Tasting
Chapter 358

358–My Sweet Mate Can Act

Ryker:

“Ryker, please calm down,” my father eyed me, gesturing at my brothers to make sure I didn’t do something stupid.

But how could I not be angry? Nora was fucking acting like she was so happy here.

“The dinner is being served,” Brody announced as he returned, and with him came Nora. My heartbeat raced in my chest once more. I had to quickly lower my gaze and steady my breathing. It wasn’t easy for me to see her with him–or with anyone, for that matter.

But what hurt the most was how I had exposed myself as a monster in front of everyone and then, in hidden words, asked her to wait for me for a few months. Yet, she didn’t. She moved on and now acted as if she felt no guilt about it. I couldn’t understand why.

Had my last phone call with her upset her that much? In that same call, I had asked her to wait and prove her love by not falling for Brody. Maybe that’s what her love for me was–weak. But I wouldn’t let that hold me back. I twisted my neck and stretched it, not caring how psychotic I might have looked to anyone.

“Why don’t you all rest in your guest rooms until then?” Nora spoke up, making me raise my head and look at her. My dad hadn’t stopped staring at her. He looked so defeated, and I knew he would fall ill after this visit if she didn’t forgive him for his cold behavior in those final weeks before she left us for this place.

“Brody,” before anyone could agree to leave, I called for the man’s attention. He used to be full of himself before, and now he looked even cockier. And why wouldn’t he? He had a mate like Nora by his side. He must think he won the lottery.

“What was that whole crap in the arena?” I wouldn’t pretend to appreciate what I had witnessed. To put Nora in an arena with a beast, betting money on her survival, was downright insulting.

“That was my wish,” Nora quickly defended her husband, making my fists clench even tighter.

“But why? Why would you out to go through that?” my father asked,

and honestly, everyone else seemed to want to know the same.

“Because I wanted some excitement in my life and also to help my husband’s pack grow

front of everyone, my heart sank. She needed to stop this. Otherwise, I would lose control and shift right here. And if that happened, they would all be in grave danger.

in wealth. “” Then she held Brody’s hand in

“But why put yourself in danger?” Dad pressed, trying to make eye

contact with her, though she kept avoiding his gaze, staring instead at her hand in Brody’s grip. She was trying so hard to make it seem like they were madly in love, but I called it what it was–bullshit. It looked forced.

I knew my Nora, and when she was truly happy, she looked it. She looked wild, stubborn, and radiant. This was not that.

This mature and calm version of her felt so fake, especially when she professed love and adoration for her mate.

“Danger? Did you see her in that arena?” Brody’s excitement was visible. My brothers and I exchanged glances, and when he noticed, he cleared his throat, trying to compose himself with a less unsettling smile. “I’ve trained her for months. Do you really think I would’ve allowed her to do this if I wasn’t absolutely certain she’d be safe?”

“Really? Tell me again how a mere human is fighting a mutant? Those punches she threw had the strength of something far beyond human, but she doesn’t have a wolf, right?” I challenged him, knowing the truth. I had always known.

She was special, and that’s what terrified me. I had become so

overprotective of her that it probably made me look clingy, but I didn’t care. I feared for her life more than anything.

“I do have a wolf,” she corrected, her voice firm. “Maybe you’re all forgetting that I’m a monster’s daughter. The Whistler’s daughter. And while I used to keep my wolf hidden, when I came here, my dear husband made sure I didn’t do that anymore. He helped me realize I didn’t need to hide her or feel ashamed. He helped me gain control and use her for a better purpose. And look at me now–what was once seen as a monstrous existence is now hailed as heroic,” she finished, shrugging as if her whole speech had been casual.

Brody stood there, beaming with pride. But just as we were processing her words, something—or rather, someone–walked in and stunned us all.

“Babe, I’m home!”

A woman rushed in, arms wide open, heading straight for none other than Nora’s beloved husband, Brody.