17. Nathan #3
He meets my gaze, hazel eyes blazing. We’re of a height, me and Declan.
He’s always been a big guy, used to throwing his weight around.
I’ve built and honed my muscles over many years, but it’s only now that I realise my shoulders are broader, my chest more defined, my biceps larger.
When I was younger, I never imagined that anyone could rival him. And yet…here I am.
Declan holds up a quelling hand, stopping the alphas from trying to pull me back to my seat. “And why can’t I, Nathan?” he asks in a low tone.
My nostrils flare as I take a deep, steadying breath. “Don’t touch Eden or Niall for backing me, and I won’t tell everyone here what we both know to be true.” I don’t say it aloud. I can’t. If I utter a word about being able to resist his alpha command, my promise of secrecy will be moot.
A muscle in Declan’s jaw flexes as he stares me down, unflinching. “You’re playing a dangerous game,” he hisses through clenched teeth.
“I’ll go without protest. Let Cas and Kato stay.
” It won’t solve our problem, but if they’re together, it’ll be easier on them.
I didn’t get out of being stuck in the barn with one mate only to leave with another.
I want both of them to be safe and sound.
If that means leaving of my own accord, I’ll do it.
Declan gives a short, sharp shake of his head. “Only Kato can stay.”
“You can’t—”
“It’s that, or challenge me here and now. I’m ready, Nathan. Are you?”
I press my eyes shut for a second, weighing our options.
If Cas and I are exiled, we can go to my cabin whilst we figure out our next steps.
We’ll be close enough to Kato that none of us will be too impaired by the effects of being apart.
Agreeing gives us time, and I’ll be able to sleep easy knowing I won’t be leaving Niall and Eden at Declan’s mercy.
When I open my eyes, the corners of Declan’s lips quirk in a satisfied smile. He knows he’s won. For now, at least.
“Promise me no retribution for them, and you have a deal,” I say.
He reaches out and pats me on the cheek in a parody of a caring, paternal gesture. “Deal. I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.”
I bite my tongue to stop my retort. Calling Declan a cunt probably wouldn’t be the wisest course of action.
Kato, however, can always be relied upon to do the unexpected. He breaks away from the alphas who were holding him back and rushes over to us.
“Uncle, I chall—”
Before he can finish foolishly challenging Declan, I slap a hand over Kato’s mouth.
“No,” I say, looking him directly in the eyes.
They’re blazing with orange fury—at me or Declan, I don’t know.
I slide my hand around to the nape of his neck, scruffing him like the pup he is and holding him in place.
Kato melts, just a little, enough that it makes my chest burst with fondness for my lovely idiot, my self-sacrificing mate. He’s impulsive and defiant and too fucking headstrong for his own good, but he’s mine. Not even Declan can take that away from us.
I lean down and press my forehead to his. “Trust me, Kato. We’ll find our way back to you. No matter what, you hear me?”
He sniffs. “Okay, Nate.”
I look him right in the eyes. “Be good, pup.”
I want to kiss him in front of everyone. My cowardice wins out, however. I release him, my hands buzzing with the need to keep hold. He blinks dazedly for a second before righting himself.
“My word is final,” Declan intones, loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Nathan and the omega will be exiled from the McLeod pack. Nathan, you have one night and one day to prepare.”
“And Cas?” I ask, flitting my gaze to our mate, who’s been unnaturally quiet, watching everything with wide eyes.
“He’ll be remanded in custody until it’s time for you to leave. Can’t have him out and about where he can cause any more trouble.”
I know a lost argument when I see one. Declan won’t be budging on this. I’m loath to be separated from Cas again, but if we’re going to survive away from Kato for any time at all, we’re going to have to get used to the feeling.
“If you hurt him in any way, all bets are off,” I tell Declan.
Eden shuffles over. “I’ll look after him,” he says. “Alpha will let me, right?” he asks, looking up beseechingly at Declan.
“Fine,” Declan replies coldly. “Tomorrow night, Nathan. If you’ve not left by the time the sun goes down, consider your life forfeit.”
“I’ll be gone,” I say, a pit opening up in my stomach.
Declan gives me a hard look. It’s like staring down the barrel of a gun. “Make sure of it. Or it won’t just be open season on you.” He directs his gaze meaningfully towards Cas. With that last threat, he turns on his heel and strides away.
My wolf wants to maul him whilst he’s off his guard. I barely restrain myself as he snaps and growls and rages inside my human skin, demanding to be let free. As I watch Declan’s retreating back, I wonder if there was any way I could have avoided this outcome.
Because it feels like, thanks to me, we might be doomed.