Page 24 of Becoming the Alpha

25

Jason

My wolf was going nuts in me at the hint of hurt and vulnerability in his mate’s voice. I swallowed, closing my eyes. I had forgotten that Lily’s family lived around here. I had wanted to share a bit about our lands and the kingdom my father had secured that would soon be ours, but now I was worried she was going to take off. My wolf went still, watching her carefully.

“Lily? Are you okay?”

She let out a humorless laugh, her eyes focused on the fields in front of her. I tightened my grip on her hand. She glanced at me, a small smile on her face.

“Are you going to leave?” My voice was plaintive.

She turned toward me, tilting her head. She looked confused and shocked at the same time. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my wolf from going insane and trying to keep her locked by our side. I had already claimed her without her permission. There was no way I was going to keep her prisoner at my side.

“You can, you know. You can leave and go find your family. I’m sure they’re worried about you and you clearly miss them,” I said, trying to keep my tone steady. Lily reached up with the hand I wasn’t holding and caressed my face.

“Yes, I miss them terribly. I’m sure they are absolutely worried about me. I would love to go find them, but my place is here, by your side. Even if I wanted to leave to find them, I can’t do that until I know for a fact that you and Amara and Dean, Arthur, and so many other friends are safe. Your father isn’t going to let this go and I’m sure he’s going to keep trying to kill me, even if I leave. So, while I want to sprint past these rows of fields and race to find my family, I’m going to wait. You and the things we’re doing here are more important.”

I blinked, staring at her. I didn’t know what to say. How could I have been blessed with a mate as perfect as her? I had no idea what to say to that, so I just settled for squeezing her hand, hoping she understood how grateful and amazed I was by her. She gave me a smile, leaning in to kiss me briefly on the cheek. I found myself chasing after her lips, trying to capture them again, but refrained myself at the last minute. I cleared my throat, vowing to make all of this up to her somehow. I couldn’t put too much thought into it at the moment because the sound of a twig snagged came sharply from the forest.

Dean instantly threw himself in front of Amara and us. I was amused at his attempt to protect me, but it wouldn’t do to have the Prince of Wolf Hollow look weak. I moved to stand next to him, dropping Lily’s hand. My wolf was not happy to lose contact with his mate, but he wanted to be in-between whatever threat was heading our way and the girls. We stood at the ready until Alan, Nia, and Terry walked into the clearing.

Dean and I relaxed as we realized who was joining us. I watched as Alan, Nia, and Terry all stiffened as they took in the sight of Amara and Lily. Everyone stood stock still for several heartbeats until Nia approached me, hissing, “What in the hell did you do? You know they are going to freak the fuck out when they realize you brought them here. It’s already bad enough you challenged your father!”

“Then maybe they shouldn’t be involved in your rebellion efforts if inconveniences like these are going to cause negative effects,” Lily said, her voice calm and clear. Nia bristled, glancing toward Lily, then narrowing her eyes at me.

“We need every able-bodied soul willing to stand up and do anything in this day and age,” She snapped.

“Well, the challenge has been issued. I don’t think your little rebellion is necessary anymore,” Lily responded. I glanced back at her, watching her expressionless face as she shrugged.

“It’s not a little rebellion,” A male voice called from somewhere to our left. We all turned to see Jack walk into the clearing with Clarence and the rest of the rebels behind them. I instantly tensed, my wolf not liking Jack’s tone.

“Maybe,” Lily said, “It’s certainly not necessary anymore. Jason has challenged his father. The rebellion is a moot point and redundant.”

Jack scoffed, turning to look at the people behind him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. The rebellion is now more important than ever. This challenge between Jason and his father was never supposed to happen. We’re not here to get rid of the King. We’re here to get rid of the monarchy.”

I glanced at Dean who looked as tense as I felt. Jack has always been something of a loose cannon and this challenge is going to make everything about him so much worse. I knew it was going to piss people off, but there wasn’t much I could do about it. My mate comes first. While I want to help the rebels and change how we live in this world, I couldn’t let my mate be at risk. I took a deep breath, hoping to calm my wolf from wanting to rip Jack’s head from his body. I walked over toward Jack, hoping it looked natural when I really wanted to put myself between him and Lily.

“Jack, I know things aren’t going the way you wanted. I would apologize, but the only reason I challenged my father is because he threatened my mate. You know how a male reacts when his mate is in trouble. Surely you can forgive me for reacting in such a way,” I asked, offering him my hand to shake. He looked down at it, glaring at me with hate in his eyes. I knew I had won this little argument when the rest of the rebels mumbled and whispered to themselves.

Jack glanced over his shoulder then shook my hand, scowling and gripping as hard as he could. He spoke as he eyed Lily.“Of course, Jason. I can only imagine what you would have done if someone went after your mate,” My wolf pushed forward, a growl resounding in my chest. Jack’s eyes snapped toward me, a flash of glee and mischief flashing across his face quickly.

“Jack, we’re here to talk to Jason about what the next step is. Stop stirring up trouble,” Nia scowled. I released Jack’s hand, stepping back. Dean stepped up to stand just slightly behind me.

“Whatisthe next step, Nia? I’m just curious what you think can happen now that Jason is attempting to take over the throne,” Jack asked, crossing his arms.

“That’s what we’re here to figure out, Jack. Will you chill out and back off? You’re being an ass,” Nia rolled her eyes. I clenched my hands into fists, trying to hold my wolf back from wanting to tear his throat out. I took a calming breath, turning to Nia and trying to keep my temper from getting the best of me. She gave me a sympathetic look.

“We have already established that my actions are in response to the threat my father posed to my mate’s life. If I need to establish thatanythreat to my mate’s life will be met with the same response, I will happily do so.”

“For crying out loud, will you two put your dicks away and get this meeting started? We’re not exactly in the most secure place. Let’s get this shit over with and go,” Lily snapped. I cleared my throat.

“So, whatarewe going to do?” Jack asked, looking pleased.

26

Lily

“You’re not going to do anything. Goddess help me, this is like trying to herd cats,” I threw my hands up. I was over this whole pissing contest. I had no desire to be in between these two when the lid finally blew off from all this unspoken pressure.

---