by Celia Kyle
Safe. Right.
Chapter Six
Lissa wasn’t sure how he’d managed it, but a week later, she stepped out of the bathroom after a long hot shower to find a gorgeous evening gown laid out on the bed. It was a deep teal, the sumptuous fabric like silk to the touch and it was so light, it almost felt like air. The cut was beautiful, clinging yet not, flowing yet not. She wouldn’t look like she was wearing a circus tent, but she also wouldn’t look like a stuffed sausage.
“It will look beautiful on you.” The deep masculine voice sent a shiver of need down her spine.
She held the massive bath sheet in place and turned toward Galen. He leaned negligently against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest and ankles crossed as well. His hair was windblown and unruly, his pristine white shirt was wrinkled, the top few buttons undone and the arms were rolled up and pushed to his elbows which exposed his deeply tanned and strong forearms. His slacks were equally disheveled, the harsh straight creases now flattened while other wrinkles took up residence along his legs. And… he was barefoot.
“You look…” Like he’d just rolled out of bed. How many times had he had this rumpled look after they’d spent an afternoon together? They’d tease and torment each other as they went about their day, race up the stairs, clinging and ripping at each other’s clothing and leaving them wherever they lay. Later he’d slide into them once again so he could hunt up food for them. This. This was exactly what she used to see.
Whose bed did he just leave?
She didn’t have the right to ask.
Galen gave her a small smile. “Exhausted.”
From what?
“This merger is exhausting me from sunup to sundown.”
Merger. She hadn’t heard it called that before.
“If you’re too tired to go out…” She let her statement drift away, waiting for him to fill in the blanks.
Galen shook his head. “No. I’ve been looking forward to this all day. I saw this dress and thought of you. I can’t wait to see you in it.”
The heat that filled his gaze told her he couldn’t wait to see her out of it, either. Was he that insatiable? Looking as if he’d just climbed from one woman’s bed and he was anxious to find his way into hers?
The true question was—did she care?
No.
She was savoring the present, reveling in today and not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow.
“Oh. Okay.”
He pushed away from the doorway and slowly padded toward her, his footsteps silent. When he reached for her, she gladly went into his arms and enjoyed the feel of his arms holding her closely. He brought his mouth to hers, lips brushing over her flesh in a soft caress that began chaste and slowly deepened to more. He gently slipped his tongue into her mouth and she welcomed him, sinking into his kiss with complete abandon. This was as far as they’d gone since that moment in the ocean, their connections limited to their mouths no matter how much she ached to stroke him.
But… That could be at an end. She’d spoken with Perrin earlier in the day…
He carefully lifted his head and eased back but didn’t release her. “I’ve been looking forward to that all day.”
“So have I.”
He hummed. “Leo tells me Perrin was here to see you. That he stayed for quite a while and pulled rank on Leo, kicking him from the room.” She could practically see the jealousy and anger roaring inside Galen’s mind, the shutters sliding down over his eyes as it slowly consumed him. “What was so important to say that he would be dismissed? What is going on between you and my brother?”
Lissa shook her head. “Nothing. I had an appointment with my doctor and he said all is well.”
Along with a few other things.
Galen immediately released her and took a large step back. “I will not be cuckolded in my own home. You are mine. You will never be alone with another male again. I forbid it.”
Lissa furrowed her brow. “Galen…” She shook her head. “We—”
“Hear me on this. I will tell him the same.”
“He’s my doctor. He came to see me about the baby.”
A low growl tumbled from his lips. “Hear me.”
“Galen—”
He took a deep breath and moved farther away from her, going to the door. “Get dressed. We’re leaving in an hour.”
With that, he spun and left, disappearing down the hallway and leaving her standing in the middle of her room wearing nothing but a towel and a mixture of anger and bewilderment on her face.
“What the hell just happened?” she murmured to herself.
Whatever just occurred, it was going to be hashed out over dinner. Her stomach growled for food—or was that the baby—and the gorgeous dress called to her.
