Page 36 of Destined Mate

Before Theo could bend the truth, I answered, “That he’s sorry I’m weak and require oxygen. Then when Theo pushed him, he said he was sorry theyallattacked me, while my sister said she was sorry she hadn’t donemore.”

Lucas scoffed. “Man, that’s fucked up.”

Theo’s face flushed. “They came here to apologize.”

“Then they both failed.” Bodey’s nostrils flared. “They didn’t apologize forshit.”

Strolling to my other side, Jack looked down his nose at Theo and said, “I thought it was strange that Zeke didn’t hand over the alpha adviser role to you at the same time our parents did with us. But now I can see why. You’re an idiot.”

I coughed, needing to hide my laughter. My chest felt lighter, and I felt myself warming toward Jack. He said exactly what was on his mind fearlessly, which I admired.

Miles warned, “Jack.”

“He has a point.” Lucas shrugged. “Theo shouldn’t be here, but the fact he brought these two has me dumbfounded.”

“The four of you got involved in our pack business.” Theo gestured to the group. “You came into our territory, into our neighborhood, then took one of our pack members. It’s only fair that we get to check on her.”

Edging in front of me, Bodey pressed his back gently to my chest, blocking part of me from view. “We took your pack member because you were mistreating her. And you insinuated that you have feelings for her, so I’d think you’d be thanking me for protecting her when you refused to.” I could feel him seething.

Theo’s right shoulder tensed, and I knew what he was about to do.

Throw a punch.

CHAPTERELEVEN

My breath caughtas Theo’s arm lifted.

“Hey—” I said and stepped forward. My ribs screamed, but Theo threw his punch.

Bodey ducked, causing Theo to hit only air, and then he punched Theo in the gut. The sound was solid, and Theo grunted as he stumbled back into the wall five feet behind him.

Eyes widening, Charles and Pearl watched their alpha heir take a huge hit. Neither of them moved to help him.

Jack cackled behind me.

I wanted to glance over my shoulder to see what was so funny, but the risk was in front of me, and something inside me refused to lose focus.

Theo straightened, nostrils flaring, and his eyes glowed as his wolf surged forward.

If someone didn’t stop this pissing match between him and Bodey, things would escalate. I glanced at Charles, hoping he’d do something to intervene, but he just stood there.

The glow brightened. He was going to attack again.

“Theo—” I started, but I might as well have stayed silent.

Lowering his head, Theo charged Bodey, who easily sidestepped the attack. As Theo ran past him, Bodey planted his feet and snaked an arm around Theo’s waist, offsetting his forward momentum.

Body jerking, Theo fell, and Bodey growled as he pushed Theo backward. Theo lost his footing and sailed into Charles, who yelped as his legs were knocked out from under him. He landed on top of Theo, his head hitting Theo’s thighs, barely missing his crotch.

The room fell silent. Then Jack and Lucas laughed. Bodey’s face remained stony, his shoulders tense. He stepped toward Charles and Theo, and I grabbed his arm, ignoring the sharp ache that shot across my chest.

“Please don’t, it’s over.” I understood what Bodey was attempting to do—protect me—but he and Theo were making the situation worse. Theo was making it worse between me and the other pack members, while Bodey was exacerbating the tension between Zeke, Theo, and me. Zeke was already having a shit fit over everything that had led to Bodey taking me. Now Theo was determined to prove he could protect me best. What a mess.

At least this debacle had helped me solidify one thing: I would never go to Hells Canyon again.

Bodey’s neck corded, and his body shook as if his wolf and my request were battling. I needed to try again. I murmured, “For me.”

His body stilled, but his breathing quickened. Everyone was silent for a moment while Charles rolled off Theo and onto the floor, and the two of them stood. Pearl didn’t move an inch to help, her attention flicking among Bodey, Theo, and me.

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