“It’s not just sex!” Alek yelled. He didn’t bother acknowledging his brothers when the hall doors opened. He knew they’d come out the louder he and Bell got. And now they were in each other’s face, Bell’s fury and annoyance killing Alek in the worst way. “I apologize.”
Bell frowned. “Listen to me. I’m going to do my damn job for my king like I always have. And I suggest you do as your alpha instructs otherwise we’re going to have some serious goddamn problems all right, but it’ll have very little to do with our mating.”
Alek hated the way Bell said that last word—as if it was a curse. “Belleron. I can’t protect you if I can’t feel you.” He was trying so hard, but how did he get his mate to understand that the only way to kill Alek would be to destroy his mate.
Bell’s lips pulled into a snarl, showing his impressive fangs. Wolf growled, thinking his mate was challenging him. Alek tried to take a calming breath but it wasn’t working. Now Wolf wanted out. Fuck me! Alek shook.
“Alek, you okay, man?” Mac called out, approaching them slowly.
“Tell Justice the mission is off until I say so,” Alek growled, not taking his eyes from Bell. He’d just have to be angry with him.
His brothers glanced back and forth between each other, and then to Alek. Their confusion was evident, but they hurried back inside to do as he said. Alek only had thirty seconds or less before Wick and Justice both came out.
Bell inched closer until their chests were touching. His mate’s voice was gravelly and forced, as if he hated to say what he was about to, “Whether you fulfill your duties or not to assist my kind, I am going back to England to fix this. Unlike you, I will not abandon my station for a quaint fuck in a wintery cabin while my comrades are being murdered. I guess it was foolish of me to think an alpha shifter—a Volkov descendant at that—could be my Beloved. Created especially for me? I don’t think so. There’s obviously been a mistake. I couldn’t be fated to a man who considers me weak and unready. I am always ready!”
Alek shook his head vigorously, “Bell I didn’t—”
“Lord Vega, escort the guards back to base and let them rest up.” Bell’s entire demeanor changed from outraged to pure defiance, still glaring into Alek’s eyes as he spoke in a casual tone that was loud enough for his Lord Protector to hear him inside the hall, “Ready the jets… we leave at nightfall.”
“Belleron, don’t,” Alek beseeched.
Bell respectfully lowered his tone when Wick emerged from the hall. “Wick. Forgive me for the disruption but I’ve already given our guards the go ahead. I’ll leave at seven.”
Wick waved his hand in a gesture that said no worries. “I heard. But maybe—”
“Wick, there’s no buts. No maybes.” Bell met Alek’s eyes. “My mate thinks I’m incapable. Weak and in need of his protection. Even though I’ve managed to survive ninety-nine years without him. Gods only know how I’ve managed to cross the street safely thus far.”
“You mock me when I’m only trying to protect us,” Alek growled.
Bell continued. “I’ve studied with some of the greatest minds in the world. I’ve commanded one of the most disciplined vampire armies the nation has ever seen. I’ve earned the respect and honor of my people from one coast to the other. But now that I’m fated to a Volkov wolf, I’m not worthy of a damn thing… well, not until I’ve lain with him, of course.”
“I don’t think that’s what he means,” Wick said softly. “If you just let him—”
“Stay out of this! I can speak for myself,” Alek barked at Wick.
“Hey!” Anger flashed in Bell’s eyes. “Do. Not. Speak to my king that way.”
Alek clutched his head, then placed a trembling fist over his chest. His eyes shifted to that piercing shade of blue then back to pale. Bell could see Alek was losing control. His animal was taking over and Bell wanted to help, he did. He wanted to care for Alek, he felt it in his core, but he was stronger than that and could understand he had obligations. He’d never abandon his people. How could he go off on a romantic tryst while vampires were being brutally killed? Another attack could happen at any moment. He’d lose all their respect, damaging a relationship he couldn’t repair if he had another ninety-nine years.
“I said no.” Alek’s voice dropped several octaves. The bass in the timbre was deeper, domineering. “My word is final. You will not leave my sight.”
Bell heard gasps all around him. They’d attracted a crowd with their posturing and yelling. This was not his way. He didn’t relish a spotlight on his personal affairs. Bell took in the faces of the many concerned shifters. He’d thought at first they were gawking at him standing there in all black in the broad daylight. But he was wrong. The pack was worried, but it wasn’t about him. It was Alek. His eyes were no longer human.