by Lola Glass
Strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling my body slowly against Roman’s. My hands fisted in his t-shirt, arms sandwiched between our fronts.
“There’s no way in hell I can let you walk out of this building, Hen. As your future mate and your Alpha, I’m telling you right now that I can’t watch that happen. I’ll lose my mind and total control of my beast, and Ledger will take this pack.” The look in his eyes told me he was being completely serious.
I groaned.
“I shouldn’t have let you chase me.”
“Like I gave you a choice.” He growled. I shoved my hair out of my face.
“Alright. If I’m staying, we need a plan.” Arla’s words during our pedicures struck me. “We need to sell our relationship to him. If he believes we’re going to mate, he’ll either flip his lid or get over me. Either way, it’ll trigger whatever comes next.”
“No.” Roman didn’t even wait for the rest of my plan. He knew it would involve Ledger seeing me in person. “I won’t be able to control myself if you’re within his reach. Protecting you is my first priority.”
“You’ll be holding my hand while you threaten him for hurting me and trying to force me into mating with him. He won’t be able to reach me.”
“I’m going to do a hell of a lot more than threaten him.”
“Roman.” I grabbed his face between my hands like he always did to me. I had to go up on my tiptoes to manage it, but I did. “It won’t be hard to pretend we’re a few days from mating. I need you to focus on that.”
“Fine.” He tossed his baseball cap to the floor and shoved his fingers over his growing-out buzz. I let go of him to grab the hat. “But I stay between you and him at all times.”
“Deal. It will be more convincing if you can seem relaxed.” I plopped it back on his head backward and grabbed his hand, leading him toward the elevator. He adjusted the hat but left it backward and slipped his fingers through mine.
We were silent as the elevator descended.
It dinged and the doors slid open. My body tensed, expecting to see Ledger just outside.
“No one who isn’t pack gets past the receptionist.” Roman’s voice was low. He took charge again, grip tightening on my hand as he led me through the floor. “Chin up.” He murmured.
I lifted my chin and forced every ounce of confidence I had into the way I walked.
Six of Roman’s enforcers formed a barrier between the pack-side of the lobby and the public. Two parted to let us through, nodding at Roman.
Ledger and two of his enforcers stood waiting in front of the receptionist’s desk. The receptionist was a petite female who held a gun trained steadily on the Colorado Alpha’s chest.
I hoped she’d pull the trigger.
Ledger’s gaze snapped directly to me, ignoring the Alpha at my side completely. Roman’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me to him. I stumbled but made it look smooth by catching myself with a hand on Roman’s chest.
“Release my future mate and I won’t challenge you for your pack here and now.” Ledger snapped.
I hope he didn’t notice my flinch at the sound of his voice. Roman definitely did.
“Henley and I will be cementing a mating bond tonight.” Roman countered. “Whatever the two of you shared is in the past.”
I barely held back a shudder at the mention of what we’d ‘shared’. Roman was trying to solve this as peacefully as possible, but I needed to switch the conversation’s gears if we were going to get rid of Ledger permanently. I steeled myself for discomfort and turned away from Roman’s chest.
“Cut it with the shit, Ledger.” I glanced up at Roman, whose face was a mask of stone. He was probably confused, but going along with it the way he had when I attacked his mouth in the nightclub to fool the cops. I turned back to Ledger with a hot glare. “Alpha Ellis knows what you tried to force me to do, and all of the pain you inflicted on me. He and I will be mating for my safety and the benefit of his pack, and if you so much as look at me too long, he will challenge you for the right to lead the Colorado wolves.”
Ledger snarled and stepped toward me, hatred burning in his eyes.
Roman tucked me behind his back. I’d promised to let him stay between me and the other Alpha, so I didn’t protest.
“I challenge you for Henley Clark.” Roman’s voice was steel.
“I accept your challenge.”
My Alpha tugged his t-shirt off and handed it to me, maintaining eye contact with Ledger. He stepped out of his joggers and boxer briefs, balling them and handing them to me too. I wasn’t an idiot; he was obviously marking me as his territory by doing so. Ledger’s nostrils flared as he stripped, having seen the same thing in Roman’s gestures as I did.
