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I try to shake off the unease as we head out to explore the shops and boutiques. Eyes are on me from all directions in my new environment. Most people either smile, or they look away and pretend not to notice me, but there are a lot of stares, whispers, and even a few glares. I don’t think everyone in Ethan’s pack is pleased about my presence.
I’m browsing through some clothing on a circular rack when I feel someone’s eyes on me. I look up to an older woman standing across the rack from me. My heart pounds in my chest when I meet her dark, cold eyes and pursed lips. I pretend to goback to looking through the clothes, hoping she’ll move on. I can feel her angry, animalistic energy practically clawing me in the face. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I swallow hard as I look up again. Her eyes dart from side to side to see if anyone is paying attention. She then proceeds to draw her lips back, baring her sharp, long canines to me. I gasp and spin around, bumping into Chloe.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Chloe asks. I hold my mouth open, speechless. “Oh, my God, you’re shaking. Tell me what happened.”
I look behind me to see the angry old woman moving to the other side of the store. “That woman,” I whisper, my voice quivering.
“What woman? What happened?” Chloe asks, her eyes narrowing.
“The older woman in the gray dress across the room, standing by the mannequin…she just—” I begin panting, feeling tears welling in my eyes.
Chloe lowers her voice. “Tell me what she did, Liv.”
“She was staring a hole through me, then…then she bared her teeth at me. They were her really sharp teeth, Chloe,” I whisper, looking around, hoping no one is listening.
Chloe sighs, tightening her lips. “I’ll take care of this.” She starts walking toward the middle of the store.
“Chloe, no. What are you doing?” I yell at a whisper volume. “Please don’t do anything.”
“I need everyone’s attention, please!” Chloe’s voice projects through the store, and everyone stops what they’re doing to look at her. She extends her hand to me. “Come here, Olivia.” I take her hand as she pulls me next to her.
“I wish you wouldn’t do this,” I whisper with my head down.
Chloe lowers her voice. “This has to be done now, or they’ll think they can walk all over you.” Chloe clears her throat,looking around the store. “This is my best friend Olivia. This woman is like a sister to me. She is here as your Alpha’s personal guest.She is to be treated with nothing but kindness and respect while she is our guest here.” She pauses, looking directly at the older woman. “Betty,” Chloe says, her eyes narrowing again. “How do you think your Alpha would feel about someone trying to frighten his guest? Do you think he would be happy?” The store is deadly silent. “Answer me!” Chloe demands.
“No, ma’am. It won’t happen again,” the woman answers with a sneer of contempt.
“The Alpha will be made aware of your actions,” Chloe warns. “I hope I’ve made myself clear. Carry on, everyone.”
“You know that woman will have it out for me now, Chloe.”
“She knows that wouldn’t be in her best interest. She’s just a bitter old bitch.” Chloe rolls her eyes. “Tell Ethan as soon as you get home.”
“Chloe,” I start, fidgeting with my fingers.
“I mean it, Liv. I’ll tell him if you don’t. You know you aren’t going to be able to hide that something is bothering you anyway. Promise me you’ll tell him as soon as you get home.”
“Okay, I will.” I nod my head in agreement. “Exactly what kind of authority do you have around here anyway? I think you scared the shit out of everyone.”
Chloe giggles. “It’s a perk of being the mate to the second in command. Everyone knows I have a direct line straight to the Alpha.”
“Wow,” I say, contemplating Chloe’s leverage.
“Just think of how much power you’ll have when you’re joined with Ethan as his mate and Luna.”
My heart pounds and my stomach churns as I wonder exactly what I’m getting myself into. I don’t know if I can do this.
Eleven
Ethan
Ilook up from the document on my computer when I hear the front door open. A weight is instantly lifted from my chest, knowing she’s home. She gives me a sweet smile as she comes around the corner, knocking lightly on the open office door. “Hi, there,” she says.
“Hey. How was your day?”
“Um, it was okay. I guess you could say it was…eye-opening.”
I frown and my muscles tighten at her hesitation. “I don’t think I like the way that sounds. Come here.” I open my arms, inviting her to sit on my lap. I wrap my arms around her waist while she puts hers around my neck. “First, I missed you today.” I pull her into a tender kiss, tightening my hold on her. I’m dying to be as close to her as possible.
