Page 111 of What a Wolf's Heart Decides

“Mom.” Ben’s voice was equal parts embarrassed and afraid.

Smart. Glenna was scary. And something told Haley she wouldn’t hesitate to smack down her own son if it meant grabbing power.

Haley swung her gaze to Bard, who still watched Sabine. He said nothing, just stared at the dark-haired woman, the intense emotion still burning in his eye. For her part, Sabine seemed oblivious, her almond-shaped eyes on Glenna as Bard watched her with absolute—

Hatred.

The realization hit Haley like a slap.

Bard hated Sabine.

“He has a rare Gift.” Glenna’s sharp voice intruded, pulling Haley’s attention back to her.

“I’m sorry, what?”

Glenna narrowed her hazel eyes. “Beggars can’t be choosers, Haley. You won’t do any better.”

“Mom,” Ben said.

“Shut up, Benjamin.”

Haley almost choked on outrage. Unbelievable. This woman was still playing matchmaker?

Also, beggars?

She mustered as much politeness as she could. “I’m not really interested in a relationship right now.” And even if I was madly in love with your son, I’d commit to a life of celibacy before having you as a mother-in-law.

“Oh, really?” Glenna dropped her gaze to Haley’s bare legs, and her eyes glinted. She inhaled a slow, deliberate breath. Then she met Haley’s stare. Her lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Getting to know our Alpha better, are we?” She tipped her head to the side, her blond ponytail swinging. “He’ll never mate you. I hope you know that.”

Humiliation washed over Haley, and she resisted the urge to tug the jacket down her thighs. Of course they all knew what she and Bard had done. They could smell it. Did they think she made a play for the Alpha? She couldn’t help but look at Bard. Why didn’t he shut Glenna down? But still he said nothing, his gaze locked on Sabine.

Haley lifted her chin. No matter. She was used to doing things on her own. “I don’t want to mate him.”

“That’s fortunate,” Glenna snapped. She tossed Bard a scathing look. “Because we don’t do matings in Elder Lake. Our Alpha won’t allow it.”

“Mom.” Ben’s voice took on a new urgency.

Glenna continued, her tone dripping acid. “No matings or births in ten years.” Her eyes lightened, and her voice fell an octave. “All because Bard Bennett refuses to let this territory thrive.”

Ben moved to his mother’s side and tried to take her arm. “Let’s go.”

She shrugged him off then swung toward Bard, her voice wavering between human and beast. “You have failed us! You’ve failed this territory!”

Somewhere in the conservatory glass shattered.

Haley jumped and looked around wildly. The stupid cake box was still under her arm. She tossed it on the ground.

“You are not your father, Bard Bennett!” Glenna advanced on Bard, but he didn’t even look at her.

Haley’s heart raced. Sweat dripped down her back. Things were happening too fast. She started toward Bard.

More glass shattered, this time overhead.

She stopped and ducked.

Ben pulled at his mother’s sleeve.

She rounded on him, her eyes wholly Turned, the irises so otherworldly blue they cast shadows on her face. “You should do it. Challenge him!”

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