Page 27 of Fractured Mates
“You know you’ve been a pain in my ass every time that I’ve had to send someone after you,” he says gruffly, giving me pause until I remember this is Kyler’s boss. Not some random person who sounds like he knows more about me than he should.
It’s more likely he’s been around since the beginning of the protectors, especially if he’s bringing up when I ran away. Though, that thought has me flicking my gaze toward Kyler.
Does he already know I killed my own mate? While I don’t regret what I did, I don’t flaunt that knowledge around, either.
“I’d say I’m sorry, but I don’t like to lie,” I finally say. “In my defense, I didn’t ask for help. You’re welcome to call your dog home.”
That has Kyler growling from across the room where he’s finally getting dressed again.
I realize I’m also a wolf shifter just like him, but I’ve never been one to follow orders, making me the furthest thing from a human pet.
“Kyler isn’t leaving his post anytime soon,” the man on the phone says. “Do you know who I am?”
“No, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me.” I’m not trying to be rude, but I can’t help being annoyed when I’m certain that they’re trying to keep secrets from me.
“My name is Maciah,” he says sternly. “Your alpha is my niece and specifically asked me to make sure that nothing bad happens to you.”
I knew Dawsyn was responsible for Kyler showing up, but I hadn’t realized it was because she’s related to his damn boss. That’s something I feel like I should have learned over the years, but I guess that’s what I get for keeping my distance.
“I need to speak with Kyler privately about the situation unfolding at the pack, and it has nothing to do with you,” he continues. “Are you going to force him to restrain you so he can exit the room, or are you going to allow him to do his job?”
My wolf is already conjuring images of us being tied to the bed, but we’re not left alone and we’re not at all mad about it.
I hate you, I snarl at her before going back to the phone conversation.
“Where is my family?” I ask before answering. “I went to their house and people were there waiting for someone to kill.”
I realize now that they might not have been there for me. They could have been anticipating my parents or sister. And if even one of them is out there, alone and being hunted, I’m going to find them.
Maciah is quiet, and I have a feeling he’s going to try to keep the truth from me.
“If you lie to me and I find out,” I warn, “I don’t care who you are. Dawsyn’s uncle, Kyler’s boss, the biggest, baddest wolf out there. If you don’t tell me what I need to know and something happens to them, I will hold you personally responsible.”
“Excuse me,” he nearly yells. “I am not a wolf.”
Out of all that, that’s what he’s most upset about? This makes me grin. “Then, how the hell are you the uncle to my soon-to-be alpha?”
“Because I am,” he practically growls.
“Clearly, I’ve offended you,” I say. “That was not my intention. I realize I threatened you, but that’s different.”
Considering his profession, he should understand this. Once he calms down, anyway.
“For future reference, I’m a vampire and one you don’t want to piss off,” Maciah replies with less bite. “And your family hasn’t been seen yet by any of my people. That is the truth. Now, can I speak privately with Kyler without you making any further threats?”
I chew on the inside of my cheek before I finally reply. “Sure. Have your boy talk. I’ll be right here with my pizza.”
I throw the phone back to Kyler. He catches it easily as I say, “Don’t come back for at least ten minutes. I need a break from your ugly face. And if you want any more of your pizza, I’d take it with you. I make no promises it will be here when you return.”
He raises a brow at me. “But will you be?”
I reach for my food, only briefly glancing back at him. “I guess you’ll just have to wait and find out.”
Chapter Eleven
Kyler
Ican’t be sure if this whole situation is in a perpetual downward spiral or if there’s still a chance of recovering. Between Sophie not being happy with my presence, the things I’m not supposed to share with her, nearly being caught, and last but certainly not least, our mutual attraction, this could go either way.