Page 4 of The Alpha's Ordeal

"I know that I am safe," Troy assured him. "I can take care of myself, Eamon. I'm not as helpless as I may appear."

“I don’t doubt that for a second.”

Troy wasn't sure what was happening. He knew what was happening in the sense that he knew Eamon Coles, the Alpha of the Salida Pack, was his beloved, but he didn't know how the man was handling the news. His reaction made it clear that he recognized Troy as his mate, but he didn't say anything. He kept the realization between them.

All his men were standing around staring, and Eamon did not claim him; instead, he remained quiet on the subject. Troy wasn't about to look like a fool, so remained quiet as well. The Alpha was clearly not pleased by Fate's choice. Eamon was a handsome wolf, large and muscled, with a face that saw much through his life. He was a hard man but appeared to be fair and respected. He was the new Alpha and formerly lead enforcer, so he had to fight for everything that he had.

Having a pretty boy vampire as his mate must not have been on his list of goals. Troy wasn’t sure how he was going to handle this, but he would not be kept a secret or stay in a relationship that expected him to hide. Eamon kept his arm around him and led him to a large Jeep.

"I know I didn't explain myself, but I thought it would be better if we spoke in private." Eamon opened the door, and Troy climbed into the passenger seat. That statement did not make him feel any better about the prospects of becoming Alpha Mate.

Eamon was new to his position, and he wouldn’t jeopardize the support that he had by bringing in a vampire mate. This little discussion was going to be it’s not you it’s me sort of conversation and then a quick goodbye Troy could feel it in the air.

Troy felt his heart break just a little bit, but that was life. Not everyone got happily ever after. He remained silent as Eamon got into the driver's seat. His scent was utterlyintoxicating, and Troy struggled not to respond to it. This was going to be a long and devastating night.

“I’m sorry for the way you were treated. Bates and Mason have been removed from their positions as deputies.”

“Mason didn’t touch me, and he tried to control Bates but unsuccessfully.” Troy told him but did not turn to look at him and kept his attention forward.

"I'll make sure that's put into his file. There is a protocol that they both should have followed, but they chose not to. It is better that they no longer hold positions of power." Eamon explained, and it made sense, but Troy was still hurting from the snub, so at present, nothing Eamon said was going to be okay.

Troy didn’t respond he simply turned and looked out the side window. Eamon started the vehicle, and they were soon on their way. Eamon handed him a manilla envelope once they were on the road. “Your things.” He said and Troy took the envelope and pulled out his phone and other personal items.

He noticed that Castille had called several times and had texted asking for his whereabouts. He shot back a quick text saying he had car trouble and would be home in the morning. Castille returned the text immediately.

“Where are you staying?”

"I'm in Salida, but I'm okay. I'll head home in the morning or as soon as my car is repaired." He tried to sound light and unbothered.

“I’m coming to get you.”

"No, don't, it's not necessary. I promise I'll text you in the morning and let you know when to expect me."

"I don't like it, Troy." His brother was not one to mince words.

“I’m okay Castille they’re treating me like any tourist with car trouble.” That was a stretch, but it sounded good.

“I don’t like it.” He reiterated louder.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” Troy turned off his phone and placed it in his pocket.

“Was that your brother?” Eamon asked.

“Yes, he was worried about me.”

“And rightly so.”

“I told him I had car trouble and was staying the night in Salida and would see him in the morning.” Eamon shot him a quick but pointed glance.

"We have a lot to discuss," Eamon stated, pulling into a driveway and parking next to a large country home.

“I think we will be able to take care of things quickly enough and I can be out of here by morning. Since our issue doesn’t seem to be something you wish to acknowledge.” Troy let a bit of his anger seep into his words. He stopped talking and got out of the vehicle. Eamon followed and quickly rounded the front of the Jeep to stand in front of Troy.

"What do you mean by that?" He demanded, but Troy was not in the mood to play this game.

"How about we agree to pretend this never happened, and I'll call my brother to come and get me. There, problem solved, and your precious pack will never know that your mate is a vampire." Troy went ahead and spewed the hurt he was feeling. Shit, he never could hold back when his emotions got involved.

"What in the fuck are you talking about?" Eamon reached out to take him by the upper arm, but Troy backed away.

---