Page 5 of Trusting Her Mate

Tall. Blond. Pretty in a way that has made people forgive him for being vile his entire life. He wears a dark coat, polished boots, and a smile that makes my skin crawl.

“Wren,” he says warmly, as if we’re lovers meeting after a long separation instead of a woman and the nightmare she outran.

My stomach twists.

Dax’s gaze travels over the gate, the wolves, Caine. He dips his head, but not enough. “Alpha Beckett. Ashstone sends greetings.”

Caine doesn’t return the smile. “You crossed into my territory uninvited.”

Dax spreads his hands. “A misunderstanding. We’re here only to retrieve what belongs to us.”

A growl tears out of me before I can stop it.

Every eye swings to me.

Dax’s smile widens.

There. That’s what he wanted. A reaction. Proof I’m emotional, unstable, in need of management.

I hate him so much my teeth hurt.

Peyton shifts, placing herself half a step closer to me.

It’s small. It’s everything.

Caine’s voice drops. “Wren is not property.”

“Of course not.” Dax chuckles. “Poor choice of words. She’s my intended mate. Her father signed the agreement. Our Alpha approved it. She left in a moment of nerves.”

“Nerves?” I snap.

Dax looks at me the way someone looks at a child throwing food. “You were overwhelmed.”

“I was furious.”

“You were confused.”

“I was very clear when I threw your ring into the laundry drain.”

A cough comes from somewhere behind me.

It might be a laugh.

Dax’s eyes flash, but his smile stays in place. “This is exactly why I came personally. You’re spirited, Wren. I enjoy that. But enough is enough.”

My wolf lunges inside me.

I can feel the shift pressing beneath my skin. Bones threatening to crack. Claws wanting out.

I can’t lose control here. Not in another Alpha’s territory. Not surrounded by strangers. Not with Dax watching like he hopes I do.

Caine steps forward. “She requested sanctuary. Until I review the matter, she stays.”

Dax’s mouth tightens. “With respect, Alpha, sanctuary doesn’t override a valid mating contract.”

“No,” Caine says. “Consent does.”

Dax’s gaze slides back to me.