Page 82 of Can't Be Love

She sounded so certain that I wanted to smack the smirk off her face, but I knew Dad would never tolerate it. His wolf was barely holding on to sanity just with Jedidiah in our territory. Even I could feel his heightened stress.

So I smirked back at the audacious woman instead. “Actually, I won’t.”

Her brow furrowed. “I knew he wouldn’t go through with it,” she told her uncle. “Where’s your pretty little mate hiding, Thomas? She too scared to face me? Think you can bully her way out of the challenges? Well, think again.”

I smiled again. This one was a hothead. I filed that away to tell Lily later. “Actually, Lily is busy training and preparing for your challenge, and I have full faith my mate will defeat you and hold claim to her rightful place by my side. I was simply referring to us, of which there will never be an us under any circumstances.”

“When I beat your mate, you’ll have no choice,” she threatened.

“Actually, if you were to beat my mate, and I highly doubt that possible, you will assume her role within the Pack. You will have your title of Pack Mother, but you will never have the title of my mate.”

Dad glared at me as if I were a small child being warned to behave, but I brushed him off.

“It’s in the rules, Thomas,” she laughed. “You can’t deny me as your mate once I kill yours and take her place.”

I turned to Dad’s desk and pulled off the copy of the Book of Wolves I had borrowed from him the night before to study. It was already open to the page I needed.

“Section 8, clause 7 under mating challenges, clearly states that in the case of true mates amongst Alpha males, where a dominate wolf loses his mate and refuses to take another, the winning she-wolf will live side-by-side and assume her predecessor’s title, without expectation of mating. She will not have the option to take a mate, as it would cause conflict with the Alpha. This only occurs in rare occasions and is reserved exclusively for Alphas and future Alphas.

It’s all there, read it for yourself. I promise you, my wolf is strong. He’s aggressive, loyal, and very, very stubborn. There is zero chance that he or I will take another mate, ever. If Lily dies before our bond is secure enough to ensure I follow her in death, then my wolf and I will mourn her for the rest of our life. You can have your title, but I promise you it would be a lonely, empty life, and that’s only if you can actually defeat my mate, which I highly doubt. Consider your options, Wanda. The ball’s in your court,” I told her.

Dad’s face was somewhere between proud and shocked as he and Jedidiah set their differences aside for a moment and studied the Book of Wolves. I’d done my homework and I knew my rights and what stand I’d take, and I would make damn sure to let any she-wolf daring to threaten Lily, know it.

“You’re going to do what you feel you have to do, and so will I,” Wanda said. “You best enjoy your mate while you can, as she only has three days left to live.” She looked down at her watch. “Make that two and a half.”

I growled at her and felt my dad’s Alpha power press down on me, but my wolf didn’t want to concede to him.

“Jed, get her out of here. He’s getting stronger.”

Jedidiah’s eyes widened as he stared at me. “Wanda, come on, it’s time to go. You have a challenge to prepare for.”

“As if I’ll even need it,” she said sarcastically. “I already saw his little pink-haired Barbie doll. She’s no challenge for me.”

When the door was closed behind them, I was still seeing red. Dad amped up his power, which continued to do nothing more than piss me off.

“You will calm down, and you will concede,” he said, staring me straight in the eyes. My knees shook and tried to buckle, but I held out a little longer before collapsing into a chair.

My breathing was erratic and I was sweating, struggling to calm down even after giving in.

“You wolf is growing stronger. He won’t tolerate my commands much longer, Thomas.”

“What does that mean, Dad?”

“It means I may be out of a job sooner than I expected,” he said, smiling down at me.

“I don’t want your job. Not yet, it’s just . . .”

“It’s just your wolf is very powerful and has always been quite opinionated. I have always known you would need to assume control at a younger age than most, and I know you are ready.”

“Dad . . .”

“Son, it is my greatest privilege to pass the reins on to you. You’ll understand that someday. I cannot get Lily out of this week’s challenge, and I pray to God she survives it, because I truly fear what will happen to you if she doesn’t. Two Grand Council members will be here to oversee the fight. With your permission, I’d like to discuss this with them. I know it will be difficult for you to sit there watching and remain neutral. I need to explain what’s happening here, that we’re heading into transition and how unstable that could make you during the challenges. If Lily wins this, there’s a very small chance we may be able to end the challenges for you after that. You will have shown your willingness to comply and that may be enough.”

“Don’t tease me, Dad,” I said stiffly, still trying to regain full control.

“It will mean that you will advance to Alpha without contestation. Is Lily ready to take over as Pack Mother?”

“I’m positive she is, but I’d like the chance to discuss with her.”

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