Page 41 of Destined Mate

That wasn’t the response I’d been expecting.

We walked in silence deeper into the neighborhood. The houses were built along one long road that went on for a few miles until it dead-ended. There was only one entrance and exit, making it unlikely that humans would come here undetected, and all the houses backed up against the woods. They also had a similar modern feel, which told me they must have been built within the last ten to fifteen years. The difference between this area and my family pack’s neighborhood was that the houses here varied a little—they weren’t all one standard design. Perhaps the wolves here had wanted to blend in more with human neighborhoods.

As we walked, I realized I had many questions. “How does your relationship work with Bodey? Since you’re going to be king, are you the alpha of the pack?” That didn’t seem right because Bodey acted as alpha here.

“For the moment, he is my alpha.” Samuel shrugged and placed his hands in his jeans pockets. “But when the witches’ magic marks me as king, my wolf will become alpha over the five advisers, making me essentially part of each pack. I’ll be able to communicate with anyone I want underneath them, though it won’t be the same as it is for an alpha of a smaller pack. The five advisers will be like my main pack, then the rest will flow downward.”

That sounded complicated. “So you and I could pack link—if I’m ever able to do that?” At this point, I had doubts.

“Yes, if I were to connect with you.” He sighed. “I don’t really get it, but with the subdivision of packs, you all can’t necessarily link with me, but I can feel all of your emotions and link with you if needed.”

That made sense, and magic worked in certain ways for a reason. If everyone could link with him at will, there was no telling what all the wolves would drag him into. “But the five advisers could link with you any time they wanted?”

He nodded. “Yeah, just like you could theoretically link with Zeke if you want to.”

“I still don’t understand why you’re not the alpha over Bodey’s pack.” If he was stronger than Bodey, he would be. That was how the shifter world worked.

He rubbed his chin. “When I joined the pack, I was one year old. I couldn’t be alpha, and because I was such a young pup, I naturally submitted to them, though I didn’t understand what I was doing. I couldn’t even shift until I was six.”

“But you were able to shift four years ago when Bodey took over the alpha position here. Why didn’t that transfer to you instead?”

Samuel chuckled. “Because I didn’t want it. I knew my future was to be king, so there was no point in taking over the alpha position here, especially since Bodey would eventually wind up in the alpha position, anyway. Besides, I was fourteen when that happened, and Bodey is an amazing leader.”

Fourteen would be young to take on an entire pack. He had a good head on his shoulders, not wanting to take the role from Bodey, even if temporarily, though I sensed something swirling off Samuel even with the smile planted on his face.

Planted.

It reminded me of when I forced a smile to comply with people’s expectations. “Do you…not want to be king?”

“No,” Samuel answered. Then his eyes bulged. “I mean, of course I do.”

I lifted a brow. “Which one is it?” I crossed my heart. “I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

He examined me and huffed. “I don’t. Not really.”

My head tilted back. “Really? Everyone seems so excited about your future. I just figured—”

“They’ve raised me and protected me, which is why I was never allowed to attend school. They wanted to make sure no one took advantage of me as the sole heir and a child, especially with the Southwest rallying for territory these past several years.” He slowed his pace and talked more softly. “And I’ve been blessed. This pack took me in when they didn’t have to, especially Janet, Michael, and Bodey. But…I’ve never had a choice. Ever since I was a child, becoming king was expected of me, and the last thing I want to do is disappoint anyone.”

The irony of the situation settled over me. In a way, Samuel and I were one and the same, though on opposite spectrums.

We were both trapped by what our packs wanted from us.

“The truth is, I’d rathernotlead, but I will because somebody needs to.”

“You know, it’s funny. I’ve had the same sort of life as you but for different reasons. I wasn’t allowed to attend school like the others in my pack because Zeke wanted me kept home. He prevents me from leaving the neighborhood, making it impossible to get a job outside the pack.”

Samuel pursed his lips. “Really? Why?”

I wrung my hands. “I’m assuming they’re embarrassed by me because I’m so weak. I can’t shift or pack link.”

“Well, they’re idiots,” Samuel said as he touched my arm. “Even though you can’t do those things, I know you aren’t weak. Hell, you attacked me with a lamp when your ribs were broken. Not even many strong wolves would do that.”

Chuckling, I shook my head. “Or it’s my damn determination.”

He grinned. “Still means you’re strong.”

My heart skipped. Ireallyliked the sound of that, and he, the futureking, was the first person ever to call me strong. “You’ll make a good king, but I can understand not wanting that responsibility. But think about it—you’ll be in a position to help others. To make a difference. And you know that Bodey, Janet, Michael, and the other advisers will be there to support you. Even though I would hate the pressure, if I could help someone, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Having that sort of power would be vexing, but at least you could put people in charge who deserved to be there and remove those who didn’t treat others with respect.”

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