“Have you lost your mind?” Macauley deadpanned. Was she honestly pretending not to know how a mating bond worked? There were no goddamn takebacks.
Michelle stiffened. “Then give me the first rights as your surrogate, Mac. You at least owe me that.”
“I owe you nothing.” Macauley frowned. “We were never exclusive. That was your own rule, remember? You have multiple men and women you share your bed with, Michelle. Don’t try to treat me as if I was special now that I have a mate. You slept with me for clout with your little clique. Nothing more.”
“And so what if I did.” She put her hands on her hips. “You used me to warm your cold nights too, Mac.”
Macauley rubbed his forehead, “And now it’s over.”
“It’s over… when I say it’s over,” she bit out, stepping back and untying her flimsy skirt.
“Do not—”
The windows at the top of the building began to rattle, and Macauley’s heart sank to his stomach, remembering what that signal meant. The windows flew open on a force of wind so hard that they slammed against the wood and shattered, raining glass down around them.
Fuck! Macauley felt the air shift and sizzle as if it were being heated, as a humid gust of wind sent papers and materials flying across the room. Macauley barely stopped the drafting board from being hurled away when he spoke through their link. Adres. This isn’t necessary.
The double doors exploded open and splintered into pieces when they connected with the wood pillars. Adres stood there in a cognac-brown shawl-robe with gold embroidery over his black linen suit. The train of his robe blew around him as he glared at Macauley. There was no mistaking Adres’s anger for anything but. Macauley wasn’t afraid of his mate, knowing he could never hurt him, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t be put in the fucking doghouse.
Adres walked inside, his footsteps powerful enough to cause the ground to shake, making the broken glass dance across the floor as he moved. “Was my warning not clear the first time, beloved?” his mate asked way too calmly for Macauley’s liking.
Yes, Adres. You were quite clear.
“Well then. I see you chose to ignore it,” Adres said, then faced Michelle.
She lifted her chin, challenging him.
Adres didn’t pull any weapons or his sword. Instead, he walked forward, a blast of wind preceding each step, a tempest that Michelle was helpless to combat. She attempted to break through the storm, her hair whipping violently around her face before she growled and shifted into her sienna-brown wolf.
Adres raised his hand in front of him, and Macauley leapt in front of Michelle, fearing for her life. “Enough!”
“I am not going to harm her,” Adres thundered, his voice ricocheting off the walls. “I’m just going to blow her conniving ass to the other side of the country.”
“No, Adres. I can’t allow you to do that.”
“Then get your bitch under control.”
Michelle roared in outrage, and Macauley had to hold her back as he frowned at his mate. “Adres! What the hell? That is disrespectful as fuck.”
“Agreed. So?”
“So apologize,” Macauley demanded. He understood his mate was of another era, but he didn’t recall it ever being acceptable of a gentleman to call a woman out of her name.
“I will after she does.” Adres pulled his hood back, and Macauley had to remember what he was upset about. “It is your own law that respect must be earned.”
Michelle shifted and clutched Macauley, pressing her naked breasts against his back. He hurried and dislocated himself and spun on her, bringing his wolf to the forefront. He pushed his energy towards her, crushing the ill intent she’d come to him with. Michelle whined and lowered her head, baring her throat, appearing displeased at the force.
“Fuck you,” she sneered at Macauley, glaring up at him through her lashes. “I would never apologize to him… or you.”
He wasn’t going to get anywhere with her, and the only way to ensure that she was no longer a problem for his mate, he’d need backup. Macauley opened his mind and reached out to his sister. I need you to handle a situation for me, he said to Farica. A big fucking one.
Of course, she answered. I’m just wrapping up at the daycare, and I have a few hours before Ramon wakes.
Good. I’ll send her over.
Oh hell, Farica sighed. I knew this day would come eventually. I told you she was too manipulative for you.
That you did.
Macauley went and stood at Adres’s side. “Your alpha is waiting to see you, Michelle.”
“You are my alpha.” She bit out, retying her wrap around her body.
“Not anymore.” Macauley took Adres’s hand. “Farica is expecting you. I’m sure you know not to keep her waiting.”
To help make it easier on Justice, they each had pack members they were responsible for, if or when they had issues that needed an alpha’s touch. And Macauley had been Michelle’s since she’d arrived thirteen years ago. But anyone that could not accept their mates or was determined to cause trouble would no longer be welcome. Farica would explain that to her more in case she forgot. Then perhaps Michelle would calm down and focus on one of her many other suitors.