Page 45 of Alpha Bond
“They weren’t happy?” I eye him.
“What do you think, Jagger? This is out of the blue. There’s more than one who’s questioning your motives.”
Fuck.
“My motives are simple. That woman is the most incredible creature I’ve ever laid eyes on. She’s consumed my world. I can’t think of a future without her in it.” I’m almost surprised at the sincerity in my words. If I were an outsider, I’d certainly believe me.
“That remains to be seen. Just don’t let me down, kid. I’ve been rooting for you.” Titer slaps my shoulder and then strides ahead to where Callum and several of the betas are waiting for us on the platform. For the second time in just days, I find myself facing a crowd of my peers. It’s something I’m not used to. Although I guess if I’m planning to take a place within the upper ranks, I should get used to it. Still, the enormity of what I’m about to do has the blood pounding in my ears.
“Jagger?” Sierra’s low voice is urgent. I realize there’s still distance between us and quickly close it. Moving up beside her, I slide an arm around her waist and pull her close. I like the way she feels against me, soft and yielding in that goddamn dress that almost had my wolf howling approval at the sight of her. I’ve known that she’s lovely, but today, for the first time, I saw the woman who’s been hiding beneath the loose-fitting sweats. She’s a knockout. If I hadn’t proposed this union, there would have been fighting among the males to get a chance at her.
I don’t fucking like that.
I tighten my hold.
“I’m here,” I say. She rests her head against my shoulder, and I figure that’s a nice touch – in case anyone’s paying attention.
“Greetings, people of Steel Lakes!” Titer’s voice booms. “We are here for a most joyful occasion.” He raises both hands dramatically. The man loves this kind of shit. I might never be the kind of leader he is. Still, I’ll never leave our pack as vulnerable as he has.
“Greetings, Alpha!” a murmur ripples through the crowd.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce that our own Jagger Law will be forging his bond with the newcomer female Sierra Barr.”
I can hear Sierra’s breath coming short and shallow. I rub a hand over her ribcage soothingly.
The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, their excitement tangible in the air. Titer might have mentioned objections, but I am sure that, for the most part, our people are happy. There is always a celebration when we welcome a mated pair into our midst. I glance down at Sierra, her eyes wide with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. The weight of the moment settles like a heavy cloak, but I refuse to let it consume me entirely. With a reassuring smile, I tighten my hold on her.
“And now, before our couple declares their bond, I will ask if we have any objections to this mating,” I hear Titer call out. I go rigid. Fur slides beneath my skin, and I will my wolf to stay calm. I really need to get out, shift, and run if I plan to navigate the next few days of this.
“I have a question.” It’s Gage Heller, and not for the first time, I could kill the fucker with my bare hands. “What happened to the vow?”
“Yeah!” someone calls. “Jagger Law vowed never to take a mate. What happened to that?”
“I found the right female,” I reply firmly, my voice clear above the ripple of voices that has grown in the last few moments.
“Really?” Gage scoffs. “You expect us to believe that?”
I lock eyes with him through the maze of faces around him. “You can believe what you like. She is mine. I am hers. Nothing else matters.”
“Prove it.”
Fuck. I really want to rattle the fucker’s teeth.
“I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”
“Really? I think you do. You’ve just laid claim to the only available female who’s arrived here in months. At least let us see what we’re missing out on.”
A wave of anger rises. “You don’t get to see anything, you sick fuck!” My muscles have bunched.
“Jagger.” Sierra’s voice touches me. And then her palm cups my cheek. I look down at her, and for a moment, I’m lost in those eyes. They’ve turned green again. “Remember before…” Her voice is barely a whisper. “Kiss me.”
For a second, I don’t react, still swimming in deep glittering pools. And then I sweep her up against my chest and lower my mouth to hers.
Sierra’s hand slides to my neck, pulling me closer. It’s a desperate move, but I don’t mind. Suddenly, I want to be close, to feel her body pressed against mine, to taste the sweet honey of her lips.
My mouth moves against hers, and the kiss is slow and deep. She moans into my mouth, and I feel it all the way down to my cock. I gather her closer, an arm around her waist pinning her to me, while I slide a hand behind her neck, clasping the back of her head. Sierra’s lips part, and I take full advantage, sliding my tongue against hers. She responds eagerly, her hands moving to grip my biceps as she deepens the kiss.
It feels like fire has ignited inside me, and she’s the kindling that’s feeding the flame. I groan low in my throat, the sound rumbling up from my chest. It’s raw and guttural, and I almost worry that I’ll scare her, but if anything, she grows more hungry, mewling as she slides her arms up, wraps them around my neck and grinds herself against me.