Mated To The Cold Hearted Alpha
Chapter 15

You’re F*****g Killing Me

Hycinth

I didn’t understand him. Not one bit.

One minute, he seemed calm, and the next minute he was ready to emasculate Luca! I shivered at the memory-the devastating and cruel look in his eyes that told me he would do it. But then, he turned around and said he hated to see me on my knees? And never wanted to see the strength he loved inside of me diminish? How was I supposed to take that, let alone respond to it?

I shook my head. I had no answers, but the thing I did know unequivocally was he’d murdered my family, in cold b***d. He’d taken the two most precious people to me and ripped them out of my life. He was insane to think I’d ever want to be with him. Bond or no bond, it didn’t matter. But if he wanted to negotiate, I’d negotiate. I said stiffly, “I want you to let me go.”

All softness disappeared from his expression, but he didn’t argue the point. He simply stepped away. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the stairs.

The Beta nudged me from behind, motioning for me to follow Leander who’d turned his back on me.

I stayed where I was planted. My attention focused on Lucky. Eyes closed, he breathed heavily, but I knew he wasn’t asleep.

Ever murmured, “He’ll be in a much better position to chat later after his needs have been addressed.”

Still, I didn’t move. So much for negotiating.

Ever leaned down and spoke quietly in my ear, “Your brother will be taking care of. Please trust me on this.”

I was surprised at the sincerity in his voice-and lack of the usual sneer he liked to favor me with. I walked forward woodenly with stiff legs. I could no longer see Leander, but it didn’t matter. I could easily follow his scent. I breathed in deeply, drawing the scents through my sensitive nose and sampling them on my tongue-musk, and Hickory with an undertone of sweetness, vanilla. The enticing fragrance lured me forward like a beacon.

My body loved it. The bond loved it. My mind hated it.

My Wolf licked her jowls and growled out her pleasure. Want to taste him.

Yeah, there would be no tasting! I snapped back.

That sure as hell wasn’t happening.

I tried breathing through my mouth, yes, it was easier that way. She pouted.

As we made our way through the extensive house, I cataloged each room, creating a map in my mind, identifying the exits. There had to be a way out, some flaw in security that I could exploit. Multiple hallways and doors later, we entered into a large gourmet kitchen. It was beautiful. The large open-floor-plan included not only kitchen space but also a comfortable adjoined seating area, with couches, chairs and a large fireplace. The dark, richly stained mantle was so big it was almost as tall as the ceiling. Matching cabinets were nestled on both sides, recessed into the wall.

My attention returned to the kitchen, my belly growling its need for food when a delicious smell wafted through my nose- apple something, cinnamon, and cloves.

A plump shewolf was currently bent over, ample bum in the air, while she extracted something from the oven. She mumbled something to herself I couldn’t quite catch that sounded like ‘just perfect.’ If the incredible aromatic smell was any indication, her assessment of perfection was right on the money. Gathering it up using oven mitts, she closed the oven door with her foot and turned around to face us.

“Ah…there you are, young one.” Her chestnut colored eyes danced with humor and kindness as she placed the hot dessert on a bronze trivet to cool.

I immediately liked her.

She pulled the oven mitts from her hands and smoothed a stray tendril of almost white hair out of her face so she could peer at me closer. After a moment of inspection, she nodded to herself.

I wondered what she was looking for. Whatever it was, her nod seemed to indicate she found it. Her lips curled, the smile meeting her eyes, reflecting little creases consistent with her age.

“I’ve waited a long time to meet you.” Statement short and to the point, she didn’t seem to require a response from me because she turned around and walked to a nearby hardwood cabinet, muttering again under her breath. Something about a shopping list, milk and flour and other words I couldn’t catch.

“Hycinth, this is Miriam,” Leander finally spoke. I dared to glance at him. He stood off to the side, his forearm resting on the high, caramel-marbled granite counter top. There was softness in his expression as he stared at Miriam.

Miriam spun back around, holding plates and drinking glasses she’d pulled out of the cabinet in her arms. She leveled a dirty look in Leander’s direction. “Eh, don’t be telling her that, young pup,” she chastised him.

Her antics only caused him to grin.

Young pup? I was amazed at her familiarity and ease around him. Clearly, he was a monster, didn’t she know that?

She swiveled her head toward me and muttered, “You may call me Mimi. That’s what everyone calls me.” Another dirty look shot in Leander’s direction.

His smile only grew.

Bustling to the side, she opened a drawer and pulled out forks, a sharp knife, and a serving utensil, setting them on the counter next to the plates and glasses. Her attention was back on me. “Do you like pie, dear?”

It was my turn to smile, asking honestly, “Who little more substantial.”

Mimi tilted her head toward him. “Of course. Why didn’t you say so?”

Refocusing on me, she asked, “Do you like chicken casserole, my dear?”

I shrugged. “I’m not picky.”

“Excellent, we have leftovers from earlier. I’ll heat some up.”

Within minutes, I had a plate of delicious chicken casserole in front of me, refreshing cool lemonade crinkling around the floating ice cubes and the slice of apple pie waiting off to the side. One bite in and I thought I was in heaven. I let out a sound of pleasure from the back of my throat.

A low growl came from Leander.