Roman caught my eye and gave me a quick smile, tugging his baseball cap off his head and pulling it over mine backward so the visor was over my neck. “Relax.” He leaned in to press a kiss to my forehead. Ledger snarled, and I saw the way Roman’s eyes glinted. He was excited to fight my old Alpha.
Insane. He was completely insane.
I was too for having feelings for him.
Roman shifted into his big black wolf and Ledger followed into his own beige fur. Roman was a much bigger man and as such a much bigger wolf. Bigger didn’t always mean better in a fight, though. Ledger was cunning and vicious, and he would probably fight dirtier than my Alpha.
The wolves circled each other, sizing one another up. Ledger launched forward and snapped at Roman’s throat. He dodged smoothly.
They circled again. Ledger lunged at Roman, teeth closing on air where his shoulder had been a second earlier. Roman barreled toward the Colorado Alpha, slamming the beige wolf with his furry black shoulder. Ledger flew backward, shattering a glass wall toward the front of our building. Roman turned away from the wolf, confidence dripping from every fiber of his being as he strutted toward me.
He was on his feet and flying at my Alpha in an instant. Roman’s cockiness was going to cost him his life.
My black wolf flung his body backward and caught Ledger’s throat between his teeth, pinning the beige wolf to the floor before I could even scream.
Ledger whipped his body around, fighting for freedom, but Roman’s grip was firm. He waited until the Alpha wolf admitted defeat to release Ledger and step back, shifting to human form again. A massive purple and black bruise painted his right shoulder and back.
His arms folded over his chest as Ledger, too, shifted back. Roman was careful not to show pain.
“Henley is mine.” His voice ice. “If you ever show your face here again, you’ll lose your life and your pack.”
“Large words for a man who answers to someone higher.” A musical voice sounded from behind Ledger. Ledger wore a smirk bigger than any I’d ever seen.
Roman swore and spun around, shoving my hair up in his baseball cap to hide as much of the red stuff as possible, and then tugged his shirt over my head so I wore it on top of mine.
He stepped into his sweats as two tall, muscular werewolves stepped past Ledger and his people. They were a couple, a man and a woman.
I didn’t see a thing about their faces; my eyes were glued to their hair.
It was almost an exact match to mine. Red, but theirs didn’t have any hint of pink.
Roman stepped in front of me, hiding me from sight and protecting me at the same time. The power coming off the couple was stronger than anything I’d felt from any other Alpha, Roman included.
Were these people the Alphas of All?
Arla had mentioned them threatening Roman not to kill another Alpha.
They had to be.
I’d heard of them throughout my life but had never met them in person. Few people did. They were supposed to be vicious and cruel, and I’d heard that death followed them.
I finally pulled my eyes off their hair and looked at their faces. They were on the older side of middle-aged, but still among the strongest-looking people I’d ever seen. Both attractive, him with dark skin and
her with light. They held hands and smelled the same; clearly mates.
“Alpha Ellis. Care to explain why Alpha King called us, complaining that his mate was stolen away to New York?”
“My future mate.” Ledger corrected.
The Alphas suddenly looked skeptical.
I’d have stood up for myself if not for their hair. It couldn’t be a coincidence that mine was so similar, could it? Because of that similarity, I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. Who knew what that could lead to?
“Henley Clark was held captive by Alpha King. She got herself to New York, and I took her into my pack for her protection. Since then, we’ve decided to mate. We were actually planning on doing it tonight until Alpha King decided to challenge me for my woman.” Roman drew me forward, just a bit. His arm draped over my shoulders, hiding the strands of hair he hadn’t managed to stuff in the hat. I held my chin high, trying to portray confidence I didn’t feel.
“Lies.” Ledger spewed, stepping toward the Alphas. They held him back with a wave of power so strong it made breathing difficult.
“What does the girl have to say about it?” the Alpha Male of All demanded.
