The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

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The Pack: Rule Number 1 – No Mates

Chapter Two Hundred Sixty–Two

ROSE

As I sit swinging my legs over the water and gazing off into the ocean, my heart lurches in my chest. What will Bartlett do when I’m gone? The thought of being not only across the sound from him, but across the state is a physically painful thought that nearly has me buckling over within its clutches.

My parents have informed me that I am to marry Cygnus Marshall. An enforcer of the Elder Few that is at the very least ten years older than I am. I had no idea the man even had interest in me, but he must have. Because that’s the way things work in the Elder Few. A bid must be made for the girl of the family to the head of that family from any male member of the Elder Few and that head of the family in question must accept the bid and enter into a contract for marriage. There is no rule for the female member getting to choose because until me, there has never been any other female member.

I know him though. I remember him. I can almost see him staring at me now. His beady black eyes and his unkempt mustache that always made me think of a train robber from the old west – and not a sexy one. Before this, I always assumed he simply didn’t like me. The way he would stare at me was that ugly, it was almost cruel. He is a big behemoth of a man. Maybe even a little bigger than Bartlett, but not nearly as cut with muscle.

Arghhhh… Bartlett.

I want him so badly it hurts and if I could only summon up the balls to tell him about the marriage contract and the fact that I don’t want it… If I could bring myself to share the reasons behind my need to go back and what it will mean for my dear brother if I don’t, maybe he would understand.

Maybe he would have a solution.

HA! Really Rose? Do you think you’re that important to him?

I mean sure, Domonic says I’m his mate and that I am one of them now, but they don’t actually know me! How hard would they be willing to fight for someone they don’t know?

“Hey there,” a feminine voice says at my back.

to see her approach, I am once again struck by the beauty of these women. These mates. “H–hi,” I

and my face screws up at the

as plain as they

a seat on the wharf next to me. “The name is Draven,” she says, holding out a dainty hand as the wind blows behind her and the silky black tendrils of her hair shadow half of her perfect

mate.”

to meet you,” I answer shyly, shaking her hand which

smile creşting over her lips. “You’re Bart’s mate, and I can’t tell you how absolutely pleased

look she sends over her shoulder toward the house tells me

percent my favorite guy. Even more so than my own,” she whispers conspiratorially. Not that I’m attracted to him that way. But my guy is hard headed

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Two Hundred Sixty–Two

You make him sound like

he one

dominant forceful love making at the forefront of my mind. Absolutely not. Her…. he’s…” My face colors as I trail

shoulder lightly with her own. ‘Hes probably way different

are close, then?” I ask, a green streak of jealousy climbing up my

are. He’s one of my very best friends. Which is why I hate to see him looking how he does now!

my bottom lip, sadness curling over me for a moment. “And how does he look

says without hesitation. “Cheated. Sad. Lonely. Which is strange because he’s just found his mate and none of those things should be on the menu of emotions for that guy.

to make