Page 10 of Wilde Beta

Adam's father was hard to understand. Trev had explained that none of the females were his true mate. He'd gotten close to them and even had children, but he had never gone through the mating itself. Maybe he had once long ago, and something had happened, and she was gone. Maybe losing his true mate changed him and made him the man he was. Only he knew what had happened, and they doubted he would ever tell. He had changed his opinion on many things and no longer wanted to find his father or find out how many families he had. The blame for what had happened now sat securely on his father's shoulders. Adam didn't want him dead anymore. He just wanted nothing to do with him.

He looked at Mel, knowing that if she accepted him, he would never want another. If they had children, he would never want to leave them. Adam would care for them as long as he lived.

“Come here and let me show you a hold. Once I have you secured, try to break it. Remember the rules: no biting," Adam explained.

He wasn't sure who was more surprised, Mel or him when she managed to break the hold.

“That is very good. Remember, you can also stomp on someone’s foot, but it will not work if they are wearing heavy boots. In that case, they will not feel it at all.

Adam had to admit that he enjoyed the training because he got to touch his mate. She didn't seem to mind, but she didn't show the same enjoyment that he felt when they touched each other. They continued to work until her stomach made a loud growling noise.

“I believe that is a sign it may be lunchtime. If you are hungry, we can go upstairs and see what is available," Adam suggested.

“I could eat," Mel replied, even though it was apparent that she was starving.

He led the way upstairs, and as soon as he opened the door, the aroma of cooking food hit his nose, and his stomach growled, too. They headed upstairs to eat. Lunch was a crazy affair, and they had visitors. These were unknown wolves, and he wasn't sure why they were there. One of the males kept staring at his fated mate. It was something Adam was not going to allow to continue. Mel didn't even seem to notice.

“Why are you staring at my woman?” Adam asked.

“I see no sign that she is claimed. She is beautiful. So why wouldn't I stare at her?” The male asked.

“Is there a problem?” Trev asked.

“He doesn't like me staring at the woman over there. She is unclaimed, which makes her available," the male answered.

“Stephen, we are not here to claim females. Do your job and do not worry about whether females are available," another male directed.

Stephen looked unhappy, but his eyes turned away from Mel. Adam wasn't fooled. He knew it wouldn't be long before Stephen would stare at Mel again. Adam needed to claim his fated mate, but even that might not stop others from wanting her. The only comfort he could take was that Mel was not looking back at the other male. Her eyes showed no interest when she looked at the one called Stephen. Adam knew he needed to claim her, but how could he do that when she resisted?

He wondered why the strangers were there and hoped to find out soon. Everyone began to eat. Adam realized everything would be explained after they ate. The food was good, and when all the places were empty and put away, he and the others began to look around. Who was going to explain this? It seemed Trev was.

“We will be having a meeting with our guests. Everyone in a leadership position will be present. That includes the betas and Mel," Trev announced.

Why would his mate be there? Who were these people, and why had they come? Adam was sure they would be going to the meeting room nearby.

He was right. They all trooped in and grabbed seats. The room was nearly full, with only a few places to sit.

“Now that everyone is in here, I will explain. The council has sent some representatives for extra protection and to determine who the transgressors are," Trev explained.

Having the council president present was generally not a good thing. They tended to get involved when they shouldn't and take actions that weren't needed. Adam might not know much, but he did know that. Looking around the room, he suspiciously eyed all those he did not know. The one that was interested in his female was the one he looked at most closely. He thought he could win in a challenge and suspected he might soon find out.

“I worked for the council as an investigator. The others with me are my team. We are here to help. The pack attempting to take Mel, the white wolf, seems to be from Mexico. They were told to back off, but they are not listening. It is a very wealthy pack, and they have resources you may not," one of the males explained.

“Who are you?” Mel asked.

“My name is Richard Burlington. We are here to ensure you weren't injured during any attempt to abduct you.”

“How did you know I was here?” Mel asked.

“We have been watching you and saw you leave the other pack house and head here," Richard said.

“Were you watching me the last time the pack attacked to abduct me?” Mel asked.

“We were," Richard replied.

“And yet you didn't assist us?” She wondered.

“We would have, but the other pack turned and sprinted away," he declared.

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