Page 38 of Ruthless Reign

"I've been so worried," he murmurs, squeezing me tighter.

"I'm sorry," I reply, even though I have no idea why I'm apologizing.

We're still embracing when I hear Cade mutter"Ow"playfully. Lex and I look over at the same time, watching as Maverick storms past him. Cade is rubbing his shoulder dramatically, a grin on his face as Maverick scowls. He must have shoulder barged him when passing to get to me.

"Nyx," Maverick says sharply, like he's addressing someone in a meeting.

Slowly, Lex releases me, and without hesitation, I rush forward, snaking my arms around Maverick painfully as I hug him too.

He's taken by surprise, stiffening against me at first before gently enclosing his firm arms around me. It's lucky that looks can't kill. My face is pressed against Maverick's chest, but I can still sense the death glare he gives Cade. The latter doesn't help ease the tension, laughing back at the gesture.

"I'm going to kill him," Maverick growls. I rest my hands on his chest, fisting his shirt.

"Don't," I whisper, instantly regretting it.

Maverick steps back, glancing down at me. When I find his eyes, I'm pained to find guilt and worry staring back at me. Quickly, I try to reassure him, knowing that Lex is also listening in on our conversation. "Except for that night, I wasn't hurt. He hasn't touched me."

He doesn't respond back, but I can see his eyes processing my words.

Lowering my voice, I let him see my own guilt. "I'm sorry for not listening and staying back."

The old Maverick returns instantly, scoffing. "You always fail to listen. If you had just done as you were told, we wouldn't be here," he says, but I can't help but take note that there's no anger or malice in his voice.

I nod. "I know. Lesson learned."

The sound of multiple footsteps has me pausing, my gaze finding Alpha Daxton as he approaches with the rest of the Shadow Pack. Alpha Wyatt isn't far behind him, the older man giving me a two-finger salute as he grins knowingly.

Well, at least someone is amused by my dumpster fire of a situation.

"Alpha Cade, Alpha Daxton of the Shadow Pack," my leader greets coolly, offering his hand.

Cade shakes it back, nodding politely. "My apologies for not calling. However, time was of the essence."

Despite Alpha Daxton's calm demeanor, I recognize the fury in his face—while the exchange is amicable, Cade still targeted his pack, stealing one of his own. Alpha Daxton's jaw hardens, but he continues on with pleasantries, introducing Beta Alix and gesturing to the pack members behind him.

Lex steps up beside me, his presence all but screaming at Maverick to move the fuck away and move room. Of course, that doesn't happen, and I suddenly feel squashed as the two of them flank me, leaving no space between us.

"There's no need to introduce myself," Lex starts, gazing sternly at Cade. "I'm sure you are well aware of who I am."

Cade nods. "Alpha Lex—it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Our fathers were acquaintances."

I nearly laugh when I see Lex's jaw tick just like Maverick's as I glance up, but I keep quiet, feeling on edge.

"Yes," Lex shoots back a little too quickly, a small growl vibrating from his throat. "And this ismy mate," he finishes, making a threatening claim.

"And yours, I believe," Cade responds unfazed, smiling at Maverick. "The infamous Maverick from the Night Pack."

Unlike the other alphas, Maverick makes no effort to be polite. He ignores Cade's outstretched hand, eyes narrowing on the dark-haired man. "You have some nerve sending your men intoDaxton's territory to attack us. If Nyx wasn't here, I'd ensure you were wiped from existence."

Cade beams at him, clearly unaffected by his threat. "I'm so glad you could join us. I'm sure we'll be able to get those mud tracks cleaned up in no time. Are you gentlemen hungry? You must be starved after your journey. This here is my Beta, Sawyer," he says, pointing to the older man. "And Ezra, James, Matteo, and Damien. Sawyer—could you check with Lucy if the food is ready?"

Sawyer nods, heading off in the direction of the other buildings past the house. Turning back to us, Cade claps his hands together. "I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty of preparing a buffet for lunch. We also have some guest rooms set up for you to save you traveling back today."

"We won't be staying," Maverick snaps, but Daxton gives a small nod.

"There's some discussions needed," he says, glancing at Maverick. "I'm sure you'd also like to catch up with Stevens."

Maverick scoffs, clearly annoyed at being outnumbered, stepping away to speak to Knox. My attention is instantly turned to Alpha Wyatt, who takes his place.

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