Page 16 of Destined Mate

Bodey tilted his head and rubbed his chin. “Like what?”

“Is this guy serious?” Charles gritted out.

Theo’s head snapped toward Charles, and their eyes glowed. Then Charles huffed and went inside.

Crossing his arms, Zeke stood as tall as possible. “You don’t get to question me. I’m her alphaandthe Oregon territory adviser. This ismyterritory, and I’ll do what I deem fit.”

“Is that so?” Bodey asked before beaming and looking down his nose at Zeke. “According to the Northwest shifter law, if anypersonfeels that an alpha is abusing their position and treating someone unjustly or causing undue harm, any alpha can intervene, even across territory lines.” He shrugged as if it weren’t a big deal. “I know for a fact that Callie didn’t commit any heinous crime that would justify this sort of punishment, so I’m invoking my right to interfere.”

Butterflies assaulted my stomach. I’d never heard of any such law. Maybe I could get a reprieve, even for a little while. Anything was better than nothing.

Theo stiffened as his father’s face turned scarlet.

Breathing rapidly, Zeke spat, “Clearly, we’re not putting her at risk—she’s already done over half the job already.”

Sighing, Bodey pivoted toward me and grimaced. “I’m sorry,” he murmured.

A hollow sensation sifted through me as all that damn hope vanished. I couldn’t blame him, and in the long term, it would be best if he left. But I feared I’d never see him again.

It was silly. I hadn’t even known him for a day, but he stirred something comforting inside me.

I forced a smile. “It’s okay.”

When he held out the shovel to me, Zeke grinned victoriously.

I swallowed, mentally preparing myself for the torture I was about to endure. Refusing to appear weak, I schooled my expression and grabbed the handle of the shovel.

He didn’t release it, and I dropped my arm back to my side. Tears trickled from my eyes. Nausea roiled through me, and I was certain I was going to puke.

Lifting the shovel, Bodey gestured to me. “She can’t finish this job, yet you’re determined to force her. You’re risking her health and well-being.”

Zeke stared at me feverishly like I’d done something wrong. For once, someone was challenging him.

“I want you to listen carefully.” Zeke moved forward, stopping inches from Bodey’s face. It was almost comical since Bodey had at least three inches on him and was twice his size, but Zeke wasn’t daunted. Instead, he continued, “This is my territory and my pack, and you need to leave now. How I handle things here is my business and mine alone. I don’t go into Idaho telling you how to run things.”

“If I leave, you’ll add on more punishment just because I showed up to check on her,” Bodey said as he looked down his nose, emphasizing his size and power over Zeke. “Not happening.”

“Theo, take her home.Now,” Zeke commanded as he grabbed my arm and jerked me away from Bodey.

I stumbled from the jolt that zipped through me at the sudden movement, but thankfully, Theo rushed over and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, righting me.

Bodey snarled, but Zeke bellowed, “King Richard is dead, and you’re not taking her. Now get off my land.”

“It’s true we don’t have a king,” Bodey agreed with another snarl. “But here’s the thing. His laws are binding until another royal changes them. Therefore, I’m invoking the law, and I will be taking her home with me.”

Theo stilled, and my mouth dropped. Was that possible?

“You don’t have that authority,” Zeke spat. “I demand a vote review.”

“You’re right.” Bodey removed his phone from his back pocket. “But I can get a review right now.” He nodded at me and said, “Callie, this won’t take long. Head home and I’ll be there shortly to help you collect your things.”

Zeke’s irises glowed as he stared at his son, but Theo turned before Bodey could see.

“I’ll take her home,” Theo said and dropped his arms from around me.

The two of us walked away just as Bodey’s phone connected.

“Come on, Callie,” Theo murmured in my ear. “We need to get a head start.”

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