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)
“I’m taking Elle home,” Brandon said, addressing both men. They nodded and made no other sound.
She covered her cheeks in shame. Their lack of words said it all. She was a slut.
Brandon headed for the door. He opened the door, and Lewis was approaching.
“Daisy’s pissed at you, Brandon. She likes Elle working for her, and she wants to see you.” Lewis turned to her. “Daisy said you could take the rest of the day off and she’d see you tonight.”
“I’m taking her home. All of you be here when I get back.”
He didn’t wait to get confirmation. They walked out of his home. She trailed behind him, trying to slow down so she didn’t have to walk beside him.
“You’re very bossy,” she said.
“Are you walking slowly on purpose?” he asked, turning to glare at her.
She dropped her gaze. “I don’t want to walk with you. I can find my own way home.”
“Look at me,” he said.
Elle lifted her gaze to his mouth. Those lips had been on her neck sucking at her skin. She touched her neck. Did he leave a mark?
Shit, she needed to see if he’d marked her. Covering her neck she caught up to him making sure to walk beside him.
They walked through town. She sensed the peoples’ gazes on them.
Neither of them said another word to each other. She was thankful for his silence.
They made it to where she lived with her parents. Brandon opened the door going inside.
“Why didn’t you knock?” she asked, outraged by his attitude.
“I own this town. I do what I like.”
Her father came out of his study, and her mother came out of the kitchen. The scent of chilli filled the air. Her mother, Vivian, made the best chilli in the town.
“What’s going on?” her father asked, looking between them.
“I need to speak with you,” Brandon said.
She watched as her father nodded. Brandon released her. Both men disappeared inside the study.
“What’s going on?” Vivian asked.
Elle followed her mother into the kitchen. The stove had four pots of chilli cooking on top. She groaned, thinking about what would happen at nightfall. The town was closed tomorrow so that everyone could celebrate the full moon. She went to the fridge, grabbed a carton of juice and took a long swig. Vivian gasped as her neck was exposed.
“What the hell happened, Elle?” she asked.
Turning away from her mother, Elle went to check her neck out in the mirror. A large purple bruise was on her neck. She didn’t know how it had come up so quickly.
With her shoulders slumped, she stared at her mother. “Brandon thinks we’re mated. He bit my wrist, and things got a little heavy.”
“Elle Smith, what were you thinking?”
I wasn’t.
“Don’t start the lecture, Mom. I know I fucked up. Please, leave it. We’ve got the feast to get through tonight, and I’m not in the mood to play twenty questions.”
Her mother went to say something else, but Brandon interrupted her.
“Leave her be.”
Vivian’s mouth opened then closed before she nodded and then left.
Elle stared at Brandon. She dropped her gaze from his eyes to his still bare chest. “Why aren’t you wearing a shirt?” she asked.
“I’m hotter than most men.” He moved closer until his chest was next to her face. “Look at me.”
She shook her head. Her heart pounded inside her chest, and her nerves were back.
He let out a curse. “I’ve spoken with Raymond. He understands what’s going on.”
“What is going on? Dad knows what’s going on, but I don’t have a clue.”
Brandon caressed her cheek. “You know what’s going on. You’re refusing to listen to me.”
The backs of his fingers ignited a flame inside her. She wanted him. Up until an hour ago she’d never experienced an orgasm, and now she felt like a wanton hussy needing his touch.
“I’ll see you at the feast. During the hunt stay in your home,” he said, ordering.
“Why?” she asked.
“I’m not asking you, Elle. If you leave this house before the feast, I’ll fucking punish you.”
In the next instant he left.
She walked to her father’s study. He was bent over a book, shaking his head.
“Daddy,” she said, gaining his attention.
His head shot up. “Elle, are you all right?”
“I’m a little shaken. I don’t know what happened. I was flipping pancakes, talking with Layla, and then I was being pulled to Brandon. I didn’t do anything.”
Raymond stood and moved around to embrace her. “Our alpha has taken care of everything. You’re under his protection. He’ll be notifying the pack tonight over the feast.”
She shook her head. “No, he can’t do that. It’s wrong. I’m human.”
“It doesn’t matter. Brandon is going to claim you in front of the whole pack, and then he’ll take you as a mate.”
“I don’t want this,” she said.
He picked up her wrist. “It’s already begun. To other species of the paranormal community, this is a brand. To a point you’ll be safe.”