The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

Chapter Two Hundred Seventy–Five

ANASTACIA

When I finish my bath I feel amazing, I hadn’t had a sonk like that in fever and trying to keep ahead of the hounds put me out of a shower for a week. Enough mud came off of me to fill a swamp with and swear my skin is two shades lighter now that I’m freshly scrubbed.

Stepping into Paul’s room, I take everything in. His fluffy black pillows and indigo duvet, the gray walls, the black velvet furniture… The space is dark with artificial lanterns lighting the corners of the room in soft orange light. Gazing around, I notice he forgot to lay out clothes for me to wear, so I go ahead and help myself to a couple of things in his drawers. Selecting a pair of his boxer briefs that I tie together in front to keep them on, and a thin, wom while t–shirt that’s as soft as kitten fur, I float toward the stairs in somewhat of a

trance.

Why had Paul and I been under the cold spray of the shower when I woke up?

Why had I been passed out at all?

When I was submerged in that heavenly warm water, with bubbles all the way up to my chin, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something I was supposed to be doing. Or something that I was supposed to remember.

message?

But what? And from who?

The aroma of something cooking spirals up the stairs then into the room and my stomach attacks. Growling ferociously and reminding me that it’s been a while since I’ve had an actual meal Maybe Fil remember what it is after I eat.

The shirt I’ve chosen smells delicious. Like papaya and frosted lemonade. A smell that makes me think of cocktails on the beach.

ere was a bar in the living room. I wonder how well stocked it might be. Maybe I can make a couple of drinks.

There w

As I float down the stairs barefoot, I can hear him talking on the phone, so I pitter patter over to the bar and grab a tumbler. Then… I listen as he talks about the hounds…

“Yeah. I had words with the Alpha chasing her as well. According to him, she killed his sister or something and owes him her life, Paul

says.

My jaw clenches in anger. What a fucking sneaky Merle War Drake is. First of all, he never had a damned sister. I’m the one that has a sister.

“Wait a minute. You haven’t even left the island yet?” Paul is saying as I stalk toward the kitchen needing to set Paul straight. Pausing in the doorway to let him finish his conversation, I admire the lines of his back as he moves. The ripples of tendons and flesh are itching to be explored. Goddess, he’s sexy. Despite the loose sweatpants, the definition of his ass calls out to me. Every little more he makes dances with muscle. My mouth goes dry just watching.

“Cane?” Paul asks.

wolf shifter after all. They’re known for their superior hearing. I can barely make out the voice on the other line, but

my guess is whoever is on the phone suggested that

lie, his passionate response has my

not noticing me, I eye him as he flips two steals in the pan, I begin to roll

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is happened. She’s still in the

Actually Fim behind you,

touch a witch asshole. Not for my son. Not even of she were

ears that’s so loud, for a moment I sway on my feet.

powerful than I’d like to admit. Batting my eyelashes to keep moisture from gathering. I prepare to make myself known,

snorts and then insults me. They’re creepy

A

the damn thing. Sparkling slivers shower my feet and although I’m shocked–because I’ve never had that happen before my mind focuses on

awful com / be? I have never been called CREEPY in all

lands at my bare feet and the glass dust all around me. His eyes sweep upward slowly, the bulge behind his pants swelling in the space of an instant.

he wants to grab for me, but my throat is tight and my eyes are hot with anger. So I shake my head no as my chest begins to heave with rage and disappointment. I suddenly feel so out of place that

what to do.

home. At Gran’s old place.

should leave.

home. Maybe III have this idiot in front of me take me all the

me when you dock.” Then he hangs up and we simply stare at one another. To my immense pleasure, Paul looks like he just swallowed a toad. He knows he just fucked up. He knows. He

apologize. I’d much rather know how you really feel than have you pretend I’m welcome here or pretend you’re attracted to me. Then my eyes wither downward,

His handsome face flushes

fuck off,” I snap and he loses his smile, his jaw clenching angrily.

hate that he’s so handsome.

my mate. That declaration alone sends a rip of pain right through the center of my chest, though

of me hurt

Wolf Shifters have mates. I’ve never wished to be one. So why does it feel like he just crushed my heart in the palm of his hand?

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