Page 62 of Challenged Mate
So, rabid shifters were attacking the Summit Pack, as well as the Wilds Pack. What were the odds the two had nothing to do with me?
“And that is why I’m needed on the caravan,” Kayla declared. “The best defense against magic is magic. The Mountainside community needs supplies, and our packmembers need to make the journey safely. I can help with both.”
Kayla had a point, but that didn’t mean anything to her protective brothers.
“The answer is no, Kayla. End of discussion.” Asher stated.
“But—”
“Enough, Kayla,” Axel said. “Asher’s right. You aren’t going. Now, let’s try to have a nice dinner.”
Sympathy filled me on Kayla’s behalf. How many times had my father dismissed one of my suggestions? Sometimes, it was in the name of safety. Other times, I never got an explanation. Either way, it stung.
Our waitress arrived and asked for our drink orders. Kayla and Asher already had wine in front of them. Axel ordered the same, but I opted for an iced-tea. I needed to have all my wits about me if I was going to make it out of this dinner unscathed.
After Axel ordered an appetizer for the table, the waitress sashayed away, shooting a lingering look at the males at our table.
Once we were alone, Kayla leaned forward with a teasing grin. “No wine, Blair? Don’t you want a repeat of last night?”
“Nope.” I popped my lips, giving her a warning look.
She laughed. “Come on. I’ve got like ten texts from males in our pack talking about you.”
I choked on my saliva.
As I coughed, Axel asked in a tone deep with warning, “And why would any of them do that?”
I couldnotbelieve it when Kayla simply shrugged and said, “Blair owned the dance floor last night. People noticed.”
Was Kaylatryingto piss off her brothers?
It certainly seemed like it—given the fact a tiny smirk covered her lips. She tried to hide it behind her glass of wine, but I saw the mischievous expression clear as day.
“I’m sure all males in our pack are aware Blair is not available,” Asher returned. The threat in his voice was sharp as a knife.
Still, Kayla acted like she wasn’t majorly pissing off her brothers. “Look, Asher. Blair is powerful. Male shifters are drawn to power. Until she’s mated, their instincts compel them to pursue her. Not that any of them would cross a line. I’m just saying.”
“Stanley crossed a line.”
Oh, Mother…
“How do you know?” Axel asked Asher.
“I saw Blair this morning. She reeked of him.”
Kill me now.
Sixteen
Axel grimaced,looking as if he swallowed a fistful of nails. His throat bobbed repeatedly before he managed to ask, “What do you mean?”
I wanted nothing more than to sink to the floor and disappear from sight.
Before Asher could speak, Kayla intervened. Glaring at her grouchy brother, she said, “Stanley danced with Blair last night. That’s hardly crossing a line.”
I could’ve kissed her.
“Stanley knows she’s to be mated. Trust me, his intentions were anything but innocent,” Asher countered.