She padded to the door, and pushed it closed on silent hinges before returning to her preparations for the evening. She was thankful she’d never gotten into heavy makeup and intricate hairstyles as well as the fact that Galen’s men hadn’t dragged all the makeup she owned across the Atlantic. That meant that getting ready was a matter of blow-drying her hair, putting a little gloss on her lips and a hint of color on her cheeks as well as a dash of mascara. All things she’d snared on their first trip to town together.
The dress was easy to slip into, the designer seeming to realize that dressing was an intricate and interesting dance for pregnant women.
She was ready to go a good fifteen minutes prior to Galen’s stated time and she donned the beautiful flats he’d also given her that matched the dress. Ever so carefully she made her way downstairs and to the formal salon. The room was empty and quiet since no one typically used the space and she slowly made her way toward the massive window that overlooked the main driveway and the glittering city below.
As much as she despised Galen for his plans, she couldn’t fault the man for what he would be able to give their son. All the advantages of his money and position would be nothing but a benefit to their child. Especially since he would have Andrea as his mother.
The thought brought a heavy sadness to her heart and stinging tears to her eyes. She needed to discuss it with Galen, see if she could get him to change his mind.
Something drew her attention, some low sound or disturbance in the air, and she tore her attention from the scenery and to the room’s entry.
Andrea.
The woman was beautiful as always, her lithe body, gentle curves, and striking features always drew the eyes of men. With the clinging dress now hugging her form, she was both gorgeous and sexy. She had no doubt more than one wolf chased after her tail.
Galen as well?
“Melissa,” the sweet tone was there even as the woman’s face turned into an evil sneer. “How lovely to see you.”
“And you.” She knew Andrea could scent her lie but didn’t give a damn.
“Going out for the evening?”
“As you can see.”
Andrea strolled the deeper into the room, her hips swaying from side to side with pure feminine confidence. “Surprising. I didn’t believe Galen had any energy left in him after our day together.”
The use of his name, his appearance when he’d returned home combined with the suggestion he had been with Andrea all day, pierced her heart. It was naïve of her to believe he wouldn’t visit another woman’s bed. He anticipated raising their son with Andrea—the woman was the Alpha bitch—so of course they would be intimate.
“Unless he has changed over the months we were apart, he has quite a bit of stamina and endurance. I don’t have to tell you that he can be insatiable, do I?”
With Lissa’s reminder, Andrea’s eyes flashed and her fangs dropped to prick the woman’s lower lip. Perhaps Lissa was wrong. Perhaps…
Andrea took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders and Lissa watched as the woman’s wolf retreated. She licked her lips, gathering the droplets of blood, and the small wounds healed before Lissa’s eyes. “Of course you don’t. His stamina is something I know well.” She
tilted her head to the side, as if listening for something and then delivered one last parting shot. “Enjoy your dinner for I will be enjoying your dessert.”
Lissa heard the sharp click of men’s shoes on the marble of the foyer and in less than a second, Galen was framed in the doorway looking his impeccable self once again.
“Alpha,” Andrea purred. “I see you have recovered after our long and hard day. I’m so gratified to see that. Perhaps after your dinner,” she paused and flashed another one of those sneers her way. “I can speak with you again.”
Bitch.
“Of course,” he quickly responded, his gaze traveling up and down Andrea’s body, and the knife in her heart twisted.
Gritting her teeth, she stepped forward and drew his attention back to her. “Galen? Do we have reservations to keep?”
She’d been trying to forget the past. She truly had. But this—his visit to Andrea’s bed while raining kisses on Lissa—blew those plans sky high. She would say her piece and then leave all of this behind. She’d been lulled into complacency over the past few weeks, but that was gone.
Galen’s head snapped back and he swung his attention to her as if he’d forgotten she was in the room. “What? Yes. Yes, we have reservations.” He looked to Andrea. “I will come to you when I return.”
