Page 23 of Protected By Artemis

“I’ve been busy.”

She stared at him. “That’s not the truth.”

He gave her a look, half-amused and half-annoyed. “What do you mean?”

“Remember, I can sense when wolves are not being truthful?”

He sighed. “Okay, you got me.”

“So, what’s the real reason?”

He hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I guess…it’s not just about being busy. It’s more about not wanting to go through the motions with someone who isn’t right. I saw what my parents had; it was real, intense, and worth everything. I don’t want to settle for anything less.”

She nodded. “That makes sense. It’s better to wait for something real than to force something just for the sake of it.”

“I haven’t found a mate yet, and none of my previous bedmates were marriage material,” he sighed.

“Is finding a bedmate the same as finding a mate?”

“Not necessarily. It’s really just about sex.”

“And you haven’t tried to make a match with another pack, like with Geri?”

“No,” he sighed again, deeper this time. “That was different. Geri had always said she didn’t want to find a mate, so I thought a political match would be okay. But I was wrong. Good thing she didn’t end up with Asher.”

“I know, right?” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “That would’ve been too much trouble than what it’s worth.”

He grudgingly laughed. “Yeah, it would’ve been a disaster.”

She shifted slightly, resting her head on his chest. “So, you’re waiting for the real thing? A bonded mate?”

“I guess I am,” he admitted. His hand stilled from where it had been running through her hair. “It’s not easy being an Alpha without one. There’s a lot of pressure, but I want it to be right.”

“You’re supposed to have a family, too, right?”

“Yes, definitely. But having kids is something I’m looking forward to.”

Different emotions skated across his handsome face. Sensing it was time to change the subject, she decided to drop the topic. “So, what’s on the agenda for the alphas today?”

He glanced at the clock and then back at her. “We have a meeting this morning at ten thirty. Because everyone’s from the West Coast,” he pointed out with a hint of a smirk.

She smirked back. “Well, I got some food for you from the buffet,” she said.

“You did?” he said, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Yeah,” she said with a shrug. “I was bored and needed to do something.”

“Alright, let’s see what you think is a proper breakfast.”

She happily got up from the bed, tugging him along to the living room. “Come on, slowpoke,” she teased, glancing back at him with a grin. “We’ve got a day to conquer.”

“Alright, alright. I’m coming,” he grumbled.

The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the living room. She released his hand and gestured to the assortment of food. “I tried to cover all the bases. We’ve got some fresh fruit, yogurt, bacon, eggs, and pastries. Oh, and coffee, of course.”

He reached for a piece of bacon, took a bite, and nodded approvingly. “Not bad. You’ve got good taste.”

“Of course I do,” she said, winking. “I’m a goddess, remember?”

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