Page 9 of The Accidental Assassin's Mate

The others all looked to each other, as if having a silent conversation.

“So, what is it? Are you trusting me as a member of your team—trusting that I’ll keep everyone safe and that my mate won’t harm anyone? Or are you telling me you don’t trust me and I’m not worthy of your team? In which case, the two of us will leave and never return.”

“You can’t do that,” Tyrus said, grabbing the back of his neck.

The others nodded, even King.

“You will supervise him— and will stay at the cabin,” someone whose name I didn’t know said. “You’ll make sure that he’s never anywhere alone unless he’s with one of us.”

“Not gonna happen.” Sutton’s hand tightened on my shoulder. The mating pull must have been really working on him. “He will be with me.”

“Then you know your responsibility. And for the record, when you’re teaching, there will be another one of us in there with you—at least for now.” I didn’t know what kind of classes my mate taught, but it made sense that king wanted to protect the children. I would’ve felt the same.

Sutton stood up and grabbed my hand. “Come with me. I need some air.”

And out of the office we went, into a very different unknown than I’d been facing since the day they set me free—but one with a much more promising destination.

Chapter Seven

Sutton

“You’re angry.” Raven’s statement struck me right in the chest.

“I’m not angry. I’m frustrated and concerned. That’s all.”

We walked toward the cabin on the outskirts of the team’s land. Raven kept his distance, the two of us no longer holding hands, but there were waves of need pouring off his jackal. He reached for my bear over and over.

Whatever the other alpha did to him must have been brutal.

“With me?”

Damnit. I should’ve pre-empted that question. “No. Of course not. Not with you. Why would I be frustrated with you? I just met you.”

“Because I’m clearly screwing this up. Screwing up your plans.”

King caught up with me and handed me both of my duffle bags and some to-go plates of food. Raven took the food from me, practically salivating.

The lion spared no glance at my omega.

“Let’s get to the cabin and talk.”

We finally arrived and, while the team intended this as some kind of punishment or confinement away from the others, I was happy. My bear was thrilled. A cozy cabin away from the others where I could get to know my omega and learn all his ways didn’t sound like retribution to me.

Once we were inside, I took stock of the place. A double bed, small bathroom. A kitchenette. Everything a person would need to stay for a while.

He shut the door behind us, and I abandoned my bags on the bed while he put the plates on the tiny table for two.

“Come here,” I said, opening my arms.

“Are you sure?” he asked even though his form swayed toward me.

“I’m sure. No matter what the others think, you are mine, little jackal. I’ll never hurt you.”

He let out a long sigh and then came over and accepted my hug. He pressed his nose into the center of my chest, taking in my scent. “How can something feel so wrong and so right at the same time?” He asked.

I pulled back, desperate to hear his story but also realizing he had immediate needs. “How about you eat, shower, and then we’ll talk.”

“I don’t have clothes,” Raven answered, shrugging. “All I have is what is on my back and they aren’t even mine.”

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