Billionaire Alpha's 99 Deadly Games

"Understood. She's going to be thrilled with the idea, but I understand."

"Out of respect, we should run it by the council too, Kyle," Cole suggested

Kyle cringed. "I already did. They voted unanimously 'yes.' You weren't invited because of a conflict of interest."

Cole frowned. "Will I be asked to step down from the council?"

"No. We all agreed there's benefit to having one of my betas in a more administrative role and part of the council."

He smiled, like he was relieved to hear it.

"Okay, well, any questions or concerns?" Kyle asked.

"No," I said, "and thanks for the offer, Kyle. I really appreciate it. I'll give you my answer after I discuss it with Elise."

"The pack meeting is Sunday, but the pack run is tomorrow. Do you think you could have an answer by then?" Cole asked me before addressing Kyle. "I think it may be best to introduce him fully and make both announcements then before the run."

"That's a good idea, Cole. What do you think, Patrick?"

look it. I think we could have a decision by then. I'll let you know as soon as

it's not me. I'll be

we'll be there to remind you

"Never going to happen."

the meeting and I headed for the kitchen to tell Mary I'd have to take a rain check, I had a lot I needed

Chapter 196

cool, but come on, here," she said, shoving a pair of pot holders at me. I quickly removed the cookies from the oven. "Wonderful." She linked her arm through mine and led me to the table. I felt trapped. I wanted to go see my mate

are things going with

smiled. Couldn't help it. "We're good." It was the truth,

"Do you love her?"

anything back. "Very much," I

with my answer. "Let me tell you a bit

odd sensation to me. I had never much been around a mother before. My own had died in childbirth to my youngest brother. I had often wondered if the pain of it had been too much for my da and that was why he was so adamantly against his sons taking true mates. He and Ma had not been true mates, only compatible mates, but I was old enough to remember the change in

hasn't said it

told her how you

and it hurt that she wouldn't or couldn't say it back, though I didn't

thoughtfully. "She'll come around to saying it.

we were together we were completely together. I felt like she gave herself to me. There were little things too, like how she snuggled into me on the couch watching TV, or the sly smiles