Page 33 of Understanding Fate

“If there was any way I could stay with you, I would. I’ll be there right behind you, and Dante will be flying in from Vegas on our other jet. You won’t be alone for long.”

“What about Ghost? Is he with the LLC? Is he going to be with me?” she asks, her voice only shaking a little.

“No, Firefly. He isn’t. He won’t be able to come with us, not that he would if he could. He hates the LLC.”

“So I’m on my own,” she says, and I realize she isn’t saying these things to me—she’s saying them to herself.

“Only for a few hours. Then, the entire pack council will be there to back you up, and Noah is the best lawyer around. He will find a way out of this. You can do this, Firefly. Don’t say anything to anyone or let anyone touch you.” I kiss her forehead, memorizing the way she feels in my arms, before grabbing her and taking her out of the room.

I swear if The Fates let anything happen to her…

Chapter 13

Bri

In the last three hours, I have felt every emotion imaginable: excited, entertained, happy, scared, angry, anxious, hopeful, loved, and now dread.

Hearing Cain tell me he loves me feels like a weight is lifted off my shoulders. We didn’t have all the answers to what the future would be, but we love each other, and that is a solid start.

As we walk to the elevator, I replay his words. Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t let anyone touch me. Part of me wonders if that is just because he’s possessive or if touching me gives them some kind of control, another question I’ll have to ask later.

When we step inside, a thought occurs to me.

“Can’t they use command on me?” I ask, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

A growl rolls out from the back of his throat.

“Not if they want to live. Command is supposed to be used by Alphas to control their pack. Not to order people to do things against their will, but it does happen. Avoid looking anyone in the eye for too long. It could be seen as a challenge. I aim to get you in and out of there as quickly as possible. I will be with you anytime I am allowed.”

His words reassure me as he squeezes my hand. The small gesture gives me the strength I need. I pull my shoulders back and exhale, letting out my nerves as the elevator door opens, and we step out into the lobby.

Cain steers me to our left to the waiting area, where three men and a woman are sitting in silence. Tension hangs in the air as we approach, pulling all of their attention.

Two of the men are in full suits. Due to the salt and pepper beards and the lines around their eyes, both appear to be in their forties. Their faces show no emotion, and they both rise as we approach, a short nod of acknowledgment to Cain, who tucks me behind him slightly.

The other two stand and walk to either side of us, the woman coming to my side and the man flanking Cain. Standing next to me, the woman looks petite, maybe five feet tall. Her jet-black hair is pulled back in a ponytail that’s pin-straight and shines when it catches the light, and her face is kind without being especially friendly.

“Gentlemen,” Cain says, his voice cold.

“Miss DelaCourt’s presence is requested at headquarters,” The older of the two says to Cain, ignoring the fact that I’m standing right here. “She will be taken to processingat central and held until the board decides her pack affiliation,” he finishes.

“Am I being arrested?” I ask, wondering how they have the authority to just take me. “Shouldn’t I have a lawyer or a phone call or something?”

Irritation fills the man's face before he addresses Cain again.

“Your Alpha has been notified. His hearing will be held tomorrow at noon,” he says, ignoring my question entirely and waving for his partner to take me.

“Understood,” Cain says next to me before he steps closer to the man, all humor missing from his face. “We will cooperate with this request. However, know that if anyone touches her while in your care, I’ll kill them. She’s mine. My Mate. My Fated.” The severity of his tone leaves no question that he’s deadly serious, and, for a moment, all the fight leaves me as my heart flutters at his declaration.

Feminism: who is she? I belong to him.

The man appears surprised for a moment and looks at me for the first time before he schools his features and nods once before turning to leave.

Okay. Show time. I can do this.

Cain’s lips lightly touch my forehead, and he squeezes my hand. When his eyes meet mine, I see he’s struggling to let me go without him.

“I’ll be fine, Candy Cain,” I whisper, pulling a small smile.

---