Chapter 11: Ada's Mate

Blake

Zoe releases a rugged breath when the door closes behind Clyde, and I am instantly by her side.

“Are you okay?” I ask as I rest my hands on her shoulders.

“No,” she grunts. “I’m furious.”

“What’s happening?” Cooper whispers as he enters the room and I let go of Zoe’s shoulders.

“Clyde was here,” I grunt. “And he threatened Zoe.”

“I … I need fresh air,” Zoe stutters. “Will you stay with Ada? I’m so angry right now and need a moment to cool off.”

“You’re not going out there alone,” I say adamantly.

“Please,” she snorts and rolls her eyes at me. “I can take care of myself and I’m not afraid of that buffoon.”

“I know you can,” I smile softly. “But we cannot risk it. Clyde’s visit confirms that he’s up to no good. You’re a warrior, her best friend and you have your wolf. You’re her only defence right now. Clyde is a vindictive son of a b*tch. He will try and get back at you.”

“I’ll go with you,” Cooper smiles. “Then you can tell me everything that happened. Vending about it will help you calm down.”

“Fine,” she sighs and storms out with Cooper on her heels.

With a sigh, I push my fingers through my hair and sit down on the foot of Ada’s bed. I would not mind fresh air to clear my mind. This entire time, I deliberately stayed on the sidelines and refused to get any more involved than necessary. But that ship has sailed.

“What the hell are you doing in my room?” Ada growls and I look at her in surprise.

“You’re awake,” I mumble. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel that you shouldn’t be here,” she glares at me. “Where’s Zoe?”

“She went for a run,” I reply. “Can I get you anything?”

“Yeah,” she scoffs. “You can get out of my room.”

“Are you always this rude towards guests or is this the way you wake up?” I tease her.

“Have it your way,” she grunts as she reaches for her cane and gets out of bed.

It was on the tip of my tongue to tell what happened when I notice her swinging the cane at me.

“Are you insane?” I hiss as I jump away just in time. “You will kill me with that.”

“That’s the idea,” she says as she swings again, and I quickly move out of her reach.

“Dammit, woman, calm down,” I yelp. “You’re going to wake everyone.”

“One perv*rt in this castle is enough,” she swings as she limps closer. “I will not allow another one.”

“Enough,” I say firmly and grab the end of the cane when she swings at me again. “I’m here to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection,” she protests and tries to jerk the cane free, but I hold on to it for dear life.

“Yes … you do,” I grunt as I rip the cane from her hold. She stammers backwards and I jump forward. I catch her just in time and pull her against my chest.

“Now,” my breathing is rapid as I look down at her. “If you will calm down, I will tell you what’s happening.”

For a moment we only stare at each other and for the first time in many years, I can feel something inside me stir. It upsets me so much that I quickly let go of her. Irritated with myself, I toss her cane on the bed and walk to the window.

I tucked my feelings away many years ago and have absolutely no desire to dig them up again. Not for anybody or anything. And now Ada is scratching at the surface, and I do not like it one bit.

“You had a midnight caller,” I say in a monotone with my back towards her.

“Clyde was here?” She sounds upset but not surprised.

“Yup,” I nod before I tell her everything.

“Thanks for being here,” she mumbles when I am done, and I turn around.

She sits on the edge of her bed and I can clearly see the evidence of tears on her face in the moonlight. Her silent agony pulls on my heartstrings and I cannot resist going sit next to her and taking her hand in mine.

“I don’t need pity,” she pulls her hand away. “I knew I was looking for trouble when I challenged him tonight.”

“It wasn’t pity,” I say annoyed, more about the pinch of hurt I felt when she pulled away than the fact that she did pull away. “It’s support.”

She does not reply and only reaches for the painkillers. The entire time I curse myself for being so weak. I never have difficulty keeping my emotions to myself. What is so different about Ada that I give in to impulses?

“I’m sorry for being a jerk and attacking you with my cane,” she looks at me. “I’m a bit prejudice when it comes to men in my room without an invitation.”

