“No, dear—” Richard began.
“Then shut up!”
Our little exchange was gathering interest from the other females who wanted to view my up-and-coming beating from a closer vantage point. But before we began this dance, I had some words of warning to say, even if Jasmine would rather I not. So straight-faced, I looked Anita in the eyes and promised, “You hit me, Mrs. Suan…”
“And?” she prompted, her eyes becoming more wolfish than human.
“I have a very stubborn streak. I’ll lay into you until one of us drops.” My tone was flat and uncaring, a pure statement of truth.
This made her eyes widen as they turned normal. Then she dropped her hand and asked bewilderingly. “You truly mean to fight me, don’t you?”
“Try me,” I dared.
She took a half step back to view my posture and saw my fists clinch and un-clinch, readying. Anita narrowed her eyes, and stood considering when Jasmine stepped in quickly and apologized.
“I’m truly sorry, Anita. I held no idea he would react this way. Please forgive me.”
“Don’t, Jasmine,” I said out of habit when someone interfered in my fight, reaching out to gently move her away, as I didn’t want her to get hurt.
But Jasmine turned on me with speed, and the next thing I knew I hit the ground, my face all alight to the stinging slap she’d landed. “Don’t you ever ‘don’t’ me, Jonathan! You hear me? EVER!” Jasmine turn to Anita as I spat grass and twigs out of my mouth. “I take full responsibility, Anita. I knew his upbringing was anti-Pack. I just never dreamt any female could get him this aggressive.”
“Then you will teach him!” Anita snapped. “I’ve never had to humble a male before, but I’ll not let that stop me the next time.” With that threat, Anita spun on bare feet and walked through the crowd of observers.
Jasmine sighed in relief and turned to me as I tried to get up, but she planted her foot on my lower back region and shoved, so I sprawled on the ground again. This time I rolled over to complain, but she put a finger up and told me hotly, “You’re not helping, Jonathan.” Then her ire faded and she explained. “Because of your behavior, I’ll have to fight much harder to prove my dominance in this Pack. The lack of control of my mate is a sign of weakness. And even though you grew up without a Pack, that’s no excuse for my failure to teach you.”
“Then forget them, I’ve never needed a Pack,” I argued irritably, brushing grass and dirt off a second time.
“But I do! Heavens, Jonathan, just shut up and listen.” Jasmine knelt and put a hand on my shoulder. “I love you very dearly, but like I’ve told you when we first met, the Pack life has ever been an important part of my life. If you can’t accept it for yourself, then at least behave yourself for me while you’re around the others.” Jasmine’s eyes searched mine, hoping I understood, which of course had the sought-after effect.
“I’m sorry,” I managed, trying to swallow my anger. “I’ll do the best I can, love. I’m just not used to anyone ordering me around since I left home nine years ago. You know yourself I have to think fast when you do.”
Jasmine leaned over and our lips met for a brief moment. Then she tousled my hair. “I know. And thank you.” With that, she was all smiles.
****
Braxton Snow P.I. (The Snow Adventures Book 1) Page 26