Page 40 of To Be Claimed

“So they’re like the werewolf police?”

Veronica’s feminine laugh echoes in the kitchen. She smiles, revealing those sharp fangs, and tells me, “The Authority looks out for themselves, first and foremost. Very little of what they do involves justice.”

“They can be very just in their actions, Veronica.” Devin’s response is slightly reprimanding.

“Just because they can be doesn’t mean they have been. They often choose a route that will instill fear and maintain their position in power. Would you not agree?”

Vince cocks a brow at his mate and her tone. Rather than overriding her, as Devin’s done to me, he smirks, nodding slightly and waiting for Devin’s response.

“At times.” He concedes as his hand finds mine under the table.

That feels far more like equality than “hush now, I’ll fill you in later.”

The fact that she is Vince’s mate is the only reason I’m not terrified of her. Devin assured me. Hell, maybe I do trust him. I don’t know what to think about anything anymore.

“I’m certain they’re here because of last night.” Veronica nods her head in agreement and runs her fingernails lightly along Vince’s upturned hand, almost as if she’s not aware she’s touching him. My heart skips a beat. I wonder if she feels this too? This overwhelming need to be with her mate like I do with Devin.

It’s heady and confusing. It feels like something else is taking over my body and, if I’m being honest, it’s terrifying. The word “fate” has lost the comfort it used to hold.

“What do you mean?” I’m sure he’s referring to the offering, but I don’t understand what it has to do with them.

“Generally speaking, there isn’t any resistance at the offerings. Mates go willingly. Humans hardly fight for those who don’t mind being taken. You fainted after fighting me and Liz had to be carried out while she resisted and screamed.”

I can feel the blood drain from my face. “Oh.” I bite the inside of my cheek. They’re here because they think we aren’t their mates. Lizzie sulks in Caleb’s arms.

“I’m certain the response to the scene has been less than pleasant on the human side of relations, which will piss off the Authority. They prefer to keep the masses content.”

“They’re discussing it now.” Veronica stares at Vince’s hand and continues running the tips of her fingers along his wrist as she speaks. “They’re planning on taking them back.” Her words send a jolt of anxiousness through me. I can’t go back. I belong here, with Devin. Everything in me knows I’m meant to be with him. Even if we are struggling to find stable and common ground. I’ve barely been given a chance.

“Well, the Authority can go fuck themselves.” Dom’s seething baritone voice startles me, making me flinch. Devin’s arm wraps around my waist and pulls me closer to him.

“There’s no need to be hostile. I’m sure once they see Grace and Liz, they’ll leave in peace.”

“It might not be your intention, but it will end up being hostile.” Veronica’s eyes are still fixed on her playful touch. If she wasn’t consistently speaking, I wouldn’t think she was listening.

I dare to ask her, “Why’s that?” I’m not leaving. The thought of never seeing Devin again makes my chest feel hollow. I won’t let it happen.

Her dark eyes find mine and she gives me a small smile with her fangs digging into her full bottom lip. “Natalia’s a bitch.”

“How do you know Natalia?” Vince asks with curiosity. I fucking loathe that everyone knows everyone else except for me. With my complete attention, I glance between the two of them, determined to find my place and the confidence I used to have.

“She’s the one who trained me.” Her smile falls slightly.

“Trained you for what?”

“To kill werewolves.” Devin’s serious response, answering for Veronica, makes my blood run cold, causing goosebumps to run down my arms. I stare with wide eyes down the end of the table. She kills werewolves?

My breath leaves me and I feel light-headed.

“Times were much different back then.” Her lips tilt down into a small frown before she schools her expression. “I don’t participate in the sport anymore.”

Vince’s eyes smile with humor at the knowledge; he has no fear of his mate. He doesn’t seem affected at all. He relaxes into his seat and takes her hand in his before sweetly kissing her knuckles. “Ain’t fate a bitch.” A soft smile plays at her lips, but her large eyes are full of pain and torture.

“You had your reasons.” Devin’s words are spoken with compassion and it eases my discomfort marginally. She nods slightly at Devin as a loud, melodic chime echoes in the room.

Devin inclines his head in silence and remains seated. At his nod, Jude stands up to answer the door. I watch as Dom positions Lizzie on his lap and Caleb angles his body so he’s directly in front of her with his chest toward the entrance after giving her a small kiss on the cheek. He’s still smiling faintly, but his silver eyes have a lethal look to them. Their defensive act puts me on edge. Devin pulls my chair closer to him and kisses my forehead before nuzzling his nose in my hair. “Everything is fine, sweetheart. They will not touch you.”

“Promise me.”

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