Page 57 of Half Wolf Mate
After a beat, he replied, “Doesn’t mean I’m like them.”
My gaze narrowed on Adam. I was even more convinced that his gruff attitude was just a front. Just as I was about to question him about how he became the Alpha of a pack he didn’t like, he warned, “Don’t start asking questions.”
“If you’re going to keep me prisoner, you should at least appease my curiosity.”
“One, you’re not a prisoner. You’ll be free to go as soon as you help me get Benjamin out of hiding. Two, mind your business, Sydney. The less you know, the better.”
“But—”
“All you need to know is that no one in my pack will touch you.”
“What makes you so sure?” I asked.
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. It was more wicked than friendly. “Because I have a gift for instilling fear. Besides, you’re my family.”
I quirked an eyebrow as I rubbed my aching leg. The wolf’s bite was starting to sting. “Suddenly, you claim me as family?”
Adam heaved a sigh and rubbed his eyes. For the first time, I noticed how weary he looked. It seemed his hunt for the man who he claimed killed our mother took its toll. “The thing is, Sydney, the first time I saw you, my wolf demanded I didn’t lay a finger on you. That’s why I didn’t just grab you and throw you into my car trunk that day we spoke behind the diner.”
I grasped at the revelation of what he’d had planned back them. “You were going to kidnap me?”
He shrugged. “I wanted answers, and I thought you had them.”
Glowering at him, I shook my head. “Are all Alpha’s dicks? I swear, you and Cole are just alike. You’re both arrogant and think you can do whatever you want.”
Adam’s little smirk irked me to the point of wanting to kick him in the shin. If I weren’t injured, I’d do it and make a run for it.
“Admittedly, the role of power gets to my head sometimes.”
When my anger wore off, I chuckled. “At least you’re honest. So, your wolf told you to leave me alone? Do you think it sniffed me out and recognized that we shared blood?”
“Maybe.” Adam’s eyebrows scrunch together. “I didn’t pay much attention to him that day. I was so on edge about Benjamin.”
“Sometimes my wolf talks to me too…sort of. She isn’t that strong since I’m not full breed, but she alerts me to danger, and sometimes she comforts me. It’s like sharing my mind with a stronger, more confident personality. It’s so weird.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“If I had someone to teach me everything, I’d be accustomed to my wolf by now.”
“Your mate is doing a poor job helping you adjust,” Adam said.
“He’s not my…” I sighed. Explaining my complicated relationship with Cole would dredge up too much misery. “He’s usually busy with pack matters, and he has a company to run.”
“That’s no excuse.”
“Why do you care?” I snapped.
Adam held up both palms. “Never mind. I should get you something to eat and drink.”
Leaning against the bed’s headboard, I glanced at my bandaged legs. “How about painkillers instead? If you don’t have any, I’ll take the next best thing—a shot of your strongest liquor.” It felt like my leg was on fire, and my head was about to explode.
Adam frowned. “Are you sure painkillers or alcohol is best for you right now?”
“Why wouldn’t either of them be? I need some relief here. I’m not like you. I can’t heal in the blink of an eye.”
“Well—”
“You know what? Forget the food, drink, and pain meds,” I said. “How about we make a deal.”