The Mate That Wasn't Mine novel Chapter 89

Chapter 89

MAXIM POV

Marshall has already started striding on towards the packhouse, his thinner frame briskly cutting through approaching students like a rabid salmon.

I just want a few more minutes just us. What if Remy’s first action is to send me away on some misson? Or to the front, now I’m apparently adept at killing rebels?

I don’t know where to put the feelings I’ve got charging around right now. I had everything to do with Warden Marshall nailed down. A nice little box in my head named “Bastards I’d like to Murder.”

Now I’m…what? He’s proud of me? He cares that I’ve made it this far, even though he’s pushed me beyond what I thought I could endure countless times. Maybe I’ve just had my head in the sand. Embarrassed over getting everything wrong about Donlon I’ve refused to see the older blonde man with the pale blue eyes as anything but the bad guy.

But he helped Tess. He wanted to read my goddamn eulogy. He fought for me in front of Alpha Hale in meetings where others thought I should be let go.

Fuck. It was easier just having Tess to worry about,

She squeezes my hand as we stalk across the gravel together. She knows. She can tell I’m stuck over it. I’m pretty sure people are gasping and pointing our way too. Let them. It’s late in the morning from what I can tell, various skills tests ending, people heading for lunch in the packhouse.

We slow down at the archery range. They’re doing the suicide runs under a crisp blue sky. The breeze rustles the grass and I wonder if Tess would remember the adjustment one has to make. What is natural instinct and what has been locked away?

One of the Wardens, toting a clipboard, is shouting at the dozen or so candidates to give it their final push. They’re firing and mostly missing, then sprinting up the sides of the target range, retrieving the arrow and back down again. My legs ache just looking at it. Tess has a different expression.

Her fiery hair bundled up high, those long copper locks no longer act like a veil. Instead a few loose tender curls frame her face, her expression and opinions free to see. And it’s beautiful.

She muses. “So you’re telling me I did that?”

“Very well.”

“It looks horrific. Running up and down like that?” her face screwing up as she watches them pant and sweat away in their beige and gold.

“Oh it is. You’re shattered just like the rest of them. But you never stop trying and your accuracy doesn’t drop off.”

“I can’t wait to try it,” her gaze fixated on whoever is firing their bow next. “There is a crosswind to watch for…” she murmurs to herself.

“I think you’re back in the ranks tomorrow. Today with me?” tenderly nudging her with my elbow and getting a soft smile in return.

We watch a little longer, trying to ignore the blatant buzz that is gathering.People slow in their tracks at the sight of two dead pack members, out for a stroll.

“Can you hear what people are saying?” she asks, not blushing for a change, her smile distorting into a silly downward pull. “There’s a crowd gathering.”

She’s right. The men running down the range have/slowed down into confused jogs to stop and point at us, standing at the top of the grassy knoll. “It’s Tessa, fucking hell!” one shouts.

Then they all notice me and start staring at each other. “No way,” they mutter, shaking their heads. “How the hell did you survive that Sir? We saw you

fall!”

“I think we need to get moving,” taking her hand and continuing our walk towards the packhouse. The way everyone’s watches us is unnerving. No wonder Alpha Hale held himself so stiffly. Or why Remy never pushed himself into the front of the crowd, just completing his studies then retreating.

Chapter 89

To be in the spotlight is something I’ve never really sought. I’ve been loud and boisterous, but then I trained as an assassin. To be as far out of the glar as possible. I’m not looking to command armies.

The grizzled Wardens give Tess and I respectful nods as we enter, probably briefed by Remy. Other diners just completely stop what they’re doing, forks clattering onto plates. The serving ladies squawk like hens. “How did he survive!” echoing over and over has already got tiresome in under five minutes.

One of the huge packhouse dining tables has been taken up by the new Alpha. Dressed in white, but not the insanely padded chunks of armour, Just plain, his blonde white hair and sharp blue eyes already looking a little tired and rumpled. Neither does he wear the ceremonial gold and platinum chains of the Alpha. Those went plummeting over the edge with Hale.

Remy beams at us both, standing up from the bench, walking away from the gathered Wardens and black–shirted Generals to offer me his hand. I take his hand, whilst nodding my head in deference. “Alpha Remy.”

Tess copies my action. Only for Remy to take her hand and say, “I am so pleased to finally meet you properly. I can only apologise for everything that my father put you through. And for your village, your family.” my heart dropping as I realise we haven’t discussed everything I learned about her during our separation.

Tess’s gaze flicks up towards me, unsure and concerned but replies steadily. “I think it’s all in the past now.”

“It is, isn’t it Alpha?” I check firmly, remdinding of our mind link conversation. “Tess can go back to her studies?”

