Page 51 of Thor's Unexpected Mate

Everyone was quiet but nodding enthusiastically.

“And,” he added. “If I come back alive–” He reached over, taking me by the hand. “I will take this human man as my mate.”

I could’ve heard a pin drop in the room as everyone inhaled sharply and went silent. There was a long pause before I heard the rustle of clothing beside me.

“I can accept that,” Baldr said at last, getting to his feet. “Who else accepts those terms? Freedom from Tyr for the happiness of our Alpha!”

Several wolves got to their feet. Then more and more. Eventually the entire room was standing, their hands raised in solidarity. Loki, however, was the only person that remained seated. Thor took note of him, sighed, and nodded to the crowd.

“Then it shall be done.”

Chapter Twenty-One: Flynn

“What are you doing?!” I cried the moment we were alone inside my suite. “You’re just gonna go and fight this asshole to the death because the pack is upset?”

“I have to,” Thor sighed. “What other choice do I have?”

“Send someone else to do it!”

He shook his head. “That’s not how this works, Red. An Alpha is the leader of his pack, the one that nourishes and cares for all the wolves inside it. It’s him that walks into the most danger first to protect the others.”

“And what if you don’t come back?!”

Thor was silent for a moment. “Then… I will have died doing what was necessary to protect my pack.”

I threw my arms up in the air, totally flabbergasted by his answer. “So, what about me then, huh? Once you’re dead I just fuck off and forget about you?” I grabbed him by the arm, yanking him close. “If I lose you… I’ll never be the same! I’ll spend the rest of my life thinking about you, mourning your death. Is that what you want to do? Doom me to a life of grief?”

“Of course not…”

“Then why are you doing this?!” I yelled, pounding my fists on his chest. “And why do I fucking care so much?! For fuck’s sake! We just met and already I can’t imagine spending a day without you! If you left me here by myself… I'll never recover!”

He reached up, cupping the side of my face. “That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“It’s not supposed to be sweet! I’m furious with you!”

“I know,” he nodded, leaning down close. “And I love you for it.”

My body stiffened at his words as he pulled me into a soft kiss. He loved me? Already? After just a handful of days? How could that even be possible?! That was fucking bonkers and stupid and idiotic and…

“I love you too,” I replied as he pulled away from me, the words slipping out before I could help myself. “I… I know I shouldn’t but… but I do.” I stared up at him, tears forming in my eyes. “I’ve never felt anything like this before. I… I feel crazy.”

“You’re not crazy,” he smiled. “That’s just how the mate bond works. It hits you hard and fast, leaving you spinning and reaching for solid ground.” He leaned close, his lips against my ear. “But I’ll let you in on a secret. If you just close your eyes and give in, let it sweep you up, then you’ll experience something incredible.”

“What if I’m scared?”

“Then know I’m right here at your side.” He pulled back, looking me dead in the eye. “I’d do anything for you, Red. Anything. I’d give my life to protect you.”

“Will you breed me?” I asked before I could stop myself.

Thor stared at me for a long moment. “I… I don’t want to do that to you,” he said, shaking his head. “Mating would mean a nearly telepathic connection between us. If something happens to me when I go after Tyr… you’ll… you’ll feel all of it.” He gave me a good hard look. “You’ll feel me die. I don’t want you to feel that.”

“And if something happens to you, which it won’t,” I added. “Then you’ll have denied me that connection with you and I’ll have to spend the rest of my life wondering what it might’ve felt like.”

“Flynn…”

I reached out, grabbing his face with both hands and forcing him to look at me. “Breed me, Thor,” I insisted. “I want that closeness with you. Even if it’s only for one night.” I kissed him softly on the lips. “I want to be everything I can for you.”

“But if I do come back,” he said softly, his blue eyes filled with affection. “Then that means we’ll be connected for life. Are… Are you okay with that?”

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