Page 22 of Kidnapped By the Alpha

“Absolutely not,” I said.

A bright smile returned to her face as we went outside to meet the wolves who would be joining us.

“Ready?” Killian asked as we approached the car.

“Let’s go,” I replied.

I opened the passenger door for April while Killian and three other wolves piled into the back seats of our black SUV. April sat quietly, appearing content as I drove to the address of the home that belonged to Alpha Nile Pinedale.

When we arrived, the street was lined with cars. The pack had clearly come out in force to celebrate with their alpha.

Before opening April’s car door, I pulled Killian aside.

“Remember, we’re looking for weaknesses,” I murmured softly. “Keep your eyes peeled and mingle with as many people as you can.”

Killian nodded and passed my instructions on to our companions while I helped April out of the car.

As we began walking toward the front door, I grabbed April’s hand, entwining our fingers together. She frowned at me in confusion.

“We’re newlyweds, remember?” I said.

Her questioning expression turned into a smile, and I felt my guilt creep back up. We needed to keep up appearances or we’d risk arousing suspicion, but I found myself increasingly uncomfortable with the position I was putting her in.

“You guys made it!” a voice boomed as we walked into the house. Through the packed hallways, I saw the trio of wolves we had already met heading toward us. Ashley pulled April into a hug when they reached us.

“I’m so glad you’re here! Who are your friends?” she asked, indicating Killian and the other two men.

“These are my husband’s childhood friends,” April answered.

She had stumbled slightly over the word “husband,” but I didn’t think Ashley had noticed. Even if she had, it could easily be explained by the fact that we hadn’t been married for long.

“I hadn’t seen them for a while, and since we were in the area, we wanted to have a night out with them,” I added. “I hope that’s alright.”

“Of course, we’re happy to have you,” Mike replied.

“Food is through there,” Terry said, gesturing to a room at the end of the hall. “There’s music and dancing in the backyard. Make yourselves at home!”

April grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the back of the house. I grabbed a drink as we passed through the kitchen, but I could tell she was searching for the music. When we got outside, a DJ had set up a table in the far corner. There were at least a hundred people moving around in groups. Some were sitting at tables along one side of the yard, but the majority were dancing in a large open space.

April immediately went to join them, joy on her face as she let loose. I was fascinated by how carefree she was. Shouldn’t she have been miserable? I had kidnapped her and taken her from everything she had ever known, forcing her to join my pack and my family. How did she manage to have fun in these circumstances?

Given I had no desire to dance, I found the tables were a much better vantage point from which to watch April and listen to the conversations around me. My attempts to eavesdrop were sidetracked by the attention I was paying to my mate.

As she danced, her hair brushed against her neck, and I found myself wondering what it might feel like to kiss her there.

I was eyeing her exposed shoulder and the line of her back when another man began to dance with her. He placed his hands on her waist and leaned in to whisper something in her ear. As she laughed in response, I leapt to my feet, striding toward the couple.

“April, a word,” I said tersely, grabbing her arm and leading her off the dance floor and back into the house.

“Jasper? What’s wrong?” she asked.

I continued walking up the stairs, finding an empty room where we could speak in private.

“You broke your word,” I said. “You promised to do as I commanded. I don’t think I gave you permission to dance with another man.”

Her face was incredulous as she listened to my speech.

“You’re kidding me, right?” she asked.

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