Challenged Mate: Alpha Games Book Two, page 2
“Why wouldn’t you all be together?” In the Summit Pack, no shifter lived more than ten miles from the rest. Our wolves were pack animals. They didn’t like being far from one another.
“Some of us like our space,” Chase replied.
I frowned at the un-wolfish behavior but didn’t comment.
“How many shifters live here?”
“About one thousand.” It was Asher who answered.
Once again, I had to hide how my body reacted to the timbre of his voice.
I looked through the front windshield, ignoring the dark eyes assessing me through the rearview mirror. Asher drove the vehicle along the perimeter of the lovely buildings. I was surprised when he turned onto a road that led away from the town.
“Where are we going?” Did the alpha live in the woods? Was I about to meet him?
Neither shifter answered my question.
I bristled at their silence, prepared to insist they answer me, when we crested a hill and I saw a massive three-story home nestled at the bottom of the valley.
The wood structure was painted white. Midnight blue shutters adorned each of the front windows, and a crimson roof shined under the early morning sun. Four large pines flanked the home on either side, and a glistening meadow sat about twenty yards away from the back of the home.
The picturesque scene was stunning. “Wow.”
Chase shot me a knowing smile. “Our alpha’s house is the best in the pack, for obvious reasons.” He smirked towards Asher.
And just like that, Chase’s words washed away my admiration.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Is that where I’m staying?”
Would I really be subjected to living under the alpha’s roof before our mating?
Could I insist I stay somewhere else?
I could claim the need for propriety or some nonsense like that.
I didn’t know how the Wilds Pack viewed such things, but surely I could persuade them to let me have this small reprieve.
“You’ll be staying on the bottom floor. It’s a private apartment. The alpha won’t bother you there,” Asher said. My eyes were drawn to his hands as they tightened around the steering wheel.
I let my gaze rise to the rearview mirror. Asher’s eyes were there, waiting for me.
A host of emotions swirled in his gaze. For a moment, I basked in them, but it was brief.
Our fate was sealed. He’d guaranteed that. I couldn’t let myself dwell on the feelings the bond elicited within either of us. There was no point.
With that thought in mind, I forced my head down, breaking the pull of his stare.
I withdrew my cell phone from my coat pocket and power it on. I’d left it off since leaving Badlands’ territory, knowing news of my predicament would travel through my pack like wildfire. I had no desire to hear from everyone and their mother about what they thought of my situation.
The vehicle bounced up and down as the road became less smooth the closer we drew to the alpha’s home.
My phone illuminated, and dozens of unread text messages covered my lock screen. I slid my finger over them, dismissing the notifications, then unlocked my phone and tapped the messaging app.
I ignored the texts from various pack members, including Hunter and my father. There was only one person I was in the mood to hear from.
I tapped Stephanie’s name and read what my best friend had sent the past forty-eight hours.
I am so, so, so sorry Blair. I wish I were with you right now, but I know you’ll get through this.
* * *
Are you all right? How are you holding up?
* * *
Has Asher said anything about telling his alpha about your bond? Do you want him to know?!?
* * *
I know you’re probably ignoring messages right now. I get it. Just promise to reach out to me when you feel up for it. I need to know you’re okay. I miss you and love you.
Emotion clogged my throat as I read through Stephanie’s messages. I wanted to let her know I was okay, but as my fingers hovered over the screen, I couldn’t come up with the words.
I wasn’t okay. I was a mess.
I didn’t want to lie to her and say otherwise, but I also didn’t want her to worry.
With a heavy sigh, I tucked my phone back into my pocket. I would reply later. I needed to focus on the next leg of my inescapable adventure. Namely, meeting the male I was supposed to mate.
The thought made my stomach churn.
I stared out the window, trying to control the uneasiness coursing through me. Asher turned onto the alpha’s driveway. We rolled to a stop when we reached the garage doors.
Chase exited the vehicle without a word.
With a deep breath, I unbuckled my seatbelt and slid across the backseat. I ignored the pair of probing eyes watching me as I pulled the handle and climbed out.
Immediately, I admired the fresh, sweet scent of the grassy land around me. It was nothing like what I expected of fall in Alaska.
I heard Asher open his door and step out of the car. “Your apartment is through the blue door,” he told me.
I looked at the house and noticed the blue door tucked beside the garage doors. Two narrow windows ran the length of the door on either side. They were darkly tinted, making the inside impossible to see.
“Do you want to take a look?” Asher asked.
Without looking at him, I nodded and walked to the door. Asher followed. I tried to turn the doorknob, but it was locked.
“Here.” Asher’s arm brushed against mine as he reached forward and slid a silver key into the lock. I failed to hide my shiver.
With a quick turn, he unlocked the door and pushed it inward. He gestured for me to go in, and I quickly complied, needing to put distance between us. Our fated bond might not fade now that we were to live in the same pack, but the least we could do was keep it from growing. I needed to avoid contact with Asher at all costs.
I walked down a short hallway before reaching a plain white door. Asher remained behind me, and I spared a brief thought as to why. He’d ignored me during our journey. He knew, as well as I, that we needed to stay away from one another.
