The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

Chapter Two Hundred Seventeen

GAYLE

Im gaping at him, my ears ringing as I process what he said.

“You knew?” Delilah asks, jumping up from the bed. “You recognized her and didn’t say anything?”

Cane rips his eyes away from mine to stare at his sister. “You started this. You are the one that lied to me on the phone.”

“Because 1 didn’t think you would tell me where you were if I told you the truth, Delilah snaps.

“Well, it doesnt matter noe does it? You’re already here,” Cane says, his eyes rake over me to settle on my lips. “Both of you are. So go ahead. What did you have to tell me? What do I need to be warned about? Or was that a lie too?”

“No, not a lie,” Delilah says. “Gayle came to me because they were hunting for her in the woods. She said she needed to get to you. She

“Who was hunting for you in the woods?” Cane snaps, his brow furrowed. “The Elder Few?”

I shake my head. “No. Well, yes and no. A few hunters were there, but not for me in particular. For anything I guess. Kind of like you were that night. It’s the authorities that are hunting for me.”

“Why?” Cane asks.

I swallow thickly. “The hunter that I attacked survived and ended up at the hospital. So it was called in as a lion attack.”

“But how would they know which lion?” Cane says.

“They wouldn’t,” I say, “Not really. But the thing is, I ran in the opposite direction of my home and I couldn’t very well walk through the streets naked, so I went to see your sister.”

“Why my sister?” Cane asks. “Had you already met?”

My lips purse and Delilah coughs. “Sort of” I say.

“You know what?” Delilah chirps. “I’m gonna go in the kitchen and make some breakfast. That way when Quinn gets here we can eat and discuss what happens next. Sound good?”

“Close the door behind you,” Cane says, glaring when Delilah hesitates.

“It’s fine,” I say.

“Jesus, D. What is it you think I’m going to do? She’s a damn shifter! Do I look armed?” Cane snaps.

Delilah flips him off and then slams the door.

“When did you realize?” I ask, looking at him.

He’s still watching me sadly when he shrugs. “I knew who you were the moment I saw you, I didn’t know why you were here, and I still don’t. Not really. But you were here with my sister and I knew she would never do anything to hurt me.”

“You’re right. She wouldn’t,” I agree.

“Would you?” he asks, seriously.

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Chapter Two Hundred Seventeen.

whisper. “Never. Not me But the other shifters,

“If anyone

frowns, glaring at the wall directly ahead of him. “So if thats why you’re really here, that’s fine. Go ahead,”

it’s not why and I don’t want to

he says, “Were you unconscious after I shot you the second time?”

I shake my head.

eyes. “So you

me kick

it, he

out for him and trying to take his hand, but he

me?” he asks. “Why should you even care what happens to

that he is my mate and he deserves

I take a

her news about Quinn. “Special… Special how?”

eyes the way he was before Delilah burst in

was in the trees, with a clear view of you in the cabin. I saw you with your microphone. Ever since my mother was killed I’ve made it my business to watch the hunters that stop through. I thought you were handsome, so I probably watched you a little longer than was necessary. I remember thinking that you had a thousand different smiles and all

laughs, his lips quirking

about you. I wasn’t paying attention and stepped right into that trap,” I pause, watching him carefully. “I didn’t mean to shift in your arms. It happened

does that mean?” he

“I want you to know it’s okay if you don’t want me. You don’t have to accept me. I won’t hold it against you. You’re a hunter and 1 understand if the thought of being with me freaks you out! Some of the other shifters know who

and I feel him tugging on the ends of my hair. “Slow down. I think

to see him smiling at me.

chuckles. “You skipped that part

thought your sister said

playing with my hair. She tells everyone that too.” Then he loses his smile, his eyes sad. “You’re too beautiful to forget, Cayle,” he says, trailing his

“To hunt me?”

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Hundred Seventeen

I knew he was the only chance I might have at

those goggles on, so I really didn’t think you

up my back under the sweater. “I switched the night mode off after

when his hand grazes the bare skin of my back. But it

a light in front. You were in my arms,” he murmurs, sliding closer to me on the bed.

feel something.” I say in awe.

the line of my spine downward. “Yes,” he says. “But I didn’t know much about mates until I came here. Roman told me.”

I repeat, my mood darkening. “You s

Tell me, what makes him an expert?”

filling with worry. “Why? You know him, don’t

from another hunter. One he was interrogating after my mother’s murder. So tell me What makes him an expert? Has he killed any?”

from my clothes altogether. “Yes,”

managed to

*Gayle

them? His

here?” 1 hiss, my skin suddenly

“No.”

you have seen them. You know where they are.”

“Each successful hunter is given a wall at the compound. You don’t