Our new Alpha raises his hands. “Absolutely. Tht is all sorted. I just…I had no idea you survived that fall. It has always been thought impossible,” forcing me to swallow back a lump in my throat at how fiercely the Alpha stared at me.

“I’m sorry, but after your father fell, we both felt the need to get away before being spotted.” I don’t know whether Remy truly believes me, or knows! was just desperate to be with my mate. But the Alpha suprises me with his heartfelt words.

“You were a true friend to me. Even when you were facing your end you were trying to help Ravenbow. The Generals-” nodding over towards the same sour–faced pricks who jabbed at me with their lances yesterday. “-they told me how you tried to convince them, the same as I tried to convince my

father.”

“What is your plan for old goats like that who might not want to change?” giving the pair of them a glare. Fuck them. They can know I don’t like them.

“I haven’t got one yet. That’s why I need your ideas. We make a good team.”

“We do. I will join you shortly, but…” scanning the dining hall. “We need to eat first. And I think I could do with introducing Tess to some other important people.”

And filling her in on what I know about her past before anyone else accidentally drops such knowledge on her.

“Absolutely. I am staying here all day. People keep coming up to me with questions and ideas I had never considered before, it is very interesting. Oh, I haven’t told Hazel you’re alive yet. Maybe you want to just go up and see her later. You know where she is.”

Fucking hell, is Remy trying to cause me trouble?

“Maybe I just want to go up,” he might as well have said, “maybe go and see your girlfriend,” or “maybe have a quick fuck about with your ex whilst you have fifteen minutes.”

I squeeze Tess’s hand, caressing our entwined fingers, silently praying she doesn’t take Remy’s words the wrong way. But Remy must recognise the pure annoyance in my eyes as he coughs and adds. “She has the cat after all. That you left. You can get that thing back.”

“Thank you Alpha,” my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I think we’ll get some food now.”

Edginess creeps up over me. Draped like a cape, souring the crazy joyful idiocy I was basking in back at our room. Tess has gone quiet too, silently gathering her plate and tray behind me, following my lead.

“Everything okay?” she asks.

Before I can answer, my ears prick up. A set of blue–shirted Betas, from the same year as Kai and Silas are looking at us and muttering “You heard what

Rebel. She’s just a dirty little rebel.”

rk and agree. My wolf and I do not hesitate. I turn and softly hand my plate to Tess, “One moment, kissing her forehead. In two strides he mens table. “Franco, Xander? Something you’re saying?”

themselves. “Maxim! It’s good to see you back.”

command. “Now.”

Ravimi Remy links but this won’t stand.

d wanted a declaration Tess was innocent. These fuckers haven’t got the message./

The pair stand, conveniently, both have those annoyingly long thick braids dangling down past their shoulders, I stroll around the table, aware of Tess’s gumicked little face.

So you think what about my mate? About the girl who is the superior to all of you in archery and scent tracing? What did you say?”

“Nuthing”

“Last chance.”

“We said nothing” the lean Xander spits

“Fime.” I reply. Quick as a flash I grab one braid in each hands, wrap it tighty around my wrist then slam each man’s head downwards back into the table. Titem istam their heads together before dropping them and letting them dumbly slide down to the floor.

“WAKE!” Warden Marshall bellows, his blue eyes full of anger I point down to the two groaning idiots at my feet.

mysine, and I couldn’t give a fuck what rank they are – Anyone disrespects my mate? Tess Pagano as she is known now, and I will break skulls. Simple as tur. She is no rebel. She killed rebels alongside me. She carried the notebooks that will give us everything we need to know about them. I will not have Her name slurred?”

“Tass Pagano,” Marshall checks, whilst everyone else in the hall looks at me completely dumbstruck.

“es” she answers firmly before I can, her voice fitting me with pride. “Tess Pagano.”

pate her papers accordingly. Re add her to the skills listings, Marshall nods before sitting down at his table like nothing happened. Everyone follows his head until there are just two unconscious fools and my hate holding two plates of food.

“Ive you crazy?” she whispers as we take a table near the furthest end. Where we always used to sit, not that I am sure she will remember.

I raise my eyebrow. “I don’t enjoy doing that shit Tess. But i will. I’t do it every day until this place learns who you are.”

‘t even know who I am,” with a smile teasing the edge of her face. I nuzzle close to her and whisper in her ear.

“Seod job i do then. You’re Tess Pagano. My mate. The clever, beautiful, ruthless archer who almost made me fill your mouth this morning. Just before Mashad came to the door too, you ruined me.”

“Main?” she squeaks before her head goes into her arms on the table, her blush spreading all the way to her neck as I chuckle next to her and start

Chapter 89