When you return alone.
Now it was Andrea’s turn to face her, that victorious smile now splitting her lips. “Wonderful, I can’t wait.”
Lissa didn’t say another word as she strode toward the couple, nor did she speak when she strode past them and to the massive front door. Both Stavros and Leo stood nearby, but it was Stavros who leapt into action and quickly opened the door for her as Leo merely glared at her. But when that glare banished in an instant, she knew that Galen was right behind her.
Stavros abandoned the door when he saw Leo would not assist Lissa down the stairs, and he presented his arm for her use, elbow raised arm bent so she could grip him as she descended. A growl followed them, but the man at her side didn’t hesitate in his assistance and merely kept pace with her as she continued to the driveway.
The rush of steps indicated Galen’s rapid approach, and he finally met her at the door to their limo just as Stavros was aiding her into the vehicle. Another growl had the guard carefully retreating, and she realized the male was not cowering beneath Galen’s anger.
“You do not touch her,” Galen snarled.
Stavros merely shrugged but remained silent, his attention flicking to her, his gaze encompassing her in one glance before returning to his Alpha. “You would have me not treat her as she deserves? Your attention was engaged elsewhere. Our pack has always put bearing women above all others. Is that not so?”
As polite put down went, it was effective. Galen’s cheeks reddened for a brief moment before anger rushed forward again. “No one touches her.”
“As you say, Alpha.” Stavros tilted his head to the side, but not in the full submission. Even Lissa recognized that.
What had changed? Why was this male who often remained silent about Lissa’s treatment suddenly taking his Alpha to task?
Galen crawled into the back with her, anger still present on his features, and the moment the door closed, he also put up the partition between the guards and them. “Do not ever do that again. I needed to speak with Andrea.” When he said her name, Lissa tried to remain calm, she truly did. “And your childish behavior nearly cost a wolf his life. No one touches you and I will kill anyone who dares.”
“My behavior?” She gasped and grasped the door handle when the limo lurched into motion. She wasn’t going to address his threat. He wouldn’t kill someone over touching her. That had to be an exaggeration. “Childish? You’re joking, right?”
“No. I don’t not understand your jealousy and dislike of Andrea. She has been my Alpha bitch for years and I leaned heavily on her during your disappearance. You should appreciate the sacrifices she made on your behalf.” He snarled at her, but she latched on to the word sacrifices.
“Sacrifices? Sacrifices.” She turned in her seat to stare at him. “Are you kidding? You think that she’s done anything out of the kindness of her heart? No, it was to further your plans. Don’t put this on me. Don’t pretend that she’s sweetness and light while you two are scheming behind my back.”
“What are you talking about? What is wrong with you?” he growled.
“Me?” She realized she was asking a lot of questions and not getting answers. “I’m—” She bit off the rest of her words and took a deep breath. “I’m not discussing this. I asked you not to say her name or speak about her in my presence.”
“Your jealousy is tiresome.” Fire filled his eyes.
“Your idiocy is tiresome,” she countered.
“Melissa…” There was no missing the warning in his tone.
“What?” She curled her lip and an invitation of a wolf warning.
“Andrea is—”
She lifted her hand, palm out to silence him. “I will not do this.”
The car rolled to a stop, and she immediately reached for the handle, intent on escaping the vehicle. She managed to yank at the handle and get the door open before Galen stopped her. Hell, she’d even managed to place her feet on the asphalt and half rise from her seat. He snared a bundle of fabric which effectively halted her in her tracks.
“Andrea is of my pack and will always be a part of my pack. Lose the jealousy. It is no longer amusing.”
Lissa fought for calm and met his gaze with an unwavering stare. “Hatred and jealousy are not the same thing. So while you’re fucking your mistress beside our baby’s crib, remember you have to sleep at some point. And if I’m dead by then, I will haunt you until you die. Tell me, is that amusing?”
