I snarled, my face inches from his. “How could you let her walk out of here and straight into Brock’s hands?”

Mason’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance igniting within them. “She’s my Alpha, Ryan,” he spat back, his voice laced with a stubborn loyalty that only infuriated me more. “We obeyed our Alpha. If you don’t like it, take it up with your mate.”

“My mate?” I said, my voice suddenly calm. I knew Mason realized this was even more dangerous than me yelling. “I would, except my mate is currently being held hostage by our enemies.”

Jase, standing nearby, shifted uncomfortably. “We had no choice. She insisted. You know what Mai's like when she gets something into her head.”

“That’s not good enough. You knew it was a trap. You knew what Brock would do to her.”

“It was her decision,” Mason said quietly. “She made her choice, Ryan.”

I stared at him, my breath ragged, my mind whirling. My heart was pounding with a fear I couldn’t control. Mason was right, and yet it did nothing to quell the rage streaming through me. I stepped back, dropping Mason, as the door slammed open, and Derek stormed into the room. His eyes were furious, and they locked onto me with an intensity that matched my own.

“You! How dare you! Asking Michael to lock me down. Are you out of your fucking mind, Ryan? Never, and I mean it, bro, never try to lock me down when my mate is in danger,” he growled, his voice low and threatening.

I snorted. “Your mate? Is that what you’re calling her now, Derek? After all this time, you're finally ready to acknowledge her?”

His face twisted in anger, and he took a step toward me, fists clenched. “Don’t question my feelings for her, Ryan. You know I’ve had my reasons. You had no right to try and keep me away.”

I stared into his eyes. “No right? I’m your Alpha—or did you forget Sam’s little speech about how Mai and I are the Pack’s only hope? I did what is right for you and for the Pack. You’re no good to us or to Sofia if your anger is clouding your judgment.”

“Like you can talk!” Mason butted in, and I wanted to throttle him.

“Stay out of this,” I ordered as I saw Jase backing away. He, at least, was being sensible and getting out of the way.

Mason moved between me and Derek. “You both think you’re the only ones who care about Mai and Sofia? Neither of you is in a fit state to rescue them right now.”

“Back off, Mason, before I put you down,” Derek growled.

“That’s enough!” Wally roared from the doorway. His voice cut through the room like a cold wind, instantly snapping us all to attention. His eyes swept over us, taking in the chaos, the anger, the fear.

“Enough of this infighting.” His voice was tight with controlled frustration. “You’re acting like pups squabbling over a bone, and it’s time to grow up.”

He stepped into the room, his presence filling the space.

“Mai and Sofia are in danger,” Wally continued, his voice calmer now but no less commanding. “We don’t have time for this. We need to be united, to be focused, and be ready to act.”

Wally turned to me, his eyes filled with determination. “Ryan, we need a plan. I know you want to storm the compound, but Brock and Tristan will be expecting that. We need to be smart, to think ahead.”

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