Mate Protect Me

Chapter 17 – Secrets

“Baden you know part of the council is coming tomorrow?” Ian knew he hadn’t forgotten, but it was important to think about what they were going to do. The council wanted Misty to be the next Luna, a chosen mate for the pack.

“Gem will be introduced as Luna tomorrow in front of the elders of the council, including Jeriah.” The name came out harshly, “No more talk of this, it’s done Ian.” Alex listened intently, anything that had to do with his sister held significant importance. She would be introduced to the pack as Luna, however the elders and council should not be attending. Not unless there was some sort of issue, in saying that Baden was pack master, could it be traditional?

Alex looked over to Baden who appeared to be mind linking with Ian. Breaking the silent tension at the table Sarah spoke to Alicia and Alex, “so will you stay for a few days to attend the ball? Gemma will be introduced to some of the packs as our Luna”. Alicia bit her lip looking at Alex who appeared to have no interest in responding.

“I think we will need to get back to my pack..” Alicia started suddenly cut off by Alex.

“We will stay to support my sister”, Alex’s glare landed on Alicia like a warning. Cheeks reddening in embarrassment, Alicia looked down into her lap fiddling her hands. Baden noticed since the office that Alex appeared to completely disregard his mate. Gemma though, he held a love for Gemma. Baden had been with Gemma for a while now and other then himself Gemma never went near any male. Alex and her seemed extremely close and it bothered him.

After Gemma returned the awkward silence seemed to dissipate as she sparked conversations, specifically focusing of Alicia want to know everything about her brothers mate. Maybe with more information about her they could grow closer as a couple. When asked a few questions about her childhood in return, Alex would step in ceasing it as quickly as it began. Thinking this could be a good opportunity to learn more about Gemma, Baden’s irritation grew at the closeness and secrecy between the two siblings.                                                                  

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“I heard you Gemmy”. Alex’s voice filled Gemma’s mind as sweat dripped down her forehead. Gemma was cross legged on her bed as Alex sat on the couch with a smile gracing his face. Baden had been so busy this morning with the pack introduction plans which Gemma only found out about late last night after dinner. So all morning she had been practising mind linking with Alex as a surprise for Baden. Hours and she got one word through, great she thought sarcastically to herself mentally drained. “Gemma these things take time, it’s a great start.”

Alex stood walking over to the bed wiping the sweat off her brow. “I know I know, I just… I’m stressed about today there will be so many people and … I’m scared. Everything is just happening so fast, what if the rest of the pack doesn’t like me. Misty the woman from last night… when I first came she told me she was to be Luna. I asked Sarah last night and she got all sketchy telling me to talk to Baden about it”. Alex assumed already something was off with this pack introduction.

“Did you?” Alex clenched his jaw waiting for her answer. Gemma shook her head leaning into his body. Alex petted her head gently, “Gemma no matter what happens, I will be here for you. You are my little sister and I will protect you with my life”. Gemma was amazed it was like they had never been split apart, the years changed nothing, their relationship as strong as they parted.

Opening the door to his bedroom Baden found a very worn looking Gem. Alex with an arm around her while she leant into his embrace. Before he had a chance to say a word Alex’s phone went off, pulling it seamlessly from his pocket he looked at the screen. “I really need to take this Gemmy, I’ll see you a bit later. You did amazing.” Planting a kiss in her hair Alex strode out the room, nodding to the ready to explode Baden. Did he just kiss Gem, Gemma looking utterly exhausted hair plastered to her sweaty face as she fell backwards to a laying position on the bed.

“Baden, we need to talk”. Gemma’s tone was almost unreadable, Baden went from jealous and angry to anxiety ridden within a second as he approached the bed laying next to Gemma pulling her into his side. “When I first came here Misty said she was to be the next Luna… is that true?”

“No, I have always waited for you.” Baden pinched her chin rolling on top of her claiming her lips. Gemma stayed stiff beneath him, slightly pulling back a sigh left Baden. “Misty was sent here to become Luna, I have never accepted her and I never will.” Baden head fell to Gemma’s chest, “I’d sooner loose the title of Alpha then you.”

Gemma’s body trembled under Baden, what could she even say to that wait.. “wait is that why the council is coming, because they don’t approve of me as Luna?” Baden said nothing which gave her the answer. Trying to escape from underneath his body Gemma struggled fruitlessly.

“Gem stop!” Baden’s words were hard and held a sense of finality. Ignoring him she continued to struggle wanting to break free of his hold. Baden couldn’t let her go, he wouldn’t until this was sorted. She was his mate, his Luna and his life. “You are not going anywhere until we sort this out Gem, what do you want me to do? I’ll do anything just don’t walk away from me” His red eyes held something she had never seen in this man before, defeat.

Gemma turned her head away from him, she couldn’t do this. Too many times she had been held down like this, even with Baden, she was scared. Her heart beat increasing by the second, Gemma started hyperventilating struggling to pull each breath in. “stop, please stop”, Gemma cried out.

Baden looked down at Gem underneath him, fear covered her expression and flowed through the bond. Realizing it was fear of him Baden froze, he had his weight settled on her holding her down with her legs held down with his own. Both her wrists were held in one of his. Carefully he started lifting his weight and releasing her limbs, “Ge…Gem I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, please...”