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“Is this true, Bennett?” Payton’s dad asked. “Did youcheatyour way to being alpha?”
“What? No! Absolutely preposterous.”
“You’re scared,” Mitch accused. “It’s scenting the air. If you didn’t cheat, then accept the ritual combat.”
“No, I don’t have to! This pack is mine!”
Jericho shook his head. “This pack isnotyours. And if you won’t accept my challenge, I will kill you right here and now.” He held up his right hand let his wolf come through enough to elongate the claws. Razor sharp, they could tear through Bennett’s flesh like tissue paper.
Bennett looked around one more time, and then turned and ran. Jericho watched him, knowing he didn’t have to give chase because by turning coward, Bennett had effectively lost the mantle of Alpha. The omega wolves looked at one another before hurrying after their master.
A cheer went up. People rushed forward to congratulate him. Jericho knew this wasn’t the end of the matter because the ritual combat challenge wasn’t settled until blood was spilled. Yet right then, he let the asshole flee to accept the numerous handshakes, well wishes, and pledges of fealty. He looked once more for Payton, but she had disappeared. His wolf wanted to follow. So did he, for that matter.
Soon, he promised himself.Very fucking soon.
****
“Payton!” her mother called out. “Payton, stop!”
She halted and waited for Nancy to catch up, although it was the last thing she wanted to do. She wasn’t stupid. She had an inkling what her mom wished to say because she knew without a shadow of a doubt that Jericho would win the ritual combat. He had always been destined to be alpha. Payton braced herself as her mother came to a halt next to her.
“Don’t worry, Mom,” she said. “I expect nothing.”
Her mother sighed. “He’s going to be the alpha.”
“I know.”
“He’s going to need a strong mate. A … whole mate.”
Even though she knew it had been coming, the words still stung.
“Iknow,” Payton said again.
“The mating bond can be strong, but it can be broken,” her mother said.
“I know!” Payton yelled and turned to confront her mom. “Jesus Christ, Mom, I know all this! I get that I’m defective, okay? I know he’s going to need a woman who can shift. I know I’m a big disappointment to you. Just … leave it alone. I know all my shortcomings and how I’m a very unsuitable mate for an alpha.”
Her mother frowned as they stared at one another. “When you were younger, I was happy you knew who your mate was, Payton. Now I’m only trying to keep you from being hurt.”
“Sure, Mom. If you tell yourself that often enough, you might actually believe it.” She blew on her bangs, trying to get them out of her eyes. “Listen, give me the keys. You and Dad can catch a ride home with Henry.” She held out her hand and waited.
Her mother hesitated for a moment before reaching into her pocket and taking out her set of keys. “We can talk later.”
“Why?” Payton asked. “Nothing’s changed. Just because he’s my mate doesn’t mean I’m his.”
She took the keys and headed toward her father’s car. One thing was certain, there was no way she could remain in Sheridan and watch Jericho chose a very suitable wife. They’d have amazing kids who could shift and wouldn’t be a gigantic embarrassment.
Seemed like she’d run out of time.
Chapter Four
Jericho tried to leave the meeting to go after Payton, but everyone wanted to shake his hand and welcome him back. As alpha, he had to listen. It was his job as leader to be there for the pack, and his personal business would have to wait. What seemed like hours later, he finally found the opportunity to break away, only to be flagged down by Payton’s father.
“Alpha, may I have a word?” Marcus Jones asked.
Jericho sighed inwardly. “Of course.”
“I work in the city of commerce building, helping the town as well as building up the tourist race as much as I can.”
