Page 43 of Alpha Fate
“I agree,” I say. The thought of Savannah being in harm’s way again…it makes my chest tighten. “I’ve had two run-ins with those fuckers on their home turf. I think I’ll stay closer to home for a bit.”
“Oh, I bet you’re real eager to stick around and play bodyguard,” Tarkin says with a smirk. “Got nothing to do with the pretty houseguest, right?”
I clench my jaw, biting back a sharp retort.
Casey jumps in again. “Hey, lay off, Tark,” she says lightly. “Just because Savannah hasn’t fallen for your charms doesn’t mean you gotta take it out on Gage.”
“How do you know she hasn’t?” he mutters back. She raises an eyebrow, letting it speak for itself. There are some chuckles around the table. I force a tight smile, trying not to let the teasing get under my skin.
“Alright, alright, let’s stay on course here,” Jagger rumbles, steering the conversation back on track.
I tune out again as they discuss security rotations and contingency plans. All I can think about is seeing Savannah. Making sure she’s recovering okay, getting to know her better. There’s just something about her that’s gotten under my skin. Now I can’t seem to shake her from my thoughts.
You need a mate.
The thought comes out of nowhere. Although, if I’m honest with myself, it has always lurked in the back of my mind. A mate. A family. A chance to build a legacy. That would be good.
And suddenly, it seems within reach.
Or is it?
I’m a fool for jumping the gun like this. I’ve barely spent two entire days with her, and here I am, thinking of a future.
But why is that so wrong? It’s how we’re wired, after all.
I shift restlessly in my seat until finally, mercifully, Jagger calls it. “Alright, that’s enough for today. We’ll pick this back up tomorrow.”
Before he’s even finished talking, I’m up and moving, mumbling some excuse about things to do. I don’t care what they think. I just need to see her.
I’m halfway down the hall when Jagger’s voice stops me. “Gage, hold up a sec.”
I pause, shoving my impatience down. “Yeah?”
He catches up, face serious. “Look, I know you’ve got a connection with that girl. But don’t do anything stupid, alright? She’s been through hell. She doesn’t need things complicated right now.”
I bristle at the insinuation. “I would never do anything to hurt her. I just want to check on her, make sure she’s okay.”
“Sure you do. And I understand that; trust me, I do.” He pauses a minute, letting the weight of that sink in. He had Sierra bunking in his quarters the moment she arrived.
“You’re talking about what happened with Sierra,” I acknowledge. “But that was different. You didn’t want her around.”
“I didn’t think I did. At least, I told myself I didn’t. But deep down…” He shrugs. “And then we all know how that turned out.”
“Yeah.” I can’t deny it. The man had it bad for her. He wouldn’t let anyone near her. Those of us on the mate list had objected to him getting first option on her when he’d never even put his name down, but somehow, that’s just how it worked out.
Life can be funny like that.
“Anyhow, I’m just asking you to be careful. You good with that?” He levels me with a look.
“Sure. I’m good with it.” I don’t let my eyes waver.
“Fine. Then we’re on the same page.” He claps a hand on my shoulder, then turns and walks away.
On the same page.
Somehow, I don’t think we are.
Chapter 15