Page 48 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha
Well, fuck him. I could be angry too. “Yes. Fix it. Fix the fact that the Council will be out for your head. Deal with the consequences of this fucked up mating bond that you didn’t really want.”
He reared back as if I’d struck him, eyes wide with shock, mouth open. It gave me no satisfaction. His hurt pulsed down the bond. My anger drained away.
Ping. Ping. Fuck we were running out of time. My stomach clenched. I needed clothes. Which were on the other side of the room. Past the Beast.
Slowly, Bastien began to stalk towards me. His eyes blazing, muscles in his arms bunching, he looked ready to pounce. He was dangerous and powerful.
I didn’t want this bond?His mental voice was dangerous. Edged with darkness.
“What am I to think?” I waved the book at him. “If you wanted to court me you could have Declared your Intent. But you didn’t. Sooner or later, your human side will regain control, or you’ll find balance, and then you won’t want me anymore.”
He took a step forwards.
Swallowing heavily, I took a step back, edging closer to the table, wanting a barrier, however fragile, between him and me. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. His body was coiled tightly, his jaw clenched, but he was in control. He didn’t want to hurt me, but he did want to teach me a lesson. The air between us feltcharged with so much sexual tension it was hard to breathe. I was fully capable of defending myself, but I didn’t want to.
The anticipation of knowing a monster was stalking me made me feel alive. Made me feel wanted. It felt like I was playing with fire. Any moment he could lose control and it would consume me.
I taunted the monster a little more. It was reckless, but I no longer cared. I needed to know what this thing between us was, before we were separated. I was done second-guessing him.
“If you didn’t want me as your mate, just tell me. Better I know now before you change your mind.”
We have wanted you since the first moment your scent filled our nostrils. From the first moment we took your small hand in ours. From the first glare you gave us when we underestimated you.
His words shook me to my core. Was it true? “Then why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you Declare your Intent?” There. It was out in the open. The big question.
Ping. Ping. Ping.
It was too urgent to ignore any longer. Fuck. Bad timing. But then, there was never any good timing for whatever was coming.
I turned towards the door just as Bastien declared,Someone comes.
I could hear voices outside the door. My hearing wasn’t good enough to tell what was being said, but I could tell that Bastien could hear the conversation from the way his face darkened.
Get behind me, he growled down the bond.And this time, just do as I tell you.
“I’m still your bodyguard,” I snapped. “And what I did last time was for your own good. How about you get behind me.”
Not going to happen.Especially when you are mostly naked.
Ah. I’d forgotten that small detail. I moved behind him. I had no desire to flash whoever was out there. “At least let me cast a shield.”
Yes. I would appreciate it.
Well thank the gods. He could be reasonable. I flicked my fingers and my shield snapped up, surrounding us both.
The pinging had steadied out. Whatever was coming wasn’t good, but we weren’t about to be assassinated. “What’s going on?”
The Council has an Order for your apprehension. Our guards are trying to delay but I fear the Council will soon get their way. Luc is not here and Matteo does not know what to do.
Fuck. An Order for me? Not for Bastien.
I would need to get dressed.
In front of me, Bastien grew to his full size. My eyes widened. The seams on his boxers burst with a pop, pop, pop. He was absolutely magnificent.
Get in the corner. It will be dangerous.
Oh hells no. He was planning on fighting. He wasn’t going to let them take me.
