The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

The Pack: Rule Number 1 – No Mates

Chapter Sixty–Nine

DRAVEN

“You dont have to stay at the bar Dr, Phal says when we pull into the lot behind the Moonlight Lounge “You can stay with me if you want to

I glance back at Ennily, “Can you take my stuff inside Em? 11l be there in just a moment,”

She nods, her eves sympathetic. “Sure”

I watch her as she exits the car and drag my things into the back entrance. Then I turn to Paid and plaster a grateful smile onto my face, despite the anger I’m feeling deep down in my bones. That’s okay Paul. I’d rather not

He pulls in a sharp breath, nodding like that was the answer be expected. Tunderstand that you’re hurting right now and I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. Penah, I still haven’t met my mate, but I cant insagine what it would feel like to be rejected by her.”

My brow furrows, “According to Domenic, I’m not his mate. Margo is.”

| chackles, staring out at the street beyond the bat. “You know that’s bullshit, right?”

“Margo Paul ch

Despite my strongest attempt to portray myself as a caneless bitch, his words bring fresh tears to my eyes. “Is it?” I whimper,

He tims to me with a smirk. “Hell yeah it is.” He sighs, Tm net supposed to butt into his business. After all, he is the Alpha of the pack and my best friend. But know him better than anybody does and I promise you this – you are his mate.”

do you know that? I screech. Tell me or I’ll never speak to you again.”

He shrugs. “It was pretty obvious to me right from the start. The insane jealousy, the possessiveness. He marked you!”

1 giggle, throwing my head back against the seat. “He literally and You are just so hitch that I marked. That is what he told me, so I wouldn t call that proof.”

Paulshakes his head knowingly. “That’s because you don’t know shit about shifters

mates.

“So tell m me then. What do I not know? I glare at him, paying acute

be attention to his next words,

“First of all, wolves don’t mark just anybody.” He glances at me, his gaze serious. “He might have acted like we do, but I swear to you, we don’t. For wolf shifters, mates are sacred. They are a once in a hfetime thing. We’re not like lions that have been known to have more than one mate- and God knows why that happens. In fact, most shifters only ever have one.” He smiles. And we can’t mark just anybody, because our venom is specifically designed to bond us to our partner, making their bodies strong enough to bear our children. Marking just anyone would get them killed. The venom would serve as a poison for them. They would die.”

with only those

being able to help but ask this-

our mates that we have marked, yes. At least,”

would he want me to leave? I don’t get it. I don’t

know what he’s doing and it isn’t right, but I do understand why he’s

done trying to figure out

your pipe and

Paul protests. “Don’t go doing anything you know you will

bitch Margo in his fucking bed and my mind refuses to forgive it. There’s no reason in

1/3

Chapter Sixty–Nine

bar hot so much

I step inside I see Emily and Bart deep in conversation in one of the corner booths. The look Bart gives me is so full of pity that I want to curl up and die right there on the spot. I adore Bart, I do, but I’ve already decided

just com

A few grand. It buy a ticket and get the fuck

of heartache.

a seat Draven,” Bart says. “I have an offer

slide into the booth anyway, clasping my hands in front of

and I know who it is just by the blush on Emily’s cheeks

sheriff uniform. It occurs to me that this is the first time Emily is seeing him since Boding out that he’s a wolf and I study

up toward the table. He is staring at Emily and for the first time I

I do know about mates is

me a moment to talk to Bart? Maybe, step outside with Roda?”

to make sure the

losing my temper. I turn to Emily. “I told you from now

I am,” she says. “I dont have

the bar and stay here in

the key word. The now being a different one. Like asshole. Or liar. Maybe even marwhore. That’s a pleasant

mouth set in a firm line. Im sticking with Draven. Where she goes,

back the tears

Koda snaps, his jaw clenching ‘Suit yourself. I’m glad you’re both okay” Then

as bad as his

the train, I trust you the

Draven, I-

“No. I get it. I do. Domonic’s tha say thanks for

you have no control. Whatever. I no longer give

you to Miami,” Bart