Filed to story: Luna Lovette and Alpha Kodak Story
“It’s not just about that,” she told him as she returned to the bedroom and retrieved some clothes from her wardrobe. “My mother…she’s difficult, Nick. She likes to belittle me and insult me. I don’t want you to lose it with her-all you would be doing is giving her the drama she loves so she can act the victim of the world.”
Shooting her an incredulous look, he began pulling on his jeans. “I can’t just sit there and say nothing while someone insults you.”
“Exactly-so you’re better off staying here.”
Not a chance would he remain behind at a time when she’d need him at her side. “I promise I won’t lose it, okay? I can’t promise I’ll stay quiet if she’s upsetting you, but I won’t lose it. I’m not letting you face her alone.”
Appreciating his support, she smiled. “Thanks.”
When they were fully dressed, they walked hand in hand through the tunnels. The thought of seeing her mother again made her stomach sink, but the thought of Nick meeting her father made her heart pound. She could easily recall the times Stone Critchley had met her boyfriends, and just how those meetings had gone-just how badly those meetings had gone. “Um, when you meet my dad…if he scowls at you, don’t worry, you’re fine. If he smiles, well, be on your guard. And no sudden movements. And try to make eye contact with him as little as possible. Oh, and don’t-“
“Shay, relax.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Relax? Ha. Not going to happen. Finally, they reached the large kitchen. Roni and Marcus were standing in the doorway, regarding her parents with studious eyes. Clearly Roni had wanted Nick to have an ally nearby. As for Marcus…well, she wasn’t sure why he was there. Although it was fair to say that he’d been a good friend to Shaya when she was going through all that crap with Nick in the beginning.
Instantly, the two people seated at the long dining table were on their feet. Her mother was, of course, looking the victim as usual. Her father’s expression was as indulgent as always.
Coming around the table, Stone took Shaya into his arms. “Hi, baby girl.”
She returned his tight hug. “Hey, Dad.” Pulling back, she said, “This is my mate, Nick.”
Stone’s expression immediately turned assessing. “Is it now?”
“Nick, this is my dad, Stone.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Nick, shaking the human’s hand. He had the same eyes as Shaya, but there was none of her impishness there-instead, there was ruthlessness and danger. He and his wolf recognized a predator when he saw one, and the male before him was certainly one. He also knew that Stone would recognize Nick as a fellow predator, and that was important because he had no intention of letting anyone try to intimidate him.
“Likewise,” drawled Stone, sounding not at all honest.
Nick then turned his attention to Shaya’s mother, and he wished he hadn’t. The woman was practically sneering at her daughter, a statue of disapproval. His wolf growled, wanting Nick to warn her against hurting his mate. Nick was about to do just that when Shaya slipped her hand into his again and gave it a double-squeeze-a clear “please leave it.”
“Mom, Nick. Nick, this is Gabrielle.”
He merely exchanged a curt nod with the female. “Shall we sit?” Without waiting for a response, Nick took the chair opposite the one her father had claimed. The others quickly returned to their seats. Before anyone could speak, the door opened and Lovette entered. Going to stand beside Roni, she nodded at Stone in greeting, who returned the nod.
“Hello, Lovette,” said Gabrielle, flicking her braid of red curls over her shoulder.
Lovette gave her a withering look. “Mmm-hmm.”
Stone leaned back in his seat, arms folded across his chest. “So…you’ve finally decided to claim Shaya. I’m interested to know what took you so long.” It wasn’t a query, it was a reproach delivered with a snarl.
“Then you should ask Shaya in private,” advised Nick.
“I’m asking you.”
“Yeah, but I don’t explain myself to other people-only to Shaya.”
Stone narrowed his eyes, his gaze studious, but he said nothing. Nick had the feeling that his answer had won a little of Stone’s respect…or maybe the guy just liked that although Nick was a bastard, he wouldn’t be one to Shaya.
“How’ve you both been?” Shaya asked her parents, smiling, breaking the awkward silence. The tension in the air was practically crackling. Having Nick’s arm draped over the back of her chair and his fingers playing with her hair was a comfort she so needed right then.
Gabrielle answered instantly. “If you must know, I don’t feel good at all-not that you truly care. I haven’t slept in weeks. No doubt it’s stress, seeing as my own daughter has left me and barely answers my calls.”
Shaya held her smile in place. “Forgive me if I don’t enjoy being insulted and sent on a guilt trip for having my own life.”
“You’ve always been selfish and difficult,” Gabrielle claimed. “Never sensitive to my predicaments.”
Sensing Nick’s irritation building, Shaya squeezed his thigh under the table. “Have you consulted a healer?” It was second nature to feign interest.
“Yes. He said there’s nothing wrong with me.” She huffed. “Can you believe that?”
Well, yeah, Shaya could.
“What is it you believe is wrong with you?” rumbled Nick, wanting the woman’s focus away from Shaya. He had no tolerance for people who faked ill-health when there were so many people out there who were truly ill.
“I have a thyroid problem, I know I have. I don’t care what the healer said, I know my own body.
New Book: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
Dayson was the alpha of the largest pack in North America. Powerful figures from other packs sought to offer gorgeous girls as potential mates for Dayson. He steadfastly rejected these advances, he was not a pawn to be manipulated. But eventually there came a mysterious girl he could hardly say No. Who was she?