Page 15 of Alpha's Unwilling Mate

“I…” I paused, licked my lips and started again. “The last time I spoke with Rowan, we argued. I was mad, and I hung up on him. By the time I got here…he was gone.”

Bastion remained silent. His hand stroked softly along my belly. Maybe, it was his touch or the fact that I couldn’t see his face. Maybe, it was the silent way he listened. My mouth opened, and everything poured out of me.

“He wanted me to come home. He said I was needed here.” I shook my head. “I didn’t want to. He told me he was my alpha, and that no matter where I was, he’d always be my alpha. Then he commanded me to come home. I hung up on him. He called me back, and I ignored it. I went to bed mad, but I knew I’d head home the next day. Rowan must have needed something. He called me again the following morning. I didn’t answer.”

“Shh,” Bastion crooned, and it was then I realized I was crying.

I turned to him and let him wrap me against him while I sobbed. I’d never told anyone about the phone calls. Ivy knew about my final conversation with Rowan, but I’d kept the unanswered calls to myself. The guilt had been eating away at me.

“I knew your brother,” Bastion said, and I laid my head on his shoulder, staring up at him. “We met a few times. He was a good guy, a strong leader. I respected him. The last time we spoke was a few weeks before the accident.”

“What did you talk about?”

“You,” Bastion said and laughed. “He’d get a kick out of this.”

“Out of what?” I asked.

“Us,” Bastion said then continued before I could ask another question. “Your brother wanted to form an alliance between us. Not a merge the way your elders agreed to.”

“Why would my brother want an alliance?”

Bastion shrugged. “He didn’t say, and I didn’t ask. At least, not that question. I asked what was in it for me.” He sighed as if feeling guilty for that.

“I would have asked the same question,” I assured him. “What did Rowan say?”

“He said he knew a fiery blonde with big eyes, who could use a strong mate to keep her corralled.” Bastion laughed as I realized who Rowan had been talking about.

“He wanted us to mate?” I knew my face looked horrified, but it had nothing to do with Bastion or not wanting him as my mate. It was the thought of my brother trading me for an alliance.

“Your brother wouldn’t have given you without your consent,” Bastion swore. “You know that better than I do, I’m sure. I think he would have introduced us, given me the chance to see for myself how amazing you are. He was right about you.”

“How so?”

“It’ll definitely take a strong mate to keep you corralled. Luckily, I’m perfect for the job.”

I snorted and smacked his chest. “You think my brother was calling me home to meet you?”

Bastion shrugged. “I have no idea, Raina. There could be a million reasons why he wanted you home. Do I want to believe it was so we could meet? Yes, because it would feel as if we had his blessing. I know that would mean a lot to you. I know how important he was to you. How important he’ll always be.” He cupped my face. “I don’t have to be your alpha, but I am your mate. As such, I need you to listen to me, to talk to me. Don’t run from me.”

“I didn’t run from you. I ran from…everything. We just met last night. Now, we’re mated, and you’re giving me orders. I needed to breathe.”

“I’m not an easy man. I’m arrogant and demanding. As a mate…I promise I’ll never say or do anything to hurt you intentionally. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. I’m a male, and my sister tells me that makes stupidity inherent.”

I laughed. “I met your sister. She’s very smart.”

His lips twitched. “She’s a minx, but she means well.”

“She loves you,” I whispered.

“It’s what siblings do.”

I nodded. It was. Rowan had always kept me safe, and now, I had to wonder if he still watched over me.

“I think I’m going to love you, Bastion James.” The words left my lips and resonated inside me. His slow smile made my heart beat faster.

“I already love you, Raina James. You’ve been mine since the moment I saw you.”

“My name’s not James yet,” I reminded him, but I had to admit I liked the sound of it. Just as I liked the way he called me his.

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