Page 7 of Challenged Mate
“Sorry,” I felt compelled to mutter.
“Don’t worry about it.” He crossed his arms. “We both know you didn’t ask for any of this.”
I opened my mouth to remind him he didn’t want this either, but Chase’s voice boomed through the apartment, interrupting me.
“Wow.” He released a loud whistle. “This place looks great. Kayla did an amazing job.”
My stomach clenched.
Was Kayla the alpha’s lover?
Who else would decorate his home?
Chase appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a broad smile. “Not too shabby, huh, Hemmings?”
Both he and Asher stared at me expectantly—like my answer mattered a great deal to them.
“It’s nice,” I said. I couldn’t muster up any more excitement about my figurative prison.
Chase’s eyes dimmed, but he kept his smile in place. “I put your duffle bag by the front door.”
“Thanks.” I looked at the window in the bedroom—the only one in the whole apartment given the fact the first floor was built into the side of the hill. I had a perfect view of the meadow I’d admired on the way in. I wondered if I would be free to walk around pack lands, or if I’d be confined to the apartment.
It wasn’t a secret I wasn’t thrilled to be here. Would the alpha fear I’d run away?
I doubted it. He and I both knew there wasn’t anywhere I could go.
“When will I meet the alpha?” It was the last thing I wanted to do, but it was inevitable. Best to get it over with.
I sensed, more than saw, Chase and Asher share a look. I kept my attention on the meadow, reminding myself to take even breaths as I braced myself for the next part of my cursed future—meeting my mate.
“Not today,” Chase finally answered. “Take the day to settle in and get some rest. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around pack lands if you’re interested.”
I turned away from the window, eyeing the hope in the blond shifter’s gaze. Part of me wanted to stay holed up in this apartment, but that would be the weak thing to do. And I wasn’t weak.
I dipped my chin. “Sure.” My attention slid to Asher.
His expression was blank, but he couldn’t conceal the emotion swirling in his eyes. This situation wasn’t easy for him either.
Before I could think better of it, I asked Asher, “Are you going to join us tomorrow?”
Surprise flittered over his features. “No… I have pack business to attend to and will be gone for a few days.”
A swift pang of disappointment hit me in the chest.
Stupid, stupid, Blair!
I’djustreminded myself we needed to keep our distance from one another.
Stupid fated mate bond.
“R-right.” I cleared my throat. “Got it. Have a good trip.”
Asher’s jaw clenched. He took a step forward. His hand reached out.
I stepped back before he could touch me. “I think I’m going to get some rest. I’ll see you guys later.”
Asher stilled—his arm still outstretched. His fingers flexed with indecision.
