Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
He cupped her cheek forcing her to look at him. “I meant every word I said. You’re mine, and tonight everyone will know it.”
“You’re seriously considering claiming me in front of your pack.”
“Not just in front of my pack but in front of our visitors.”
Elle held her breath as she stared into his eyes.
“When you meet the one, your alpha, never stare into his eyes. The moment you do all hell will be unleashed. Do not let the alpha claim you,” the man said.
“Are you all right?” Brandon asked.
“Yeah, just a bad dream.”
Chapter Twenty
Brandon held Elle’s hand as he made his way through the forests. He felt the happiness of his pack as they saw her. Alexander and Charles were standing at the head waiting for him. Crazy Lizzy danced toward him.
“This is the right thing to do. You’re saving yourself and her,” Lizzy said, smiling. She wrapped her arms around Elle. “Soon, we’ll be good friends and Layla will too. I can’t wait for Layla to join our friendship. She’s going to be a hoot. You just need to drop that pesky thrall.”
Lizzy danced away. He watched as she wove her way around his pack. Alaric stood without his shirt with his bears. Gripping her hand tightly, Brandon made his way toward the head. Several murmurs erupted when they saw the state of his back. Elle had marked him deeply. Her scent covered him. The smell of strawberry and vanilla permeated the air.
When he got to the head of the pack, Brandon took the time to show Elle to his visitors. Alexander looked at her, startled.
He didn’t ask the vampire questions as he faced his pack.
Turning to the pack, Brandon held Elle in front of her. “You are all gathered here in front of our friends in order for me to right a wrong I did before my mate.” Brandon stroked her cheek. “Most of you know I used Lori because I feared for Elle’s safety, but I want to announce to everyone that Elle is my queen. She’s the woman I love and the woman I declare will stand by my side from this day forward.” His words were loud so everyone could hear him. “I will take my punishment, and my mate will know how sorry I am and that I’m indebted to her. She makes me complete and in turn my pack.”
“This is horseshit,” Lori said. She came through to glare at his mate. “She’s human. You shouldn’t have to prove anything. She’s weak.”
“Stand down,” Matthew said. “We all approve of Elle. Brandon will pay the price for his disrespect.”
Lori made to raise her fist. Brandon intervened. “You’ve overstepped your place. Leave my pack now!”
“But?” Lori looked startled. She really thought her place was by his side.
“You don’t respect my queen or my pack. Get the hell out of here now!” His voice rose as he ordered her away. No one stepped forward to fight for her cause. Brandon felt the approval of all of his pack. Lori had outstayed her welcome, and she’d made enemies within his pack.
She bowed her head and left. Applause sounded at her departure.
Turning to his mate, Brandon looked at her. “I’m going to pay for my disrespect of you. I want you to know how sorry I am.”
Drake, Darcy, and Lewis came through the clearing. They held several whips and a chain. Brandon held onto the nearest tree trunk as his three men gathered around him.
“What’s going on?” Elle asked.
He didn’t hear what she was told. Holding onto the tree Brandon braced himself for the first strike. Their pack laws stated that when a mated female was disrespected the person who caused that disrespect must be punished by three men of his choosing. Brandon had disrespected his mate, and he was going to face the consequence of his actions.
The first whip struck his flesh. Brandon didn’t let out any noise. This was his punishment, and for the love of Elle he’d gladly take it.
This is the right thing to do.
Elle is our woman.
She’s our mate, and from this day forward she’ll be by our side for everyone to see.
No more hiding.
Just loving.
With every strike of the whip, Brandon felt a peace settle over him. What he was doing would show Elle how sorry he was. Being the alpha didn’t give him any special treatment. He’d disrespected Elle. She might be human, but she was his human.
I love her with all my heart.
His wolf agreed. They were together in their thoughts.
They would protect her.
His pack howled up to the sky. Their appreciation meant the world to him. In one act he’d lost some of their respect, but with this punishment he’d gained their trust.
The whipping hurt more than he liked to acknowledge. His flesh burned, and the blood dripped down his back. The torn flesh would sting for several hours. He was the alpha, and he wouldn’t fall or fail.