In the Alpha’s Arms

Bonus Chapter- Disappointment Awaits

The viewing room turned out to be a rectangular structure in one corner of the basement. The box–shaped room jutted from the wall behind the makeshift ring and Lita could see it provided an unobstructed view of the action. From the outside, it appeared to be decent–sized, and Lita wondered if it doubled as an office for her father. Did Asher often have negotiations inside while he watched the fights? Was she now meant to be an unexpected ally, or a rejected heir?

The hair over Lita’s neck rose. She hadn’t even considered whether Asher had other kids. Did he have heirs that would view her as a threat? Was he childless and therefore hoping to secure her the future of his pack?

Again, Cole placed that warm hand on her body, wopping thick fingers around her shaking limb. His thumb stroked down the veins that ran over the top of her hand, dragging his warmth from wrist to knuckle with each pass. Whatever tension she felt over Brian faded to the background as her mate sent reassurance and acceptance down the bond. It wasn’t weakness to need support, Lita reminded herself Elise had explained the difference between dependency and support enough times that Lita was beginning to be able to tell the difference. What she’d had with Brian was toxic. A dependency that leeched into her self–esteem. She needed his approval to feel good about herself, to feel like she was a person.

What Cole provided was different in every way. She didn’t depend on his praise for her own worth, but his praise made her feel loved and accepted. Especially because he didn’t withhold it as a punishment. Elise said that was a good thing, and that Lita was blessed to have such a supportive mate.

Her lips twitched into an anxious smile, giving Cole what precious little assurance she had. He squeezed her hand tighter, grounding her in his strength. He’d keep her safe, no matter what. In truth, Lita was terrified of what would happen on the other side of the viewing room door. It was gilded metal, bristed into a vine pattern like the other walls in the basement. And as they stepped closer to the entrance, Lita couldn’t help but look hack at the rest of her pack.

They were already watching, Alex and Ace leaning into each other as they had a tense discussion. The others: Andres, Mark, Brody, and Stace, stared after them with tense expressions. Lita forced herself to give them a reassuring smile and a small wave.

That’s what a Luna would do. She would promise her pack that she was fine and completely in control of the situation. Lita glanced up to see Cole’s hard expression, tension bracketing his mouth before he gave Ace and Alex a clipped nod

Plotting behind my back again, mate? She linked to him as they turned back to their escort. Her heels and starched cream pants made Lita’s palms itch. How could anyone dress like that and not get dirty?

It’s only plotting if it leads to action. Hopefully, it doesn’t. His voice grew rough and deep toward the end as she felt him lean deeper into the bond. It felt like the next words were stroked down her insides, touching all her intimate places. Because it would ruin off the apologies I plan to kiss into your skin.

Lita cleared her throat, shaking

her head. I prefer my apologies aloud, so I know you mean it.

Cole chuckled, deep breaths rasping between them, That’s only because you don’t know where I plan to kiss.

Lita blushed, swatting his arm with the back of her hand. Stop flirting. I need to focus,

No, you need to relax, love, Cole countered. He’s not going to do anything to you. Take a deep breath, and remember I’m with you. More love pour the bond, releasing tension from Lita’s shoulders like a rush of endorphins,

pointed smile over her shoulder as she went to the heavy metal door and tugged

poured down

by large leather armchairs. The seating faced the wall of windows where Lita could see the outlined ring on the other side. On the far wall she

urged

Cole greeted, his voice strong and direct. “I didn’t realize we had anything left to settle. Beta Dillard assured me your help to move against Maxim came at no additional cost

in power and Asher wanted that intel. Lita considered the men she’d seen at his dinner table. How many of them had power and influence? What was information on

warm smile widened as he moved his focus from Cole

Bonus Chapter–Disappointment Awaits

appreciate that. As you know, many wolves from Maxim’s pack assimilated into ours

Asher’s brows pitched, “Really? That’s quite a shock, considering your father’s teachings. Quite a shock indeed.” He nodded to himself, as if the new information had

Cole answered vaguely, smirking at the man whose first name Lita

the leather chairs, more than enough to accommodate them all, though Lita and Cole made no move to take them. “I didn’t have you brought here to discuss any debt for my help, anyway. Whatever would give

thinning in displeasure, Asher said,

bowed, then turned on her heels and disappeared

my Luna,” he said, rounding his large desk to personally offer Lita and Cole their seats. Then he secured a handful of glasses filled with amber liquid and handed one to each of them. Satisfied, he lowered himself into a high–backed leather chair that looked like a throne in front of the windows. Lita shifted in her chair until she was comfortable, suddenly aware than her father had hardly spared her a word. He

I’d hoped,” Asher insisted, bringing Lita back into focus. “I’ve tried to explain to her that the mate bond is quite compelling. You two must understand that better than most.

and looked out at the ring. Lita could see that a crowd had gathered on the other

what you mean,

teeth flashing with a quick smile, “I couldn’t have chosen better for Lita. And with you two able to assimilate Maxim’s pack into your own… his eyes glazed over as if he’d been given a gift. “Anyway, I simply mean that the mate bond pull is an impossible thing to ignore. I’ve explained this to Lyria time and again, but she never found her true mate, you see. She doesn’t understand, Look at you two, for instance, that mate bond drove an Alpha to keep a wolf–less

as it brought success? Cole’s large pack, their wealthy backgrounds, the possibility of continuing the bloodline. All those things were glowing in Asher’s dark eyes. Not Lita. Or how she’d survived so long without anyone in her corner. He hadn’t even asked if she was okay.

wasn’t surprised

When he saw

they sti

dismissal. And that itself was enough to

over his knee as if preparing to tell