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,

her shoulder as she went to the heavy metal door

poured down

leather armchairs. The seating faced the wall of windows where Lita could see the outlined ring on the

as Cole gently urged her forward with his hand on her

didn’t realize we had anything left to settle. Beta Dillard assured me your help

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 those men

said. His warm smile widened as he moved his focus from Cole to Lita. “And Lunn Tollison, it’s a pleasure to officially meet you. I

Bonus Chapter–Disappointment Awaits

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

indeed.” He nodded to himself, as if the new information had changed his perception. “So your pack has

at the man whose

didn’t have you brought here to discuss any debt for my help, anyway. Whatever would give you that idea?” Cole’s head barely moved, incrementally shifting in Luna Asher’s direction. She leaned gently against the wall, her arms and legs crossed. When Alpha Asher inclined

thinning in displeasure,

herself and the Luna bowed, then turned on her heels and disappeared back through the

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 spoke to Cole as

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. It’s different from a simple pairing.

Lita could see that a crowd had

don’t know what you mean,

glazed over as if he’d been given a gift. “Anyway, I simply mean that the mate

was willing to claim her as long 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. He didn’t care

wasn’t surprised by

When he saw

they sti

enough to

understanding, Calvin sighed and crossed a leg over his knee as if preparing to