Page 42 of Jace's Mate
It was a harmless prank.Honestly, it was kind of clever.
Banishing three teenage boys over something like that?That was cruel.
“Apparently, Gustov doesn’t like his precious little boy being woken up,” Jace muttered, rubbing a hand along the back of his neck.“I’ll speak with him.”
His tone shifted slightly—less steel, more bone-deep weariness.
“In the meantime,” he said, “you’re coming with me.We’ll get you food.Baths.Clean clothes.You’ll sleep in the barracks.Tomorrow, we figure out next steps.”
Relief poured off the boys like steam from hot asphalt.Their postures relaxed, not fully, but just enough.
Anikka stepped closer to Jace.Not to touch him.Just… to be near.
Her shoulder brushed against his arm, barely a whisper of contact, but it grounded her.She didn’t knowwhyshe needed that connection—but she did.And she didn’t pull away.
“Thank you, Alpha,” the boys whispered, heads still bowed.
Jace gave a clipped nod.“Come with me.”
He turned and placed his hand lightly at Anikka’s back.
She leaned into the touch without thinking.Just for a second.
The boys moved toward the SUV parked nearby, but before they reached the door, Jace barked, “Wait.”
They froze.
Three pairs of eyes flicked toward Anikka.
Confused, she looked at them, then at Jace—who was standing beside the open passenger door.
She frowned, unsure.
“They’ll wait to get into the vehicle,” Jace said.“Until you’re settled.”
What?
Yes,he answered in her mind, voice smooth and firm.Seriously.It’s important they show you the respect you’re owed.
She didn’t snap at the mental intrusion this time.Instead, she ducked into the seat, tugging her wrinkled dress into place.
Jace shut the door with quiet finality, then nodded once at the boys.
They piled in silently as he circled around and slid into the driver’s seat.
Ten minutes later, the SUV pulled into the underground parking lot of Jace’s building.
“The kitchen’s through those doors,” he said, pointing ahead as the engine went quiet.
The boys stared like they weren’t sure whether to believe him or run.
Anikka watched them… and for the first time, realized shewantedto stay.Because something about this place—and this Alpha—felt like the beginning of everything she'd never known she needed.
Anikka watched the boys disappear through the doors, their footsteps echoing faintly.A strange emotion stirred in her chest.
Was this...pride?
Yes.That’s exactly what it was.She was proud of Jace.Proud of the way he’d handled those boys—not just as an Alpha, but as a man.There had been authority in his commands, but compassion in his judgment.It unsettled her how deeply that stirred something inside her.
