The Alpha King's Human Mate by HC Dolores

Chapter 47 “Happiness can only exist in acceptance.” George Orwell

Later that evening, when Griffin returned to our rooms, I decided to put my new attitude into work. I’d already tried

running away and fighting fate. For the time being, it was time to see where actual acceptance might get me.

So, when Griffin entered the room, I didn’t turn away or try to argue with him like I might’ve done a couple of days ago.

Instead, I turned to him and actually smiled. The gesture still felt forced and I could see Griffin raise his eyebrows almost

immediately ~ he clearly hadn’t been expecting me to look happy to see him.

“Hello, little fox,” he said, bounding across the room and taking me into his arms. “I missed you.” His embrace was warm

and firm, and rather than pull away, I let myself sink into his arms and hug him back.

“Yeah, me too,” I told him. It wasn’t a complete lie. Other than Dr. Inessa, Griffin had been primary human interaction for

the past day. Even if he’d spent a good portion of that time “punishing me,” his presence was better than nothing.

In response, Griffin only stiffened under my touch. Was he expecting me to reject his touch?

“What’s wrong?” I asked as Griffin stiffly pulled away from me, staring at me with narrowed eyes.

“What are you trying to pull?” he asked, his voice low and barely above a growl. 2)

“What do you mean?”

“That smile when I walked into the room,” he said, “Telling me you miss me too, hugging me back…what sort of game are

you trying to play with me?”

so suspicious of me. After all, I had literally run

was him, ’d

to pull anything,” I replied. My eyes bore into

that, but seriously, there’s no ploy here. I’ve

mate bond. Whatever you want

I could’ve sworn I saw

I started. Suddenly, it was all I could do not to look away

vulnerable in a way that I’d rarely felt before. It was the heart pounding, sweaty-palm feeling of

rejection.

I would’ve done everything I could to break this bond, and now I’m worried

if I tell him I want

I’ve been pretty against this whole thing,” I said,

recognize that I probably didn’t

running off at the first

swirled in my gut. “Well, yes,” I said, and I had to grit my teeth to stop myself

entire future might end up slipping away. A human future. But

and I owe this whole thing a shot — or, at least, I owe

bear

grasp,

look in his

and total adoration—there was no mistaking it. I’d seen that look

or like I was proposing marriage. “T knew

you belong

take leads

swallowed down the last of my vulnerability. His possessive words didn’t terrify me the way they used to. I

to accept the mate bond or I’d

times.

things slow. This

roll with it.