Page 71 of Destined Mate

Something shifted between us…and I wished I hadn’t come after all.

I looked out the window and watched the majestic mountains of the canyons pass by. The urge to head out there was so strong. It was one of my favorite places to hike, and I always found peace there. Maybe Bodey hadn’t taken that from me like he had my music.

“So…Dad informed me this morning that there’s a dinner tomorrow night, and he wants me to attend since I’ll be alpha soon.” Theo concentrated on the road again. “It’s being held four hours from here.”

“Oh, that’s great.” Although the thought of being alone with Tina for an entire night didn’t sit well with me. Maybe she’d let me go home. “I’m sure you and your dad will enjoy that.”

“We’re supposed to bring a significant other.” His hand tightened on mine. “And…I was hoping you could come.”

My head jerked toward him. “Me?” An unpleasant shiver ran down my spine.

“Yeah, we’re friends, and you know the advisers.” Theo shrugged. “I thought it’d make sense.”

“So it’ll just be the advisers, Samuel, and us?” That waswaytoo small of a gathering. I’d be too close to Bodey.

My heart leaped at the thought of seeing him…until I realized he’d also have a date. What if he’d foundher?

“Oh, no. There’ll be about a hundred people there. All the top-ranking alphas from each state are attending to welcome the new king, and I’d like to have a friend at my side.”

A hundred people. I could hide in the crowd, and Theo was asking me to go as his friend, not as a real date, so my talks must have gotten through to him. It’d be awful to tell him no when he was asking for my support. “Sure. I just need to find a dress.”

“We’re going into Ontario.” He grinned. “We can find one while we’re out.”

That was the biggest city around and should have many shops. “Sounds great.”

Part of me yelled at me not to go. That seeing Bodey could destroy me. But if Samuel changed the way pack dynamics worked, I might have to get used to seeing him, anyway. Maybe if I faced losing him now, I’d be able to move on quicker.

Though I doubted it.

I leaned my seat back, not wanting to talk. The dread of tomorrow night sat heavily on me. I pretended to fall asleep, and Theo drove on, letting me rest.

* * *

Soon,we were thirty miles south of Ontario, Oregon, pulling into the local pack’s neighborhood of massive brick homes. They were all one story but double the size of the houses back home. This pack screamedmoney, which didn’t make sense. Zeke was the richest alpha in this state.

As we coasted up to the first house and parked, a large man rushed out of the front door. He grimaced as he hurried toward us.

Theo patted my leg. “Stay here for a minute.”

Before Theo could get out, the man yanked his door open. In a deep, growly voice, he demanded, “Why are you here?”

CHAPTERTWENTY

Power radiatedoff the man towering over Theo. This shifter was almost as strong as Bodey and definitely on par with Jack, Lucas, and Miles. He was stronger than Zeke and Theo. Sweat formed on Theo’s forehead.

I wasn’t sure why this man wasn’t the adviser in Oregon or why he hadn’t challenged Zeke for the position. Animosity rolled off him. Wavy dark-blond hair hung in his face, and his cognac eyes took on an alpha glow. His slightly over-six-foot frame tensed as if he were prepared to go to war.

Theo straightened. “I’m here to talk about tomorrow night.”

New Guy’s nose wrinkled. “You’re wondering if I’ll behave.” He laughed menacingly. “King Richard made Zeke’s line the advisers of the state after my uncle died. I may not like or understand it, but he was my king, and I will respect his decree, even if I don’t like Zeke—or you, for that matter.”

My heart clenched. Zeke was proud that the king had found him worthy to take the adviser spot, but he hadn’t mentioned that story in years. I’d forgotten it until Bodey and the others had discussed it. Apparently, this pack’s alpha had been the adviser until twenty-five years ago, when their family line had died out, but clearly, this man had hoped to take the position. Feeling his power, I was confused about why the king hadn’t given it to him.

Theo lifted his chin. “You don’t have tolikeme; just obey me.”

The guy chuckled. “Zeke is bad enough. Let’s not get too crazy. I know you’re here to dohisbidding.”

No wonder Theo wanted me to stay in the truck. This guy didn’t respect him or Zeke atall, and Theo didn’t want me to see that.

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