Why was he so keen to be near me now?
His woodsy scent filled my nostrils, eliciting way too many emotions. None I wanted to deal with.
I contemplated asking Asher to leave, but pride wouldn’t allow it. I wasn’t weak. I could handle a few minutes in his company. Mother Moon knew I would have to do it for the rest of my life. Might as well get used to it now.
I reached out and turned the doorknob. It was unlocked. I pushed forward and stepped into my new apartment.
Immediately, I was taken aback. I half-expected a dark, cinderblock room with sparse furnishings, but the room I entered was warm and welcoming.
My eyes took in the quaint kitchen to my left. Counter space was limited, but it looked to have all the appliances I could ever need, including a coffee maker and toaster. A delicate two-person table was positioned just beside the half-wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the apartment.
To my right, a small living room was filled with a plush, cream couch and a sky-blue armchair. A flatscreen TV hung on the wall, and a mahogany TV stand sat underneath. A matching coffee table took up the center of the space. The walls were decorated with beautiful photographs of mountains, forests, and grassy fields.
“The bedroom is through there,” Asher said.
I gave a little jolt. I’d forgotten I wasn’t alone.
Hoping to hide my reaction, I walked across the living room to the lone door on the right side of the apartment. I stepped inside and found equally charming furnishings. The queen size bed was decorated with several pillows, and the same style of photographs lined the walls.
“Your bathroom and closet are through that door,” Asher said, his breath brushing against the tips of my ears.
“Mother!” I jumped forward, putting space between us, and I whirled around. “Stop scaring me.”
The corner of his lips quirked. “I’m not trying to scare you.”
“Well, you are.” I swallowed. “Stop getting so close.”
A flash of hurt flitted across his gaze, and I felt his pain in my gut.
Ugh, stupid bond.
“Sorry,” I felt compelled to mutter.
“Don’t worry about it.” He crossed his arms. “We both know you didn’t ask for any of this.”
I opened my mouth to remind him he didn’t want this either, but Chase’s voice boomed through the apartment, interrupting me.
“Wow.” He released a loud whistle. “This place looks great. Kayla did an amazing job.”
My stomach clenched.
Was Kayla the alpha’s lover?
Who else would decorate his home?
Chase appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame with a broad smile. “Not too shabby, huh, Hemmings?”
Both he and Asher stared at me expectantly—like my answer mattered a great deal to them.
“It’s nice,” I said. I couldn’t muster up any more excitement about my figurative prison.
Chase’s eyes dimmed, but he kept his smile in place. “I put your duffle bag by the front door.”
“Thanks.” I looked at the window in the bedroom—the only one in the whole apartment given the fact the first floor was built into the side of the hill. I had a perfect view of the meadow I’d admired on the way in. I wondered if I would be free to walk around pack lands, or if I’d be confined to the apartment.
It wasn’t a secret I wasn’t thrilled to be here. Would the alpha fear I’d run away?
I doubted it. He and I both knew there wasn’t anywhere I could go.
“When will I meet the alpha?” It was the last thing I wanted to do, but it was inevitable. Best to get it over with.
I sensed, more than saw, Chase and Asher share a look. I kept my attention on the meadow, reminding myself to take even breaths as I braced myself for the next part of my cursed future—meeting my mate.
“Not today,” Chase finally answered. “Take the day to settle in and get some rest. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around pack lands if you’re interested.”
I turned away from the window, eyeing the hope in the blond shifter’s gaze. Part of me wanted to stay holed up in this apartment, but that would be the weak thing to do. And I wasn’t weak.
I dipped my chin. “Sure.” My attention slid to Asher.
His expression was blank, but he couldn’t conceal the emotion swirling in his eyes. This situation wasn’t easy for him either.
Before I could think better of it, I asked Asher, “Are you going to join us tomorrow?”
Surprise flittered over his features. “No… I have pack business to attend to and will be gone for a few days.”
A swift pang of disappointment hit me in the chest.
Stupid, stupid, Blair!
I’d just reminded myself we needed to keep our distance from one another.
Stupid fated mate bond.
“R-right.” I cleared my throat. “Got it. Have a good trip.”
Asher’s jaw clenched. He took a step forward. His hand reached out.
I stepped back before he could touch me. “I think I’m going to get some rest. I’ll see you guys later.”
Asher stilled—his arm still outstretched. His fingers flexed with indecision.
I held my breath, wondering what he would do—wondering what I wanted him to do.
A long second passed. Asher’s arm fell to his side. “The fridge is full if you need food,” he said gruffly. His eyes zeroed in on my neck. No doubt, he heard my racing pulse.
I managed a calm nod. “Thanks.”
Asher lingered for another moment before abruptly spinning on his heel and striding out of the bedroom.
Chase stepped aside to let him pass, giving me a sympathetic look I didn’t want to receive. “See you later, Blair.”
I said nothing.
I didn’t move a muscle until I heard the front door click closed. Then, I fell into a limp heap on top of the bed.
