Page 45 of Curvy Alpha Bride
“Mabel, there is no safe passage out of Valentine Creek. Certainly not on a new moon—and never for a luna.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I scream at the door.
But this time, no one answers me.
When I turn around, Xavier has a decent blaze going, and he’s watching me with wide eyes. Even though he still looks upset about being trapped here, there is an edge of fear about him that wasn’t there before.
“I know we have to get out of here, but for now, let’s just settle in,” he says. “We can’t do anything after dark.”
Anxiety ripples through me as I try to read his expression. I can’t explain why, but it feels like there’s something he isn’t telling me.
“I suppose you’re right,” I finally say.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you,” he says, and when his eyes flick towards the windows, I get the distinct impression he knows exactly what the danger is.
Miserably, I return to the couch, wrapping my arms tightly around myself as I stare into the flames.
I’m trapped by psychos with the person I trust the least, and there’s a vicious and unknown threat waiting right outside the door. I’ll have to send Iris a thank-you card for this lovely, relaxing vacation.
“Can we contact anyone?” I ask. “Surely the other alphas would help.”
“No reception out here,” he reminds me.
“What are we going to do?” I ask, hating that I have to lean on him, but knowing I have no choice. “What do you think is out there?”
“I don’t know,” Xavier replies. “But it’s time to take a closer look at Dad’s journals. I think he was out here specifically because he was watching it… whatever it is.”
“Really? You think you might be able to find out how to stop it?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. It’s not like we have anything else to do right now.”
A ripple of excitement teases me as I think about all the things I could do with him under different circumstances. I shove the images away, determined not to let my lust take over me again.
I was just scared and stressed out. All I did was give in to my passion in a moment of weakness. It doesn’t mean anything. I won’t let it happen again.
“Agreed,” I say. “Let me know if you want any help. I’ll keep an eye on the fire.”
“Okay,” he says, standing up. For a moment, he stands there awkwardly, as if he wants to say something, but then he just sighs and goes down the hallway.
I stare into the flames, my mind racing with thoughts of escape.
I need to get away from these crazy townsfolk and the terrifying threat in the hills. And most of all, I need to get away from Xavier.
Chapter 16 - Xavier
I leave the living room and go down the hall towards my father’s study, my heart full of feelings I don’t know how to express. It feels like the words are crowding into my throat, desperate to spill from my lips, but I have the horrible feeling that no matter what I say, it isn’t going to change the way Mabel feels about me.
I’ve never felt so confused in my whole entire life—even the day I found out my mom wasn’t my mom.
When I get to Dad’s study, I sit down at the little desk and put my head in my hands. I know that what went on out there was a moment of weakness for both of us, and it doesn’t mean that Mabel has forgiven me. But what it does mean is that we are consummated, bound, mated for life.
And it was even witnessed by the elders. Talk about timing.
A nervous energy races through me, driving me to get up, go back into the living room, and try to explain myself. Even if the words don’t come out right, I want to try. Unburdening myself feels like the most important thing in the world, and it seems better than leaving her out there alone.
But I can’t unburden myself for my own sake, putting my pain on her so I don’t have to carry it anymore. It has to be her choice to hear me.
Seeing her shut down after we made love, then run to the door and demand to be let out, broke me in ways I never thought possible. She obviously still hates me, and I deserve it.
