Chapter 55 CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
MAEVA
My lips tingle and I trace them as I remember the way his mouth had crashed into mine. He didn't ask and he wasn't gentle. He claimed me with his lips, his teeth nipping my lower lip until I gasped, then his tongue slid in like he owned every breath I took. My body had arched into him despite myself, heat pooling low as he pushed my thighs apart and bent to bring me to the edge.
I shake my head, forcing the image away as the familiar scent of my territory hits my nose. Home. Finally. I wonder what it will feel like to walk back into the pack after the way Caius took me. He stormed into my pack, knocked me unconscious, and took me in front of everyone. Embarrassment starts creeping up my neck. I don’t want to see them.
I’ve tried to be a strong Alpha for years. Caius came in and broke down that effort. This mate business is exhausting and it’s why I never wanted it. Why couldn’t I have gotten a nice omega for a mate? I would’ve been fine with it. It’s what I always imagined.
I’ve not gotten my way in anything since that day at the council. I went from being the final word in my pack to battering my body in exchange for a little bit of freedom. My body shivers and with the thousands of things I’m currently feeling, it’s hard to know if it’s from disgust or from want.
The driver gets to the pack entrance and stops. He rolls down his window so the pack security can see me. They let us through immediately and I give him directions to my house. I need to wash myself and wear my own clothes before I see anyone.
“You can go back to your pack or you wait outside here.” I tell the guard after I come down from the car.
“I’ll wait here, Alpha.”
I scoff and start walking to my house. I resist the urge to slam the door shut when I walk in. I go straight to the bathroom and let the water wash everything I’ve been feeling for Caius. This is a dangerous game and I don’t want to play it anymore.
I hear scuffling outside and I turn off the shower to listen. It sounds like Taron and Caius’s guard. I grab the first clothes my hands find and I run outside to find out what is happening.
Taron has the guard pinned to the ground but the guard isn’t trying to get free. His legs are locked around Taron, keeping him I place.
“What’s going on here?” I ask and they both stop.
The guard releases Taron who punches him then stands up. The guard doesn’t try to retaliate, he smirks at Taron and wipes the blood off.
“I asked a fucking question, what’s going on here?” I say, power dripping from every word.
They both stand erect at the sound of my voice. Taron clears his throat first. “He attacked me. I was informed that you were back and that someone drove so when I saw the car parked outside, I knew and I ignored him. He attacked me just as I was about to open the door.”
I face the guard, wondering what would make him do such a thing. “You attacked my Beta in my pack. You know that’s an offence that could get you killed right?”
“I apologize, Alpha Maeva. Alpha Caius instructed that he doesn’t enter your house.”
“What?” I ask, shocked.
Taron exhales and chuckles dryly. The guard glares at him before meeting my eyes.
“The Alpha gave me a list of instructions to follow. He said you’ll do what you want but I should not allow him to go into your house.”
How dare Caius?
“I want you to get into that car and return to Caius. He might have a say in his pack but he doesn’t get to do anything in mine.”
I feel Taron prodding in my mind but I don’t open my mind to him.
The guard bows. “If I return to the pack without you, I will die.”
“Then that’s between you and your Alpha. Let’s go, Taron.”
I turn and start walking back to the house but I hear the guard pull Taron back. He has Taron pinned to the ground, struggling to get free. I growl and push him off. He rolls on the ground twice before standing on his feet. He gives me an apologetic look before he faces Taron again.
“I’m sorry, Alpha Maeva. I can’t go against the orders of my Alpha.”
“I said you should return to your pack at once.”
“I’m sorry, Alpha Maeva. I’d rather die here, doing what he asked.”
“Okay, nobody needs to die.” Taron says, trying to make the situation better. “Maeva…”
“Alpha Maeva.” The guard corrects, interrupting Taron.
Taron clenches his jaw and swallows hard. “Alpha Maeva, we can have the meeting in your office at the pack house.” He looks at the guard. “Is that okay by your Alpha?”
The guard nods, missing or maybe ignoring the sarcasm. “Yes, that is on the list of places Alpha Caius approved.”
This is bullshit. Caius has gone too far. I look at Taron and he looks like he’s holding his laugh in. I’m glad one of us finds this funny. I return to the house and get dressed. When I come out, the guard is in his car and Taron is turning his around.
I get into Taron’s car and he starts moving.
“He’s following us.” Taron says but I don’t respond.
“You’re acting like you’re angry with me.” He says.
“I’m not angry.” I’m embarrassed, I’m sorry, but I’m not angry. At least, not at him.
“I shouldn’t have kissed you. That was selfish and I shouldn’t have put you in that position.” I finally say.
He shrugs. “It’s fine. I’m healed and I’ve forgotten about it.”
“What about the pack? Did they forget about it?”
He’s quiet for a few seconds before he responds. “They’re not talking about it, I made sure of that. There are some who are happy that we are now aligned with Caius’s pack, there are some who are worried that were aligned with Caius’s pack and there are some who love your mate and want to see you have pups with him.”
I expected all except the last group. “People like Caius and I as a thing?”
He nods and I look away to hide the smile that slowly begins to show on my face. I wouldn’t have thought that there would be people without anything to gain who would be happy for this union. Two powerful Alpha’s merging together, combining power and resources is a threat to many.
“What happened at his pack? You feel different.”
It’s a long story and not one I want him to know about. “Nothing, everything is fine.”
“It’s obviously not but I hope you have a better answer for the pack. They gathered as soon as they heard you’re here and they’re waiting for you.”
What? Why didn’t he lead with that?