Chapter Seven
Lissa flashed the maître d’ a smile of thanks as he carefully assisted her into her seat, the man practically tripping over himself to give her whatever she desired.
Galen. You can give me Galen.
However, it seemed no one could, because he was still tied to Andrea. The moment they’d stepped into the restaurant, his cell phone rang and Lissa got a quick peek at the caller ID. Surprise, surprise. Andrea.
“Thank you, so much. A glass of water would be wonderful. We’ll order once Galen completes his call.”
“Galen has finished his call.” He inserted smoothly as he glided forward. “Thank you for assisting my mate.”
“Of course, Alpha.” The male stepped back and a waiter took his place.
“Good evening, my name is Alfredo and tonight the chef has prepared…” Lissa got lost amongst the dishes recited to her, the different preparations and meals twining together and getting twisted in her mind until by the time the male fell silent, she was simply aching for food. She didn’t care what.
“They will not order from the menu. I am making just the thing for the Alpha and his lovely lady, Andrea. I did not get to prepare this for them last night. Shoo-shoo…”
His lovely lady Andrea. Once again she was reminded that she shouldn’t allow her hopes to grow simply because it was so painful when they were dashed. She locked eyes with Galen and she had no doubt he saw the pain that filled her expression. At least he didn’t bother with placating apologies. Instead, she merely got a rueful grin. In that moment, her future became startlingly clear. Alone or with the help of another, she was leaving. She’d almost allowed herself to believe she could talk to Galen about what she’d overheard, about what Andrea had told her, but why?
A large, barrel chested man came hurrying around the corner. “Alpha, I scented you all the way in the kitchen. You and your lady will—” The man stumbled to a stop. “Oh.”
“Quite.” Galen quipped. He went through the introductions, giving her information about the restaurant’s chef and Galen’s history with the man, but Lissa couldn’t have cared less. Her only thoughts centered on how often did he flipped between her and Andrea?
It didn’t matter. She needed to stop tort
uring herself. If this wasn’t further proof of why she needed to find a way to escape, she wasn’t sure what else was needed.
She must have murmured some sort of polite greeting, because it wasn’t long before the waiter and the chef drifted away, leaving Lissa and Galen alone in the secluded alcove.
“It is not as it seems. Many in the pack believed—”
“It doesn’t matter.” She lifted the napkin from her lap and carefully placed it on the table top. “Do you know where I can find the ladies room?”
A worried frown increased his brow. “Is anything wrong?”
“No. I simply need the facilities.” And a moment to compose myself.
He lifted his hand in a casual way, and the waiter rushed forward. A murmured conversation and then the male was gone as Galen rose from his seat. “Come, I will take you.”
She shook her head. “No. Just direct to me.”
“Melissa, this is not the time to—”
“Why?” she hissed. “Afraid I’ll embarrass the big bad Alpha?” She pushed to her feet and ignored his outstretched hand. “I think you’re doing that quite well yourself. How does the pack feel about you fucking your Alpha bitch while I’m pregnant with your pup?” She snorted. “That’s right, they’re probably in on the plan, too.” She stepped closer, sneer in place and all attempts at being discreet gone. “All of this talk, all of these assurances that you don’t want to hurt me or our child. Let me tell you something, Alpha, if you take my baby, that will kill me. Do you consider that harm?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but this is not the place.” The words were low and growled, the sounds silencing everyone else in the restaurant.
“You’re right. This isn’t the place for argument and this isn’t the place for me. I know your plans and I refuse to go along with them. I thought you were coming to care—” She snapped off the rest of her sentence. “But you’re playing us both aren’t you? Or am I just being played while you two fuck yourselves through a day and then laugh about the pregnant woman who you seduced, impregnated and then you’re going to steal her child while disposing of her?” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I’m done. You want to keep me captive? Kill me? Tell that to your whole fucking pack. Half of them are here, aren’t they? Tell them what kind of leader they have. What kind of Alpha bitch rules at his side? Tell them!”