Mate (Bride, #2)

by Ali Hazelwood

“It wasn’t Amanda’s idea. It was mine. So if you have something against—” “You fucking know I do, killer.” We’re the only two in the kitchen area, which gives an illusion of privacy. But that’s just it—an illusion. Everyone can listen in. Everyone is. “Do you have a better plan?” He glares. My heart flutters with fondness, and a bit of sorrow for what I’m about to do to him. “Clearly, you don’t. This is the best way to keep the pack safe.” “I’m not letting you—” “That’s the thing, Koen. You don’t have to let me. I can do whatever I want. I could walk across the Human border right now, and you couldn’t stop me.” His jaw tenses. “I am the Alpha of this pack.” “You are. And everyone else in this room is going to follow your orders. But I won’t.” Suddenly, he seems larger. Angrier. He towers over me in a new, unfamiliar way, and hisses through clenched teeth, “You are under my command. If I say that I want you here, you’ll fucking stay here. Your plan would put you in danger and out of my protection, and that’s unacceptable.” “Koen.” I smile. He leans forward. I should be scared. I’m just not. “I love you,” I say simply. His eyes close. “You are mine. My mate. My—” “More importantly, you love me. And that’s why you have no authority over me.” I reach up to caress his face with the back of my hand. Let my arm fall limp at my side, suddenly cold. When I turn around, I meet Amanda’s eyes, and we nod at each other.