Page 32 of Beta Hybrid

I bite my bottom lip. Maybe I didn’t think it through. Is it sexy?

Cai suffers another “coughing” fit. Vale claps him on the back with a wry look at me, as though he knows exactly what we’re talking about. Jana smirks at me, too.

Can we talk about this later? Please?

I turn my gaze ahead, pretending to focus on where I’m leading us. I know Aldrich’s place is somewhere in these mountains, close to nature, as both fae and witches love to be. I don’t know exactly where, just feel him with a sort of magnetic tug.

Must be sexy, I conclude without looking at my mate.

Zen, he whines.

I bite back a chuckle. That was really cute. I’m actually embarrassing him.

Reagan tugs on the strap of my backpack. ‘What else do you have to eat? I’m hungry.’

‘You should have packed,’ Cai grumbles.

Reagan snarls at him. Cai raises his hands, passing over a muesli bar.

Chapter Thirteen

Zenna

It’s been a long time since I walked so much, and my body is complaining. If it weren’t for the daily training of the past week, I suspect I would have needed a rest much sooner. I glance over at Reagan, who’s been alternating between walking as a wolf, and a boy. He tasked Cai with carrying his clothes, which my mate is not thrilled about.

I’m an alpha, not a … a, whatever this is. He shoves the clothes deep into his backpack.

You’re sweet, I tell him.

Cai’s silver eyes turn sharp in the waning light. How dare you. If we were alone, I’d pick you up and put you over my shoulder. Sweet, she calls me. A low growl down the bond.

My pussy tingles, and I bite my lip. ‘Keep walking,’ I instruct the group. I haul Jana away from the group. Don’t listen, I snap down the bond. ‘I have to talk to you about something.’ I give her a quick run-down of Cai’s Mating Ritual. ‘So, what do you think I should do?’

Jana lights up at the gossip. ‘I’d make him suffer. Make him wait.’

I frown. ‘Why?’

She scoffs. ‘Why? For the asshole he’s been to you.’

I sigh. ‘Jana, we’re trying to do better. To be a good… couple. I have no interest in—in punishing him. That won’t help.’

I look over at Divina. Perhaps I should have asked her.

Jana catches my gaze and scoffs. ‘Seriously?’

Divina falls into step beside us. ‘My ears were burning.’ She meets my gaze, and I know she’s heard everything. ‘This would be a sign that you’re accepting him as much as he’s accepting you.’

‘Speaking of which.’ Jana pokes my butt and points at the still-new bite on my inner thigh. ‘I don’t see any marks on him.’

‘Traditionally, a male wolf claims his mate,’ Divina drawls.

‘Why can’t she claim him?’ Jana demands.

Divina smiles. ‘No reason she can’t.’

I stifle a giggle. ‘You think I should bite him?’

Divina lifts her shoulder. ‘Mark him in any way you want. With your vines, even. If he likes.’