Lupe insisted we go inside. The soldiers wouldn’t have it at first but when she burst into a fit of wails, they were left with no choice but to allow us to have our way.
I held her close, whispering empty words of comfort that felt hollow even to my own ears. Part of me wanted to offer a plan, a solution, anything to alleviate her pain. But the truth was, I was as lost as she was.
We hadn’t spent a few minutes inside before I sensed Gamma Rhett. I was already worried that he might show up and was hoping he wouldn’t when he did.
I began to tremble, hating myself for allowing my heart to beat so rapidly because I sensed some man when my friend was here hurting. When Kylo had called and I had ignored his calls.
The front door creaked open, and there he stood, his imposing figure framed in the doorway.
Gamma Rhett.
He was every bit the Gamma – powerful, dominant, and radiating a raw energy that threatened to consume the room. Or perhaps, it was one that threatened to consume me.
My breath caught in my throat. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to run, to hide, to disappear before he set his gaze upon me. Yet, I remained rooted to the spot as a fierce protectiveness bloomed within me. Lupe, in her grief, needed me.
I wouldn’t abandon her, not even for him.
It didn’t take long for him to spot me and I greeted him. I saw how Lupe wanted to shift away and probably give me the time to speak with him since she knew he was my mate but I firmed my grip on her.
I feared that if I didn’t, I might fall down hard on my ass.
Gamma Rhett however saved me from the stress when he exhibited his usual smug and arrogant attitude by walking off into the room with two other soldiers.
I liked his outfit today. He wore a stylish black leather jacket over a crisp white shirt, paired with dark jeans and polished boots. His dark hair was tousled just enough to give him a rugged charm, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a hint of mischief beneath their steely gaze.
He didn’t wear the usual today nor did he look the same. There were dark circles under his eyes as though he hadn’t been having a good night’s sleep or slept at all.
That man really needed to take it easy on himself. Somebody needed to tell him, but who would?
He’d probably make them wish for the earth to swallow them whole if they did.
Pfft!
Despite his tired look, I couldn’t help but admire his commanding presence and undeniable charisma. He was one hell of a man.
Lupe looked up at me with tear-filled eyes. "Do you think..." she began, her voice trailing off.
"He’ll find the culprit, Lupe," I said firmly, forcing a conviction into my voice that I didn’t entirely feel. "He’s very good at what he does."
.
About forty minutes later, Gamma Rhett re-emerged with an even uglier countenance. He spoke to me this time, asking to question Lupe.
Liam however tried to jovially greet him. "Hello, sir!"
Was it just my paranoia, or was there something in Liam’s innocent eyes that triggered a reaction in Gamma Rhett? He always seemed to always be cautious around him.
A sliver of jealousy that was petty and unexpected flared in my chest when I saw Gamma Rhett’s interest rise and rise as he spoke to Lupe.
Here I was, offering empty words of comfort to Lupe, while Gamma Rhett, the object of my forbidden affections spoke intently to her.
Wait. What was I saying?
Lupe had a mate for crying out loud. And– where was her when she needed him the most?
If the mate bond was as strong as I and Gamma Rhett were experiencing, I didn’t see why Lupe’s mate shouldn’t be here. He was supposed to be thrown into distress upon hearing the news.
His absence was suspicious and I intended to ask Lupe later. Liam took my hand and clutched it beside me like a leach while we watched Gamma Rhett and Lupe.
Soon enough, I think their conversation was over as they both began to approach me and Liam. I held my breath as his scent grew higher and higher and attacked my nose with such ferocity that was getting me underneath.
My wolf, however, was dead happy. She danced with joy and stirred with happiness inside me.
Could she just stop already?!
"Isleen? Can I have a few minutes of your time?" The voice I yearned to hear the most said to me.
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