Page 28 of Dark Auctioned Mate

“And what about Javi?”

“I will take care of Javi.” Silas scowled. “When he crosses the line again, there will be consequences. You are now a member of the pack, whether he likes it or not. That is to say, you are under my protection as well.”

They strolled back to the training grounds in silence, and Alanis began to think about what Silas had said.

Maybe he was right. Perhaps this pack was not much like Caldwell, although there were some superficial resemblances. Or perhaps the Weston brothers were trying to build something nicer. And maybe she might be part of that.

As soon as they came out of the woods, she caught sight of Rael. He stood at the edge of the clearing. As soon as he saw her, he sighed, looking relieved.

Silas gave him a short nod and walked off, leaving them alone.

“I’m sorry I caused a scene.”

Rael shook his head. “You didn’t do anything. Javi was out of line, and I shouldn’t have hit him, but I am not sorry I did.”

Her mouth quirked up into a smile. “Very diplomatic.”

“I am not feeling very diplomatic at the moment.” His brows furrowed together. “Are you okay?”

“Getting there.” She looked over her shoulder at Silas, who was staring at them. “Your brother is very wise.”

He snorted. “Do not say that to him. He has a big enough ego already.” Rael stretched out his hand. “Can I touch you?”

“Yes,” she placed her hand in his. “You can touch me.”

His hands were interwoven in hers, warm and solid, relieving a part of the strain in her body.

Perhaps, Silas was correct. Perhaps this would do the trick, provided she gave him a chance.

And maybe, just maybe, she was willing to give it a go.

Chapter 11 - Rael

Rael was seated at Silas's dining table while Javi droned on about security measures. More than an hour had passed, and they had achieved precisely nothing productive. Javi kept finding reasons to make passive-aggressive remarks.

“—and, in case we have to liaise with external contacts, we must ensure that they are well vetted,” Javi was saying, his eyes darting to Rael. “We cannot trust anyone who saves every damsel in distress.”

Rael drummed his fingers on the table. “Will you continue doing this all day, or can we concentrate on the mission?”

“I am concentrated on the mission. That is why I am worried about distractions.”

“No distractions here.”

"Really?" Javi leaned forward with a scowl. “Because, from where I sit, you were so caught up by the woman you saw that you wasted a year of intelligence.”

Rael's hands clenched into fists on the table. “I told you what happened. She was being sold at that auction. Was I to sit back and let her—”

“You were to keep up your cover and collect intelligence,” Javi interrupted. “That was the mission. But no, you created a fuss and freed a bunch of women—which, of course, is noble and all—but at the same time, you burnt your cover identity, and we lost our best tip when you could not keep your priorities straight.”

“My priority was to save innocent people who would be trafficked,” Rael said through gritted teeth. “And unless that is also your priority, then you and I have greater issues than my decision-making.”

“You know I mean what I say, don't twist my words.” Javi's voice grew louder. “You saw a pretty face and forgot all about the plan, and now she stays in your house, and distracts you from the real work we ought to do, and you are too pussy-whipped to see it.”

Rael sprang to his feet, the chair scraping against the floor. “Watch your words when you speak of my mate.”

"Or what? You'll punch me again?” Javi stood, facing his brother across the table. "Go ahead. Prove my point about how she's affecting your judgment."

"Enough!" Silas's voice cut through the argument. The two brothers went silent, but Rael still had his hands clenched in fists. “Both of you, sit down!”