Page 35 of Protecting His Treasure

“I told him I wanted to marry a leader, a ruler. I wanted a king. But I was willing to settle for an alpha shifter. He told me he was an alpha. Hungry for power, I believed him. His aura gave off alpha vibes.”

“Impossible. He doesn’t have the alpha gene.”

“No. But he does determination and strength. That was the vibe I was getting from him.”

“And you agreed to marry him, thinking you’d come here and become the beta of the pack.”

“Yes. Imagine the anger I felt when I realized he’d lied to me.”

“The fault lies with you too. You shouldn’t have married a male from our pack. You know that one day he’d find his own mate.”

Hanami shrugged. “I told myself I would deal with that when that day comes.”

“Your hunger for power was what got you in this situation.”

“Correct. And I’m hoping my hunger for power will get me out of it. You can help with that. You can make me your beta.”

“That position is reserved for my Treasure.”

Hanami chuckled. “It’s cute how old fashioned you are. You really refer to your mate as your treasure.”

“That’s what she is. My treasure.”

“Your most prized possession?”

“No. The person I value most in this world.”

For a second Hanami was silent. “That’s actually kind of sweet.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I believe you. I don’t have to be your treasure. I’m willing to be your second wife. I’m powerful. I can introduce you to things and places you’ve never seen before. I can show you new worlds. I can…”

“You can stay away from me. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave this village and find another shifter to latch on to. You’re not wanted here.”

The anger that flashed in her eyes was unmistakable.

“Your cousin was right about you. You do think you’re better than everyone else.”

“I know I’m no better than everyone else. But as alpha, I have to think of everyone else. All you and Onaku think of is yourselves.”

Hanami’s smile returned. “I guess that means we’re meant for each other.”

“Not in this lifetime. Once he finds his mate, he’ll forget all about you.”

“We’ll see about that. Instead of worrying about my husband’s mate, you should worry about finding your own.”

“I plan on it.”

“Oh, you plan to search for your mate?”

“What I plan is none of your concern. I’m done talking to you, witch.”

“Sorceress.”

“What?”

“You called me a witch. I’m a sorceress.”