As much as I tried to ignore it, my entire soul yearned to be near Asher. Tears burned the back of my eyes from hearing he planned to leave so quickly after my arrival. Every instinct urged me to beg him to stay.
But I couldn’t.
I choked on a sob, unable to stop the tears from rolling down my face.
Rather than fight it, I let sorrow overtake me. I needed the release.
Tomorrow, I’d go back to being the strong, alpha heir I was raised to be.
But today, I would let my heart ache for everything I’d lost.
And everything I had left to lose.
Three
A quiet morning greeted me as soft light flittered through the bedroom curtain, pulling me from sleep.
In Colorado, my home sat in the center of the community. There was always someone awake and making noise to begin each day. But the Wilds Pack alpha lived so far from the rest of his pack, not even my heightened hearing allowed me to hear any other pack members.
Was the alpha a recluse, or did he simply enjoy his privacy?
I rolled out of the comfy bed and raised my arms in long stretch. I walked to the window and drew back the sheer, white curtain. The sun had just crossed the horizon despite the fact it was nearly nine in the morning. Just another reminder I was no longer in Colorado.
No.
No more wallowing.
I shook away the sad thoughts and made my way to the bathroom. I turned the water as hot as it could go, then stepped inside the shower. The stinging water peppered my skin, and I embraced the burn for as long as I could stand it. Once the room was well and truly steamy, I turned down the temperature and proceeded to wash my hair and body.
Towel dried, I changed into a pair of leggings and a thick hoodie. The apartment was cool despite my hot shower. I spotted a thermostat on the wall but refrained from adjusting it. This wasn’t my home—no matter what anyone else said.
I was just about to attempt to master the unfamiliar coffee machine when three swift raps sounded against the front door. I walked over, flipped the bolt, and opened the door.
“Morning, Hemmings.” Chase stood there, wearing a bright smile and holding out a thermos. “I brought you coffee.”
His actions made me think of Hunter: my partner in the Alpha Games and future beta of the Summit Pack.
He’s probably the future alpha now…
“Thanks.” I accepted the drink, hoping I managed to hide the pain from my expression. I stepped back so Chase could enter the apartment.
He strolled in with the confidence of someone who’d been in the apartment many times. He flopped onto the couch and slouched, kicking his feet onto the coffee table.
Had it been my furniture, I would have demanded he remove his shoes. But since it wasn’t, I kept my mouth shut.
“How’d you sleep?”
I sat on the chair and sipped my coffee before replying, “Fine.”
The truth was, I slept like a rock. That mattress was seriously comfortable. So was everything else in the apartment. Whoever Kayla was, she certainly knew her way around high-quality furniture.
“I’m glad to hear it. Interested in that tour?” He lifted an eyebrow.
I took another sip of coffee. It was that question that hounded me in the hours before I went to bed last night.
Part of me wanted to hide away from the Wilds Pack—namely, the alpha—for as long as possible, but the sensible side of me knew I shouldn’t prolong the inevitable.
Chase waited for my response, watching me with all the patience in the world.
I finally lowered the thermos and asked, “What, exactly, do you want to show me today?”
“Well, to start, I planned to take you into town. I saw you didn’t bring much with you, and we have all the shops you could need. You should be able to find anything you’re missing. If not, we can order it in on our monthly shipment.”
“You only get supplies once a month?”
“For certain things, yes. The rest, we are able to retrieve from towns and communities close to pack lands.”
His lips turned down as he continued, “Don’t get any ideas about leaving though. Those towns are at least a day’s run away in wolf form, and the paths go through Alaskan wilderness. It’s a dangerous trip for anyone who doesn’t know the way.”
“Don’t worry,” I said bitterly, staring at the thermos in my hands. “I wasn’t planning on running away.” I already ruled out the possibility last night.
“Good.” Chase’s bright demeanor returned. “Do you want to eat breakfast first, or should we head out?”
The thought of food made me nauseous. “Let’s head out.”
Chase hopped to his feet and walked through the front door. I followed, grabbing a beanie I’d left on the small dining room table before I closed the door behind me.
I pulled the hat over my wayward curls as we walked the short hallway between the apartment door and the external door. I blinked at the bright sun as we stepped outside, then turned to lock the blue door with the key Asher had left with me last night.
An excited shrill broke the morning’s calm quiet, “Oh the Mother! Is that her? I can’t believe it! You’re actually here!”
Eyes wide, I spun around, shocked when a slender pair of tan arms wrapped around me and squeezed tight. “It is so nice to meet you, Blair. I’m Kayla.”
My limbs locked in place. Was this the Kayla who decorated the apartment—the alpha’s lover?
Discomfort had me shifting my arms, trying to gently break her hold, but the girl was strong. Clearly, she was a shifter.
“Yikes, Kayla. Heard of personal space? Blair isn’t exactly a hugger.” Chase coupled his gentle reprimand with a laugh.
“Oh.” Kayla swiftly dropped her arms and stepped back. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
I took in her sincere expression, momentarily drawn in by her blue eyes. They seemed familiar.
I knew why when Chase said, “Blair Hemmings, let me introduce you to Kayla Wolfstan, Asher’s sister.”
