ALPHA BIKER WHO CLAIMED HIS BROTHER'S MATE

14

RAFE:

The steering wheel felt cool under my palms, which was a contrast to the feeling in my stomach. Every time I glanced to the right, I saw the fabric of that dress shifting against her thighs. I’d bought it because it looked innocent, but on her, it just looked like an invitation I wasn’t allowed to accept.

I pushed the car harder, hoping to get to the docks before I lost all my sanity.

Beside me, Maya sat like a statue. Her fingers were laced so tightly in her lap her knuckles were turning the same shade as her dress. She was vibrating with a tension that reached across the entire vehicle. I could feel the fear that oozed out of her.

“Are you okay?” I asked, and she turned to me, flashing a fake smile.

“Yes. The speed is a little too much, but I am fine.”

I slowed a bit, focusing my eyes on the road. I could tell she wasn’t okay, and I knew I should say something. Something comforting. Isn’t that what men do? They reach over, cover a hand, tell her it’s going to be okay. But my hands were built for breaking things, not holding them together. I didn’t know how to offer sympathy without it feeling like a lie or weakness.

I’m not in love with her, I reminded myself. She is just a placeholder, and when I get what I want from Jalen, then I will discard her.

“Then you should smile a little more, because we are already here to see your family,” I said in a cold tone, furrowing my brows.

I figured being angry at her might help me stop feeling sorry for her—and stop the urge to reach out and hug her.

Soon, we were surrounded by the salty air of the sea and the looming ship.

My eyes found her, and I noticed her flinch. The trauma of that failed wedding was written in the way she suddenly stopped breathing.

I stopped the car and peered ahead. Through the windshield, I spotted him—Jalen. He was standing on the deck, leaning over the railing like he was marking his territory. The urge to wrap my hands around his throat flared up, but I suppressed it. This was his place, and I couldn’t challenge him unless it was to conquer. I planned on doing that—but not now. Preparation had to come first.

I got out and walked around to the passenger side. Then I opened the door for her, offering my hand. She took it, and I felt her cold palm trembling against mine.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes darting toward the ship before she tore her gaze away, color draining from her face. She’d spotted him. I should have given her a heads-up.

“Look at me,” I said, my voice dropping to a low growl that forced her attention back to mine. “I told you before. I’ve got you. I’m going to protect you, so keep your head up. Let’s move. Do not act weak, because no woman of mine has been known for weakness.”

She nodded.

We walked toward the ramp, my hand firm on the small of her back. The second we stepped onto the deck, the air soured. Jalen was there, flanked by a few of his sycophants. He looked disheveled, but his eyes were full of the same pathetic arrogance that had made me want to kill him since we were kids.

He let out a sharp, ugly sneer.

“I see you’re taking my leftovers properly, Rafe. Didn’t think you’d stoop to scavenging. But I do hope she has warmed your bed better than she warmed mine. I wonder if she has learned some new tricks.”

I stopped. I didn’t let go of Maya, but I shifted my weight, feeling the wolf beneath my skin clamoring to be let out. I stepped toward him just enough to see the pupils of his eyes dilate in fear.

“You know I don’t respect your authority, brother,” I said in a low tone with a dangerous edge. “One more word, and your teeth will be on the ground. I’ll enjoy picking them out of the deck boards.”

I offered him a humorless smile that didn’t reach my eyes. He went silent, his jaw tightening as he backed off.

I didn’t give him another second of my time. I steered Maya through the crowd of whispering pack members, my gaze scanning for the two people who owed her the most.

I found her parents very quickly. They looked exhausted, but guilt was a look they wore poorly.

Suddenly, a voice shrieked from the side. Tessa, Maya’s best friend, stepped out of the lounge, her face twisted in a sneer. The fact that she wasn’t with Jalen meant one thing—he had already discarded her after using her.

“You actually came back? Do you have no shame, Maya? Showing your face here after the embarrassment you caused?” she clicked her teeth.

I moved before Maya could even draw breath to defend herself. I stepped in front of her, my shadow falling over Tessa until she had to crane her neck back. The scent of my rage was heavy enough to make the wolves nearby whimper.

“Speak of Maya one more time,” I said in a cold whisper, “and you’ll be leaving this ship in a body bag. Try me and see. I am not Jalen, who doesn’t keep to his words.”

Tessa’s mouth snapped shut, her face turning ashen as she scrambled backward.

I turned my back on her, facing Maya’s parents. They looked like they wanted to run too. I wasn’t going to let them. I had questions about Maya and whatever she was combined with. Either one of them was a hybrid, or Maya was their adopted child.

“I have questions, and you better have my answers,” I said to them.