Page 16 of Captive Witch
“Neil,” the man rasps.
I nod, forcing myself to not look at Gideon for permission. I’m his mate. I should be able to stand beside him and run this pack… shouldn’t I?
Yes,my wolf says, eagerness making her voice drown out the doubt.
The words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop myself. I need to be strong. I need to claim my place. I need to prove that I’m not one to be messed with, but I also want to prove to myself that I’m not my mother. I’m not a tyrant, out for blood and reputation. I can be kind.
“Liana, Neil, and the rest of those who have been newly added to our pack…” Unable to stop myself, I glance at Gideon, pride and curiosity tipping his lips into the smallest of grins. Looking back into the yard, I smile when I see Mila, Frank’s arm wrapped around her shoulders, and my voice grows stronger. “You are welcome to stay, enjoy the second chance that I’m—that we’re—offering you. Join our pack bychoice, and take comfort in knowing that we will protect you and your happiness. Abuse will not be tolerated. Our pack is a safe space for all who choose to remain here.”
I curl my fingers into my palms, clenching my fists to hide how much my hands are shaking. I shouldn’t be doing this—addressing the pack as if I were the alpha, as if I have any authority over these wolves.
Gideon’s warm chest brushes against my back as his arm comes protectively around my waist. “Adara has offered you each a gift. A gift I can’t say I would be so kind to offer.” He seeks Liana out, eyes narrowing at her before looking at Neil. “Be grateful, and be cautious. I don’t believe in second chances, and after this, no one will be offered one again.” Grabbing my hip, he spins me around to face him, dipping his head down to mine, and the party resumes in full force. “You’re too kind, little witch.”
My cheeks flame when he brushes his nose against mine. “Are you mad?” I hate asking him, but I can’t help wondering if I did something wrong by overriding his punishment. “I-I didn’t mean to undermine you. I only thought… Moren was so cruel. Maybe the new members just need some time to know that we aren’t like him.”
“I love when you say that,” he whispers, his breath kissing my lips. “I love when you say it’sourpack, thatweare going to do something. I love knowing you’re mine.”
A smile slowly spreads over my face, and my heart beats wildly in my chest. “I love you, Gideon.”
Chapter eight
Gideon
Those four words have fur tingling below my skin, my wolf clawing at my chest. “I love you more,mia fiamma.” Crushing my lips to hers, I tighten my hold around her waist and pull her against my chest, lifting her off the ground.
Someone clears their throat behind me, and a snarl tears from my lips.
I set Adara back on her feet, brushing my thumb over the blush on her cheek before turning to look at whoever dared interrupt us.
Liana stands next to Neil. She fidgets with her fingers while he scratches the back of his head.
“Go ahead,” Frank says, nudging each of their shoulders from where he stands behind them.
“I’m sorry for what I said,” Liana says. Her lips pressed tight together, her hair hanging like a curtain over her face. Blowing out a breath, her hair billows softly, and she looks up at me, glancing briefly at Adara. “I’m sorry. It isn’t how I should be acting, especially to Mila, when Frank is the only reason we’re here in a pack that seems so… weirdly accepting.” She rolls her eyes. “Honestly, don’t you have a single territorial bone in your wolf body?”
Neil presses a hand to his forehead. “Liana, seriously, do you hear yourself?”
Her face pales. “Oh shit, I’m sorry. I swear I don’t always hear how it sounds coming out of my mouth. I—”
“Stop. Talking,” Neil groans. He squares his shoulders and holds out his hand. “I had no right to insult your authority or your mate.”
I wait, curious if he’ll look at Adara, but his stare holds firm on my face, so I nod. “Apologies accepted. For me, at least.” I raise a brow, looking down at Adara.
“I shouldn’t have—” Neil starts, turning to look at her.
“Neil, please.” Adara smiles, the sight warming my insides, as she threads her arm through mine and rests her head on my shoulder. “Both of your apologies are accepted, thank you. I know how strange it can feel to go from a place where it’s all survival instincts and trauma to this pack, where we have wolves like Madrona and Mila,” she cuts her gaze to Liana, “who wear kind eyes and open arms like badges of honor.” Looking up at me, her violet eyes sparkle in the moonlight. “It’s weird at first, but you get used to being accepted and all their sincerity. They’re good people… uh, wolves.”
Chuckling, I cup her cheek with my hand. “Beautiful, my love.”
Frank claps a hand on each of Liana and Neil’s shoulders. “Get on now. Go enjoy yourselves. If you have any issues with the housing situation, just let me know.” He gives them a warm smile, their bodies visibly relaxing as they walk away. “You did great, love,” he says, looking at Adara before smirking at me. “I couldn’t imagine a better woman by Gideon’s side. Boss, I have that, uh, meeting set up for you.”
“Meeting?” Adara’s brows knit together, regarding me with narrowed eyes. “Are you leaving?”
“No, not leaving. I wouldn’t dream of leaving your side.” I kiss her cheek. “It’s only a meeting with the hunters. It’ll take just a minute, then I’ll be back. Find Mila. I’m sure she’s lonely without her latest cling-on.”
“Hey,” Frank says.
“You know I’m right,” I say, laughing as I walk to the back doors and into the living room.