“Alpha Ellis speaks the truth.” I forced the words out.
“Very well. Alpha King, you’ll accompany us back to our plane.” The female Alpha commanded, spinning on her heels and stalking out of the skyscraper.
“We look forward to hearing of your mating.” The male nodded at Roman, following his mate out.
“You’ll regret this.” Ledger hissed, stalking out after them. I flipped him off.
Roman’s hand landed on the small of my back as he led me to the elevator, his body blocking mine from sight. We didn’t speak until the doors had closed and we were heading up.
“Your shoulder is dislocated, isn’t it?” I finally broke the silence, my voice soft.
“Not for the first time.” Roman grunted. “Grant will fix it.”
“I’m sorry.” I bit my lip, guilt dripping from every pore.
“Don’t be. I could’ve beat him without the injury, just wanted to end it faster so he didn’t have a chance to hurt you.”
“Still, it’s my fault.” I shut my eyes tightly, not mentioning the elephant in the room. Namely, my hair.
“Henley,” Roman turned so we were chest-to-chest again, though there was space between us this time. “It’s no one’s fault.”
“I’m going to heal you again.” I told him. His lips lifted.
“I won’t protest that.”
The elevator dinged, dropping us on my floor, and we headed down the hall together. Roman laced his fingers through mine, and I walked close to him.
“Why does my hair match the Alphas of All?” I dropped my voice low enough no one else could hear.
“I don’t know.” Roman squeezed my hand. “But we’ll find out.”
TWENTY-SIX
I woke up the next morning to the scent of cinnamon, of all things. Roman and I had gone up to his place for food after I healed him, and we fell asleep in his bed together. Christmas music rolled into his room and I could hear Roman and Arla chatting in the kitchen.
Right. It was Christmas.
Feeling self-conscious for my intrusion on the family holiday, I slipped out of bed and padded out to the front door, trying to make as little noise as possible. Grabbing the doorknob, I twisted it slowly.
This was what a walk of shame felt like. Humans were totally right about it being humiliating.
“Where are you going?” Roman crossed the living room. I grimaced.
Caught.
“I don’t want to intrude.” I bit my lip, tugging the door open quickly now that my cover had been blown.
“Come try this, Hennie. Roman thinks everything delicious is gross.” Arla called from the kitchen.
Roman’s eyes were soft as he held out his hand. He had on a red and white striped half-apron with a red ruffle along the bottom, and it was freaking adorable.
“It’s Christmas. Spend the day with me.”
Some emotions I didn’t want to acknowledge welled up inside me.
“I shouldn’t.” I shook my head.
“It’s not intruding when you’re invited.” Arla stepped out of the kitchen, putting a hand on her hip. She had on a full-length apron, and it looked like a Christmas tree had exploded on the thing. “Get in here. I seriously need you to taste these cinnamon rolls. Roman has shitty health-nut taste buds.”
Letting out a slow breath, I shut the front door and took Roman’s hand. He tugged me into the kitchen and lifted me up on the one semi-clean spot on his black countertops.
“I’m not a doll.” I complained, swatting his hands away. He shot me a grin that made me feel all warm and happy.
“Here.” Arla shoved a small plate with a giant cinnamon roll on it in my face. It had been years since I had one, but I plucked a piece off and stuck it in my mouth.
“Holy shit.” I said, mouth full. “This is better than pizza.”
Arla shot her brother a victorious grin and he grinned back, holding out his hand. She slapped a high-five on there and did a little dance.
I took a bigger bite, savoring the deliciousness.
“Since when do you guys bake?”
“Our grandma used to make these for every holiday. She pretty much raised us, so after she died last year we kept the tradition going.” Arla shrugged.
I hadn’t known that.
My eyes met Roman’s, and his were a bit sad.
“Our mom’s at my place, are you cool with going over there for presents after breakfast?” Arla checked. “We finally got her to stop talking shit about you, but it’s fine if you want to stay away from her. She’s a bitch.”
