Page 35 of Half Wolf Mate
“I’m not a hunter,” I said, although I was sure my words meant nothing.
Alex rolled his eyes at Dominic. “Sorry, Syd, I’m not staying.”
“Syd?” Cole studied Alex through a narrowed gaze. “You’re on a nickname basis?”
Alex blew out his breath and muttered, “Shit. Not at all. I don’t know why I called her that…”
My gaze swung from him to Cole, whose demeanor had gotten colder. Focusing on Alex, I said, “I’d rather you stay, please.” Maybe if the Alpha sentenced me to death, he’d plead my case. “Don’t leave me.”Alone with the Alpha, I silently added.
I could practically feel the tension mount to something ominous. Alex and Dominic went stock still beside me. I don’t even think they breathed. Confused, I glanced at each man. Dominic’s expression was controlled, but he watched Cole carefully. Alex’s eyes had widened a fraction, and he took a couple of steps away from me.
When I looked back at Cole, I understood the sudden shift in the room. His eyes were fixed on Alex, but they weren’t glowing the yellow I’d seen before. They were a lethal red, which I found fascinating. I gasped, fearing he’d attack Alex. But why?
“It’s not what you think, Alpha,” Alex said, glancing at me and then back at Cole with wariness.
“What?” I asked.
“We’re leaving,” Dominic said, grasping Alex’s arm to tug him away.
Perplexed, I watched the two disappear over my shoulder. When I turned back around, I was hit with a furious blue stare. Cole had gotten up from around his desk.
“What just happened?” I asked, momentarily forgetting that I might be facing punishment for absolutely nothing.
“You like Alex.” It wasn’t a question. There was something menacing underlining the statement.
“Well, yeah.”
He inhaled, and his jaw clenched.
“Because he’s a hell of a lot nicer to me than the rest of you,” I explained. Eying him suspiciously, I asked, “Wait, are you jealous?” There was no way!
His gaze slid away from mine, and I almost gagged in shock. Holy hell, he was jealous.
“I just feel like Alex is the only one who doesn’t despise me,” I said. “Him and Violet.”
Cole met my gaze again. It looked like he wanted to say something but refrained. Tired of stewing in the awkward silence, I murmured, “I’m not interested in Alex like that, although if I was, I don’t understand why you’d care.”
He pulled in a breath, gave me an annoyed look, and said, “Have a seat.”
Folding my arms over my chest, I eyed the sofa he nodded to with suspicion. “No way. I’m not going to make it easier for you to…”
“To what?”
Angling my chin upward, I held his gaze. “I know Damian called you and told you where he found me. You must have jumped to the same conclusion he did. I was caught consorting with the enemy, so I must be the bad guy. I’m in league with hunters and your rival pack. I was brought here for you to “deal” with me. This isn’t a tête-à-tête between friends. I’d rather stand right here by the door.” In case I had to flee his wrath.
Cole quirked an eyebrow. “If I wanted to hurt you, you wouldn’t be here in my office.”
That was what I’d assumed when I was carried here. Still, I wasn’t about to let my guard down. “So, why am I here?”
“To talk. You’re going to tell me why you were going to see Adam Blackwell.”
I snorted inwardly at the demand. The sheer arrogance. “None of your business.”
“I want to hear your explanation.” He leaned against the desk and folded his arms over his chest. “I’m trying to be fair, as I’d be with any member of my pack.”
“I’m not part of your pack.” Being rejected still stung. “I don’t owe you any explanation.”
“Would you rather stand before the elders and the rest of the pack to be tried? Because I guarantee they won’t be as accommodating as I’ve been.”