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“At least you aren’t oblivious to how things work,” he said with a tone of satisfaction. “Maybe there’s hope for you.” He turned serious again. “What’s your name and true business of coming?”
“My name is Ash. I told you already what I’m here for. I need refuge. I’m tired of being alone, and now I’m here asking for the chance to join a pack. And not to be rude, but I really think this is a matter for your alpha to decide upon.”
He glowered and spoke with a threatening growl. “Know your place,rogue.You’ll be treated with suspicion until proven otherwise. You are an outsider seeking to stay with us. We don’t know or owe you anything. Best to remember that. Do I make myself clear?”
Ash nodded. She had gotten the answer she had suspected she would when she reminded him of his place.
“And as for Mason, he trustsmeto make the calls on what’s worth bringing to his attention.” His eyes pierced Ash’s until she let her character submit and look down.
Derek smugly, though discreetly, straightened himself.
“Do you think you could be an asset to this pack at all instead of a pain in the ass? Will we have issues with you and the real reasons you suddenly want to ‘seek refuge’?”
“No. I don’t want any problems, just peace. Honest.”
“I’m not the person to make that call, as you so blatantly pointed out,” he growled. “But I don’t see any reason to withhold you from being interrogated by our alpha.” His smile grew cruel and sent a slight involuntary shiver down Ash’s spine.
“Interrogated?”
“Oh, yes. He’s going to have plenty of questions for you. Especially given our current issues.”
Ash didn’t have to fake her interest. “What issues?”
Derek had begun walking away without answering her. She could only assume she was meant to follow, so she quickly caught up with his long stride.
“So, what exactly did you mean by interrogating me? Like, just questions, right?”
Again, Derek gave no answer, only a cruel smile.
Ash forced herself not to roll her eyes at the typical behavior. Sure, she had read that Mason Blackmoss was notorious for his cruel and barbaric ways, but a lot of alphas could be seen that way.
Yes, she’d take caution; she wasn’t stupid. She was just happy this proud beta finally agreed for her to see him so she could make a judgment call for herself before planning the next step.
They walked in silence for a little while as the trees cleared into a beautiful meadow before exposing the pack sanctuary, a town hidden from the main roads and trails. No surprise there. Most rural packs kept themselves separated as much as possible.
Ash watched the area open into a small village-like town with cabins on the outskirts of the tucked-away oasis. She instantly hated that she liked the vibe of the area, but she kept that to herself. Derek remained silent as he led her along the edge, assumingly so she couldn’t get a lay of the land and they wouldn’t run into anyone asking questions.
The walk continued to a massive lodge house that was somehow at the center of town, but it still seemed private and sequestered. Ash gaped at its ornate beauty. She knew without asking that this was the alpha’s home.
Derek walked up the steps, but when Ash went to follow him up the porch, he spun on his heel and bared his teeth at her.
“Wait here until you’re called for. I’ll see if Mason even has time for this today.” He went to walk in but turned back. “Don’t make yourself too comfortable. No sense in getting your hopes up.”
Ash let out an irritated breath after the beta went inside. She was used to being talked down to, especially when undercover and no one knew who she was. Her favorite was when the mask came off, and the cocky assholes saw it was none other than the small lone wolf they had underestimated that brought them down.
Her foot started tapping as her impatience grew. She hated being kept waiting, but she was sure this had to be a game for not only Derek but for Mason as well.
Fucking alphas and their power trips.
A whistle brought her attention to the front door, instantly pissing her right the fuck off. She hated that she looked toward the sound and hated even more that she was being called to come like some common stray.
Derek stood with an entertained smirk, his arms crossed, waiting for her to trot up to him.
Ash’s nostrils flared as she hoisted her bag over her shoulder and trudged up the steps to her escort. She couldn’t help herself when she got up to the door.
“Did your master say it was okay?”
His humor fled from his face as lightning flashed behind his instantly cold eyes.