I grimaced but considered it. It might be nice to have a real Christmas. Even with their mom.
“Alright, I’m in.”
We ate cinnamon rolls and spent the morning exchanging stories before grabbing my presents for Roman and Arla from my place and heading over to Arla’s. Maisy seemed a lot more subdued since the last time I saw her and didn’t really acknowledge me other than a few dirty looks when she noticed Roman holding my hand.
To me, that was progress.
The four of us took seats around Arla’s sectional, Roman tugging me close to drape his arm over my shoulder. Maisy handed each of her kids a beautifully-wrapped present, staring daggers at me.
Arla pulled out a silky red dress that would show more skin than it covered. Roman opened a tuxedo. My eyebrows lifted, attention going to Maisy as she clapped her hands together.
Had she ever seen what her kids liked to wear?
“This year I bought you both dates to the Influential Werewolves Annual Gala.” She clapped her hands together, smiling brightly. “It’s smack in the middle of mating season, as always. Arla, Marcus Lynch of the Washington pack will be accompanying you. Roman, I’ve sent an invitation on your behalf to the daughter of the Pennsylvania Alpha. She’s quite beautiful, and mating with her will improve our pack’s status considerably.”
My eyebrows lifted. The scent of Roman’s anger caught my attention, and I put a hand on his thigh before he went and did something he regretted.
“We’re perfectly capable of finding our own dates, mother.” Arla bit out. “And Roman is like ten minutes away from talking Henley into mating with him.”
Roman leaned toward her, arms wrapping around my middle as his chest pressed into my back and side.
“You’re going to call the Pennsylvania Alpha and explain your mistake tomorrow.”
“Arla, where are your presents?” I interrupted before the argument could get explosive.
Swearing under her breath, she stomped over to her tree and grabbed an armful of presents, handing one to her mom, two to her brother, and three to me.
“You already got me something.” I reminded her, gesturing to my arm. I realized Roman had either never seen the tattoo over my scar, or just had never commented on it.
I did wear lo
ng-sleeves a lot…
“You’re fun to shop for.” Arla shrugged. “And since we’re practically sisters, I’m allowed.”
My face warmed, and I felt Roman’s eyes on me. Maisy scowled and tore the paper off her gift, pulling out a box of expensive shoes.
“Pretty.” She purred, slipping off the stilettos she was wearing—yes, even though we were in the house—and stepping into the ice-colored heels. “Perfect.” She declared, reaching across the couch to hug Arla. It didn’t look like a comfortable exchange.
Roman unwrapped one of his gifts next, pulling out a monster-sized container of what looked like peanut butter. Roman read the label out loud.
“Post-workout peanut butter?” He lifted an eyebrow at Arla, who cackled.
“It’s made of that nasty protein powder you’re always adding to everything. Someone mixed it into peanut butter.”
Roman chuckled and I grinned. Maisy rolled her eyes.
“Open something.” Arla gestured to the gifts on my lap as Roman unwrapped a fancy workout watch of some kind.
“Fine, fine.” I grabbed one and finagled the tape on the edge.
“You open gifts like an imbecile.” Maisy snapped. My cheeks flushed.
“I haven’t gotten a present since I was eight, so I’ve got to enjoy it while it lasts.” I told her.
Her eyes widened in horror. Roman stilled beside me, and Arla gaped.
Ignoring their responses, I unwrapped the present and pulled out a big long-sleeved t-shirt that said,
“YOU WANNA PIZZA ME?”
My face stretched in the most massive grin, and I dropped it on the couch, crossing the room to throw my arms around Arla.
“It’s perfect.” I declared.
She laughed.
“I couldn’t resist.”
“You’re the best.” I went back to sit by Roman, whose expression I still couldn’t read.
I opened the next two presents more quickly, pulling out a pair of black combat boots with spikes on the sides and a purse that matched.
“You’re up, Rome.” Arla declared. Roman grabbed his presents and mine from under the tree, handing me the two I’d brought as well as a slim one from him. At his command, we all opened them at the same time.