Page 18 of Love Bites

She nodded and focused on putting one foot in front of another. This wasn’t a death march. She wasn’t giving up her life. No, she was merely giving up herwayof life. She could do this. She was a Jamenson, and she was strong as hell.

Just because her wolf wanted to lower its head and nuzzle into the nearest dominant for reassurance didn’t make her weak. It just made her who she was.

“We can still go back,” Finn said from behind her.

She shook her head. “I’ve made my decision. Just be by my side and step away when I need you to. If you do that, then you’re doing all you can.”

Finn growled but didn’t say anything else.

She felt the gazes of others on her, but she didn’t look at anyone. People had come out of their homes to see the Redwoods walking through the den, but as they didn’t comment on it, she didn’t either. They’d all know soon enough the reason for her visit. She just hoped it didn’t end in bloodshed like many unwanted matings did.

Gideon stood at the door when they walked up, and she sucked in a breath.

Apparently they never had to worry if she’d be attracted to him. There was no mistaking the heat running through her veins at the sight of him leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest.

His piercing blue eyes bored into her, and then he turned to look at Quinn, dismissing her in that one movement.

The hurt shocked her, but she didn’t back down. She was there for a reason, and he’d just have to get over whatever feelings he had. If he had another way to save his position without mating her, then she’d gladly hear it.

She might not like it, but she’d listen anyway.

“I see someone has a big mouth,” Gideon said causally to Quinn. Though, really, there was nothing casual about Gideon, and they all knew it. Her wolf brushed up against her at their mate’s presence. She fisted her hands by her side, forcing her wolf to back down at least for the moment. She needed to keep her wits about her if she was going to get through this whole…or at least sane.

“She deserved to know,” Quinn answered. “She’s here on her own. This is her choice.”

Okay. That was enough. While she might be submissive, she didn’t like the big bad men taking care of her and talking over her as if she wasn’t there at all. That would not be how she started this mating.

“Sheis right here,” she snapped, though it didn’t come out as strong as she wanted. She met the Alpha’s eyes. “Gideon. Can I come in? I’d like to talk. Finn and Quinn can wait outside.”

“Brie—”

“I’ve got this, Finn.” She cut him off. He growled behind her and Gideon let out a growl of his own.

This wasn’t going to end well.

“I’ve got this,” she repeated, her voice so low she was afraid only she heard it.

Gideon tilted his head and studied her. “Do you?” he whispered then stood straight. “Come on in, Brie Jamenson. It seems we have a lot to talk about.”

Finn gripped her hand, and she squeezed it before pulling away. She left the two men standing on the walkway while others came closer. She didn’t look to see who they were. There would be time for that later. Instead, she followed Gideon into the house. When he shut the door behind her, everything seemed to come into focus.

She was standing in the Alpha’s home.

Hermate’s home.

Alone.

Her pulse quickened, but she didn’t lower her head. She didn’t feel the need like she did with so many other dominants, and that had to be due to who Gideon was to her…or at least who he could be.

Goddess she hoped she wasn’t making the wrong choice.

“I take it you heard that the elders have forced my hand.”

“They didn’t give you a choice really,” she answered, not liking the way he wouldn’t look at her.

He snorted then lifted her chin with his knuckle. She sucked in a breath, the heat of his touch intoxicating. His gaze met hers, and her wolf howled.

Mate.

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