“Which is understandable,” I smirk.

“I have no proof that he planted the bomb,” she admits as she swallows two pills. “I was annoyed for looking like a fool because he didn’t carry over the message. So, I accused him.”

“That’s impulsive and foolish,” I shake my head at her. Of all the things I have thought about her, those were the last two words I would have connected with her.

“Maybe,” she gives me a sideways smile and it irks me that her beauty strikes me once more. “But I was right. I could see it in his eyes, and I was about to call his bluff when he kicked me.”

“That’s most likely why he kicked you,” I shrug. “He must think you have proof of some kind and was desperate to shut you up.”

“Killian’s not innocent either,” she sighs. “Rogues did not attack them. They staged it so that he can kill his Delta without repercussions. But I don’t know if he has something to do with the bomb.”

I do not say anything as her words sink in. All doubt about staying has disappeared. Something big is happening here. And yes, it has nothing to do with my pack, but what kind of person would I be if I allow Zoe and Ada to deal with this themselves? What if Ada turns out to be Cooper’s mate and something happens to her? Am I willing to deal with the guilt that I could have helped and saved her? Just because I do not need a mate, does not mean Cooper does not.

“Your birthday party turned into a murder mystery,” I give her a sideways smile. “And we’re here to help.”

“Be careful with your words,” she chuckles as she sits back and places a pillow underneath her ankle to elevate it. “You might not want to sign up once you know everything.”

“You mean a murder, bomb and perv*rt are not enough?” I gape at her. “What else can there be?”

“Violet’s mate,” she smirks. “We’re going to rescue him from Opal Moon.”

“You must be joking?” I say annoyed after she told me about the bartender. “You’re already kneedeep in sh*t and you want to get more? What the hell is wrong with you?”

“She’s my friend and we’re a team,” Ada glares at me. “She’ll do the same for me.”

“You must calculate the risks,” I say irritated. “A mate over everyone else’s safety is ridiculous.”

“Listen, Blake,” her voice is firm. “I did not ask for your help or your opinion. And since we’re on calculus – I calculate that I care more about Violet and her happiness than your approval. So, suck it.”

“If your father …”

“My father will side with me,” she cuts me off and lifts her chin.

“He might be your father, but he’s also the alpha,” I argue. “And any reasonable alpha will not risk his entire pack for a warrior’s mate. It’s not like you’re rescuing the Luna.”

“So, Violet doesn’t deserve love because she’s a lesser rank? Are alphas the only ones that are allowed to experience happiness? Where’s the law that states men can decide what they want and take it while women must be quiet and submissive in a corner? I love and respect my father,” her voice is soft and calculated as she sits up and leans over to me until our faces are only inches apart. “But I don’t give a f*ck about titles.”

She is so close to me that I can feel her breath on my skin. I can smell her subtle perfume and it dazzles me for a moment before I can pull myself together.

“Without titles and hierarchy, there will be chaos,” I say softly and try and steer the conversation back on track. This is not about what is fair or women’s rights. This is about what is best for everyone.

“Without love, hierarchy turns into tyranny,” her eyes bore into mine.

“You’re missing the point,” I murmur as her green eyes mesmerize me. “Love …”

Ada presses her lips against mine and I freeze. But my lack of reaction does not seem to faze her as she leans closer and gently bites my bottom lip. My body takes over and I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her onto my lap. She throws her arms around my neck and pushes her breasts against my chest as she increases the kiss.

Stop it! I reprimand myself as my hands roam down her back. This is a terrible idea; I tell myself when my tongue plunders her mouth and she willingly allows it. Nothing good can come of this, I realize as my erecti*n grows harder.

“Blake,” she murmurs against my lips. “You can dictate people and actions, but you cannot dictate love.”

Once more she kisses me feverishly before she abruptly stands up and limps to the bathroom. Leaving me with an embarrassing erecti*n and a desperate desire for her.