Page 25 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate

“At least I’m sweet.”

I teased another kiss, barely allowing our lips to clasp. “Go home, Robyn. And don’t go anywhere until I say so.”

Authority oozed from my command, a definitive way to send Robyn into brat mode if memory served well. Her vision sharpened as her chin tilted forward, deepening her glare. I expected lip. I expected pure spite to shoot from her mouth in the form of verbal knives. Her lips parted as she took a breath, preparing for the rebellious speech to begin.

She blinked once, slowly. “Yes, Sir.”

Chapter 8 - Robyn

Why were Mondays the worst day of the week? I didn’t much care for the day, nor did I get much value from realizing it was Monday. Mondays used to be a blessing during my temp work days. I always saw Monday as the hopeful sliver after a long weekend busting tables.

But today, that wasn’t true. I didn’t like how my mother dumped some creep from the Bitterpelt Furs on my doorstep along with my Alpha. Both had waltzed into my home like it wasn’t our initial meeting. They had taken over my kitchen table with teacups and manly conversation while dismissing my child every time she tried to come into the room and join the conversation.

IhatedMondays. They were just the worst.

Sydney fiddled with her doll in the living room. I pitied her uncertain stance, the way she kept scratching her head and checking in on me. I waved her over with a smile and pulled her into my lap. She turned her face into my bosom and wrapped her arms around my waist.

Across from me sat the Bitterpelt bachelor—Roger was his name—perched with a teacup in a saucer and his hands folded in his lap. He was tall, lanky, and pale-eyed with a textured blue that could have been nice on a kinder face. He cast a glance or two in my direction but mostly paid attention to Bill.

“Our import/export program is excellent for entry-level learning,” Bill explained, “which you’ll be expected to take on some kind of long-standing job with the pack to remain a member.”

Roger motioned to me. “What about the inheritance?”

“That is for Robyn to handle.”

“But I’ll be the man of the house, right?”

Bill laughed. “You’ll be sure to share the title with me, of course.”

Roger chuckled uncertainly. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Parks?”

“Robyn is a valuable member of our pack,” Bill explained while gesturing tenderly to me. “She’s a prized member, truly. She’s been with us since our inception—her bloodline dates to the beginning strands of the Wildtooth family.”

The Bitterpelt bachelor raised his brows in shock. “That old, huh? Impressive.”

I wasn’t a fan of his pasty skin or the sweat that kept trickling down his temples. He was up to something, like most of the men that came in here. Other than the glances, his focus had been locked on my Alpha.

“You’ll be expected to serve in our military as well,” Bill continued, “for we need every capable body to defend our territory.”

“Are you going to war?”

I rolled my eyes.Nope. Our battles are definitely fought within our walls.

Bill touched my shoulder, startling me. Sydney jumped as well, snorting when she lifted her head from my breast. Drool clung to her cheek along with a lock of hair.

I smiled politely at the men. “Let me put her down for her nap. I’ll be back in a shake.”

“Make sure she gets Mr. Charles.” Bill bounced from his chair with sprightly energy into the living room to grab mydaughter’s favorite ragged bunny. “Here you go, sweetheart.” He kissed her forehead. “Night, night.”

It took all my strength not to cringe. This was just unusual for him. In front of anyone else, Sydney barely existed to him. But to this stranger who offered stability in the form of my inheritance coming to this pack, well, he was the shining example of a doting Alpha. That must have been appealing for a guy like Roger, who was totally spineless.

My daughter deserved better. She deserved her own father. Cliff belonged here with her. Maybe I didn’t get along very well with Cliff, and maybe I wasn’t sure how to manage my feelings about him, but I was a good parent—and a good parent always put their child first.

I smiled tightly once more before heading to the stairs. Behind me, I heard my Alpha go on about how Roger would be a precious addition to the pack. Their voices faded as I went to the second floor and tucked Sydney into her princess bed.

She yawned as she stretched her arms. “That’s not the funny man.”

I chuckled lightly. “The funny man won’t be here until later.”

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