Page 3 of Wilde Beta

“We've suggested she goes with you and stays with Adam for protection. She's hard to convince. Our easy victory against the pack makes her think they're not a threat," Joey explained.

“They will watch and wait. Eventually, they will get through our security," Naqi observed.

Adam was sure of it, too. Patience paid. He had learned that over time because he'd had none, and what he had done put his pack through hell. It made him wonder if his people would ever forgive him. Things were much better, but it wasn't because of him. It was because of Trev. His brother knew what to do in any situation, and he wanted to learn that same skill. Could he? Would he ever manage to claim his mate?

“They are far from home. Where are they staying?” Adam asked.

“Most of the pack are probably hiding in the woods while the alpha found a better place to stay," Naqi admitted.

“I see," Adam admitted.

He didn't see why the alpha would hide in luxury while his men suffered in the snow. It would be easy for Naqi’s people to target them and take them out one at a time. The male who ordered the attack doesn't deserve to be an alpha. Someone should take the position from him.

Adam was sure either of his brothers could win against him, but he wasn't sure he could. His fighting skills did not equal those of the others, but if he needed to fight, he would die to protect his mate.

Why wouldn't Mel just go into hiding for a little while? He was confident the alpha who was after her and his pack could not wait around for long. Luxury motel rooms, especially in this area, were costly.

"Look who decided to join us," Janie said.

Adam glanced up, and Mel stood there looking at them. Why had she come down? Was she ready to join with him? If only he could believe that was true. According to everything the other males had said, she would not give in so easily.

“I took some time to think about your suggestion and realized I am putting you in danger by being here. I tried to come up with someplace that I might hide. For now, the best possibility is at Janie's," Mel admitted.

Everyone looked shocked. No one thought Mel would give in so easily.

“Why is everyone looking so surprised? I can be logical and think things through. Only an idiot would rush into a quick decision without thinking about it," she observed.

“I think you are making a good decision," Joey offered.

“It will definitely make things harder on them if they decide to try to attack you there," Naqi said.

“That is my thought as well. But I'm still unwilling to share a room with anybody," Mel added.

Adam tried to be happy. At least he would be able to see her every day, and maybe she would figure out he wasn't so bad. Adam could support her, and he was learning a lot about how to be better with others. Once she saw that, wouldn't she want him?

He wished he knew more about females, especially human ones. He was sure that a female wolf would not be giving him the grief that Mel was. The problem was Mel was his, and no one else was.

The meal was wonderful, and he was full. Sitting back, he watched Mel as she picked at her food. Maybe the others thought she wasn't afraid, but he saw she was. Mel just didn't want anyone else to know, but she couldn't hide it from him.

Everyone finished their meal and got to the business that had brought them there. They unloaded several pieces of furniture Joey had ordered. Adam was sure some were for gifts. Maybe one of those gifts would even reach the white wolf.

He couldn't imagine the white wolf actually owning a piece of his furniture. Adam supposed it didn't matter because he would never know where the furniture ended up. That was the case most of the time unless someone made an effort to write a review or comment on their Facebook page. Mel may know where the furniture was going and share it with him. He was also curious about where the pieces people bought would go. When he was young, he lived in his grandfather's house, a wonderful home. There had been many pieces of old furniture that were considered antiques.

People always commented on how furniture was made in those days when people were truly craftsmen. That was how he wanted to be known. He discovered his talent at a young age, but his family did not want him to pursue it. They said it was fine as a hobby, but a future pack alpha didn't need to be making furniture. It seems they were wrong. You could be a pack alpha with another job or a successful business. He intended to do that, and his business would help his pack. Protecting his mate would be his priority, but it wouldn't be all he would do.

“Mel, they've loaded the truck. It's time to get your stuff," Joey directed.

Everyone watched to see if she would change her mind. She didn't. Two suitcases sat in the hallway, ready to be loaded. It was an excellent deal for Adam. He'd heard most women traveled with more luggage. They could acquire more things if she needed them when they were settled. He hurried over to grab the suitcases and load them in Trev’s truck. Would Mel sit in the back with him? He had a feeling that she wouldn't. It turned out that he was right. She squeezed in the front with Trev and Janie.

He heard Janie whisper, "Coward," to his mate.

She turned red but ignored her cousin. Janie ended up leaning her head against her mate and falling asleep. He was sure Mel was bored. Soon enough, she leaned her head against the window and fell asleep. It wasn't long before they hit one of those terrible ruts on the dirt road leading to Janie's place.

The bump had to hurt. Adam hated Mel had to go through it, but she should have sat with him, and that wouldn't have happened. She could have leaned her head on his shoulder.

The trip was long enough that it was supper time by the time they arrived. All of them were hungry. Hopefully, there would be food left.

His mate would be safe here. Adam would ensure that. The rest of his pack would also help.

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