Page 9 of Forced Pregnant Mate

Chapter 4 - Jack

The back room of Gladys’s diner is so warm, I’m having trouble focusing on the conversation. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Even the strong coffee served up by Decker’s mate isn’t enough to wake me up properly.

Listening to Bailey negotiate with Decker, I’m more nervous than I should be, especially after only a few hours of very restless sleep. The place is nice, and the pack is welcoming, but I hadn’t really considered the fundamentals of marriage too much until last night.

Three other pack elders are here with Gladys and Decker: Nash, Rob and Belle. I met them all during the peace talks last year. So far, they haven’t said much, just listened as the alphas discuss the benefits of a marriage alliance.

“I’m very pleased that you’ve agreed to our offer,” Bailey says, smiling. That full-on, star-quality charisma he’s always had never fails him, and I can see the others getting dazzled by him. Bailey has impact. He’s a man people want to agree with.

“I’m very glad you suggested it,” Decker says, nodding. “I know that communication has been off the last few months, and I personally apologize for that. I want you to know you can call my private number at any time, and I will answer you. Even before this marriage, we have a pack bond, and I will honor it.”

Bailey nods, his face very serious. “I have heard… things. From my scouts. Is there any trouble in your pack you would like some help with?”

Bailey asks the question as lightly as he can, but I see Decker’s eyebrow twitch.

“There are indeed… issues,” Decker says, sighing. “I am happy to disclose every last detail to you, if you like. By suggesting this marriage, you have proved to me you want a strong alliance, and I want to give you one. Certain members of our pack have been letting us down lately, and we need to figure out what to do.”

“I’m more than happy to help,” Bae answers. “We can plan the wedding, and you can give me a rundown of these issues. Remember, we want a strong position in case the Sawpit Pack ever decide to move on either of us.”

“I believe their pack is very small and weak,” Belle announces. She’s a small, gray-haired woman with a steady gaze. “We should be in no danger from them.”

“Belle—” Decker starts. Baily raises his hand to quiet him.

“They appear small, but have large numbers—I’ve seen them with my own eyes. They are also not weak. They are extremely bonded and loyal to each other. Yes, I killed their alpha, but there were plenty of strong wolves there that could take his place. Make no mistake, they are fierce, and dangerous, and all of us should be well prepared in case they ever become desperate enough to attack.”

Belle nods slowly. “I would like to discuss this with you further. I want to make absolutely sure you do not intend to sacrifice us in defense if it comes to a fight.”

Bae smiles. “I will call in my wild scouts. They can give you some extra information about our fighting techniques.”

Belle nods, satisfied. Gladys gets up to organize more coffee and pie. I’m grateful for both—it’s very early, and we left Silver Meadows at the crack of dawn.

“How you doing?” Bae asks, leaning over to me. “You’ve hardly said a word.”

“There isn’t much to say,” I answer, shrugging. “It seems like you guys have it all figured out.”

Bae laughs softly. “Well. I can’t thank you enough for doing this. It looks like this was exactly what we needed to gain their trust. Hopefully, you’ll get to meet your bride today.”

“Yeah,” I whisper, feeling tension creeping through my body, knotting my muscles. Bae gives me a slap on the shoulder, then turns back to Decker, who is helping his wife bring out the pie and coffee.

Suddenly, the door on the other side of the room smacks open. It hits the wall with so much force, it sounds like a gunshot. Everyone jumps and swivels towards the door instantly. Bae leaps to his feet as if he’s ready for a fight.

At first, the figure by the door doesn’t really register. It’s just a dark shape, covered in a long, hooded rain slicker. The guy takes two steps forward, dragging someone behind him. I hear Decker gasp in disgust.

The guy in the doorway throws off the hood. My blood runs cold. I recognize him immediately. I could never mistake those sharp features and cold, flinty eyes.

This guy looks like he’s spent the last thirty years scowling.

“Peter,” Decker says softly. “What are you doing here?”

It’s still early, and my brain isn’t quite awake yet, but elements are starting to collide in my mind. I’ll never forget this asshole, and how he reacted when I caught him stacking illegal guns into one of his work trucks. I’ll also never forget how Bailey ordered me to stay away from the entire family because he and Decker dealt with the problem, and any interference from me could break the alliance.

Lena.

That’s why I was at this bastard’s house in the first place—to see her. Then I was forbidden to see her. I had to give up the one thing I wanted to protect her feelings and do my duty to the pack.

Lena.

There is a sharp cry as Peter jerks his arm forward and drags the other person into the room, shoving her ahead of him. I knew who it had to be, but seeing her is a shock that shakes my bones to the marrow.

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