Chapter 6
RILEY.
Iwatched my mate in the rearview mirror as I drove back to the packhouse.
She was seated in the back seat, scooting her body near the window while her eyes were focused on the view outside the car.
Beside me was Jacob, who was sitting too comfortably with that smug smirk on his face, but I wasn’t bothered.
My focus was on my beautiful mate and what she was thinking.
She’s really beautiful. Despite the slight bruises on the sides of her cheeks, she was still mesmerizing.
I couldn’t believe she showed up in my territory after three months. I didn’t want to hold high expectations when we arrived at the border, but Hunter began prancing around as soon as we got closer. He was restless, and he wanted out.
My breathing hitched when the border came into view. I failed to notice everyone else but her and how her long hair danced gracefully with the wind.
My mate. She was breathtaking.
It had been too long since I last saw her, but the feelings didn’t change. I knew she left me, but I still wanted her.
It took a moment before I realized someone was holding her, and she was being pulled harshly. Everything became a blur after that.
I knew I could have done more to her uncle, but with her around, I didn’t want her to see the other side of me. She might not understand the rage I felt upon knowing that someone had physically assaulted her.
I also had no idea if her uncle, despite what he did to her, was someone important in her life. The last thing I wanted was to hurt her emotionally.
But where was she all this time? My heart clenched at the thought of her being held captive by her uncle. Was she locked up? Was she beaten all this time?
Guilt washed over me as I remembered Andrea. Although I didn’t touch a single strand of her hair, I held her captive and left her with a little freedom.
Did my mate suffer the same thing or even worse?
My grip on the steering wheel tightened. The thought of her suffering tenfold from all the pain I inflicted on Andrea filled me with dread. What was I thinking then? Fucking karma was biting me hard and straight in the face.
“What’s your name?” Jacob’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
My forehead creased as I glanced at my mate through the rearview mirror. She tilted her head away from the window, and her eyes caught mine. Her face paled, and I saw her swallow hard.
“You don’t have to answer him,” I told her coldly.
Why the fuck was Jacob meddling here? Is he trying to charm her? Isn’t his Luna enough for him?
I heard the fucker chuckle before turning his body around to look at my mate, drawing his hand out. “Jacob. Alpha Jacob of the Black Shadow Pack. You might not have heard about me because my pack is far from here.”
My mate extended her hand and shook his, and I could feel my face heating up. I was torn between kicking the Alpha beside me out of the car and pulling my mate into my lap to mark my territory, but I knew I had to control myself.
And then she smiled.
She fucking smiled at him!
My grip on the steering wheel tightened again. I was so close to growling at them when she withdrew her hand and started to talk. “Nice to meet you, Alpha Jacob. I know you. I have heard things about you, but it was years ago.”
Fuck! I missed her voice. As much as I hated that they were speaking with each other, I couldn’t deny that I was longing to hear more of her voice.
“I’m that famous, huh?” The fucker snickered as he turned his body around and faced the road in front of us, but I could see his eyes on me. “How about him? Have you heard anything about him?”
My forehead was still creased as I looked at her again. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked out the window. “Are you Alpha Riley?”
“You didn’t know he’s Alpha Riley?” Jacob asked her.
Fuck this man! Why did I allow him to accompany me to the border? Can’t he mind his own business or fucking sleep while I drive?
My mate shook her head and looked at me. “No. I didn’t know that.”
She didn’t drop her gaze as if waiting for me to say something.
“I’m Riley. What’s your name?”
“You don’t need to answer him if you’re not comfortable…”
“Can you fucking shut up?” I hissed at Jacob, trying to control my voice so as to not scare my mate. But I was so close to kicking him out.
Then she giggled, and I forgot why I was even pissed off.
Her giggles were like music to my ears. Her eyes sparkled as she bit her lower lip. “I didn’t know Alphas were acting this way.” She then darted her eyes back to me, and my heart was drumming so loudly because she was smiling so beautifully. “My name is Nadia.”
Nadia. I wonder how it feels to roll her name off my tongue.
I wanted to say it out loud, but the fucker beside me would end up having the time of his life if I suddenly acted lovestruck.
“We’re here!” I withdrew my eyes from her as I stepped on the brakes, stopping my car in front of the packhouse.
Jacob immediately got out of the car and was already opening her car door. I was thankful that he didn’t help her out or even touch her. But my insides were boiling with anger.
I knew I couldn’t control myself anymore, and the last thing I wanted was to let Hunter out. The last time my wolf was out in front of our mate, he bit her, marking her without any remorse or care.
Hunter growled in my head, letting me know he hadn’t regretted marking her.
I slammed the car door and walked toward the front entrance of my packhouse without glancing at them.
“Follow me, Nadia.” Nadia. Her name just rolled off my tongue smoothly. “We need to talk. Alone.”
I hoped the fucker realized that his presence was no longer needed.