Page 5 of Cruel Alpha Bully

Chapter 3 - Gina

My body feels frozen in place. I can’t move, and I don’t even know if I’m breathing. My ears start to ring, and my vision blurs—I’m definitely not breathing. I try to take a deep breath, but my chest is too tight.

They are all staring at me, even Bae. The one pointing at me is Carson, probably the oldest pack elder there is. He’s always in charge of official business like this. I can see he is very carefully trying to keep his eyes locked on mine and not look down.

I can’t focus on the others, who still have their hoods pulled up. I know they are facing me, though. The underbrush is thick, but I have no idea if it’s covering me or not.

I force a gulp through my throat, trying to take at least one full, deep breath. Slowly, my eyes turn back towards Bae. He’s standing there like a magnificent, gilded statue, the late afternoon sun turning his hair into a shimmer of pure gold.

As we look at each other, the entire world narrows down to his eyes. I can’t fathom his expression. I have no idea how he feels about this, and I sure as hell don’t believe it. Not yet, anyway. I have bigger problems right now than the pack deciding I’m Bae’s one true mate.

I’m naked in front of five men, and one of them is Bailey!

My cheeks are going red, and now I’m breathing hard and fast, which isn’t helping the dizziness at all. Sweat starts to run down my sides, even though the wind is cold. I wasn’t aware of how high up the mountain I’d come until now. Up here, the air always has a hint of ice.

It feels like we have all been standing and staring at each other for an eternity. I can’t help but wonder how many minutes have actually ticked by. Someone has to move, I know that for sure.

What exactly is the next step in a mate-naming ritual?

The thought of us consummating the union right here and now in front of the pack elders enters my mind, and my blush deepens to red-hot points on both cheeks. I don’t know if I’m dying of mortified shame or extremely turned on.

Maybe I can start moving backwards—just slowly, step by step—and get away from the circle. It seems like a good plan, one I’ll definitely attempt as soon as I can feel my legs.

Before I get a chance to try, Bailey begins to move towards me. I’m so shocked, I actually jump a little. My heart pounding up into my throat only worsens my confusion.

I’m naked. I’m fucking naked, and he’s walking towards me!

The light of day, the icy wind, and the stares of these men are touching me in places no one but me has ever seen. As the shock drains away, my eyes fill with tears and my knees tremble.

This is too much, it’s all too much. Why is he walking over here?

I try to cover myself with my hands, but there’s no possible way I can. I look up at Bae as he approaches, my eyes stinging with tears and my lip trembling as I try to meet his gaze.

With one smooth movement, he sweeps the cloak from his shoulders and wraps it in his hands. A gasp escapes my lips as I see his magnificent body revealed, lit by the setting sun.

Why does the light always follow him?

I’m caught, my gaze trapped, and I can’t look away. Big, muscular shoulders, flat belly, wide chest... and a very impressive cock.

I can’t stop staring, even though I’m a hundred times more embarrassed than before.

Then I realize that Bae is standing between me and the other men. I can’t see them now, and that means they can’t see me, either. I start to relax immediately, even though I’m still strung tight with nerves.

“Back off,” Bae growls, looking over his shoulder. “Don’t even think about looking at her.”

Disbelief crashes through me, more shocking than the shame.

He’s protecting me?

Bailey gathers the cloak in his hands and holds it out to me. He is looking only into my eyes as if by extreme effort. I’m amazed and relieved by his restraint since I know I’m going to have to get closer to grab the robe.

Then his gaze slips down. He’s much closer now, and the few bushes I’m standing behind don’t do much to cover me. I’m panting like a trapped weasel as he looks me up and down. I can see his pupils dilate, and he starts to take deep, excited breaths.

His hands twitch, and his tongue creeps up to the edge of his bottom lip. I try to deny it, but it looks like he’s getting aroused... by looking at me!

The shock runs through me like electricity, energizing my joints into motion. I take a very slow step back, my heart beating so hard, it’s all I can feel.

“Gina...” Bae whispers softly. His voice weaves with the wind and carries to me, caressing my skin. I can feel the promise of his touch, and arousal stabs through me, fierce, sharp, and intense.

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