Page 61 of Rejected By the Alpha King

“My father’s crimes haunted me. I became a messenger, a spy, because I figured if I found out where my father’s loyalties lied and brought it to Maeve, she’d take me back. Then, I decided I didn’t want to be part of a pack. I just wanted to know. I never did figure it out, but I know what it’s like to be haunted by a father’s crimes. We’re different. They were different, but like I said before, I do want to be your friend. So when I ask you what you’re thinking about, know that I am asking as a friend and not because I swore my loyalties to Jax.”

“I’m thinking about staying,” Anna said softly. “And facing my fears.”

“And what do you fear?”

“You’re going to fear me,” Jax growled as he filled the doorway. “Unless you get away from my mate.”

27

Jax

I knew that nothing was happening here, but just like when we were in that cave, the idea of Finn and Anna made sense to me and drove me mad.

Unless I fucked Anna good, and soon, I very well could go mad.

“You have got to get a grip,” Anna muttered as she stood. Finn just flashed me a smile and stood as well. “Where do you want my bodyguard to be? Miles away?”

Yes.

My gaze moved down to the hand flexing by her side. There was a crumpled note in. My note.

“What are you doing here?” Anna asked as she shoved the note in her pocket. “Besides apparently spying on your spy.”

“Oh, he’s not my spy. Yet. But I do need a word with him.” I glanced around the apartment. I’d done all the clean-up work myself. It was only the second time I’d stepped into her apartment.

Both times, I’d hated every second of it. This was not where she belonged. She fucking belonged with me.

“Thank you,” Anna said softly. “For the new paint job.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Does it hurt to thank me?”

“Oh, fuck off. I guess I’ll be downstairs while you talk to Finn.”

“But,” Finn started as she turned and disappeared down the steps. “I’m supposed to be guarding her.”

“Bridget and Amaya are downstairs. They’ll protect her.”

Relaxing, Finn nodded. “What do you need, boss?”

Boss. Finn was mine. I knew that deep down in my bones. He might be my newest wolf, but he would not betray me. With Anna gone, my senses cleared, and I relaxed as well.

“I received an official call this morning. In five days’ time, all the alphas of TK will convene here with their witches. What happened to Irene has happened to others, although they were not as lucky. Maeve Frost knows you’re here. She’ll want to see you.”

Finn stiffened. “Think she’ll try to execute me?”

“No. You’re under my protection. She wouldn’t dare, but Maeve likes to play head games, and she doesn’t like that you’re mine. I could send you away, at least until they’re gone.”

“No, I won’t run.”

I didn’t think he would, but I had to extend the offer. “Anna will be in even more danger while they are here.”

“I’ll guard her, if you want.”

I cut him a dark look. “She needs friends. I appreciate you being one of them.”

Finn couldn’t help but grin. “It doesn’t matter if it’s me or another man. Or woman. You’re going to feel this way until you fix things with her. I know your role in Wisteria Woods was an act, but you are mated. Not many shifters turn their backs on their wolves.”

“My relationship with Anna is none of your business,” I growled.

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