C3 THE ALPHA SUPERIOR

I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that he was my

mate. I just... felt it. I couldn't yet determine, however, whether it was a good feeling or a dooming one.

"What is going on here? Can we please get back to what webwere here to discuss?!" Someone shouted from behind the Alpha.

He and the blond one turned around and we all pointed ourbattention to the man who had said it.

"That matter is no longer your concern," the Alpha remarked. "I'll handle things from here. This meeting is now adjourned.''

A group of furious shouts and murmurs came from the neighboring pack as this was spoken. However, they immediately went silent as the Alpha narrowed his eyes at them. He turned his attention back to us.

"Follow me," he said to my father and I before walking in between the eleven of us that were standing there.

I looked at my dad before beginning to follow the Alpha Mr. Chandler and Vega also followed behind me and soon my father did as well.

"I am absolutely stunned, confused, shocked, and scared all atbthe same time. I can barely keep up with any of this," Vega whispered as we walked.

All I could do was nod in agreement.

"And to think," she added. "You didn't even believe in mates five hours ago."

She's right, I thought as I looked over at her.

There was a flash of concern on her face. "Are you okay?"

"I'Il let you know," I whispered. I took one look at the man walking in front of us and shook my head. "I just don't see how this is going to end well and that's scaring me."

I could tell from her face that Vega was trying to formulate an encouraging word or two but she wasn't able to and simply shrugged. Well that's comforting, I thought.

A few moments later we came to a halt on the path and the Alpha turned to look at us. He shot a hard look at Mr. Chandler who immediately replied with, "My wife promises to divorce me if anything happened to her."

I looked at Mr. Chandler as he said this and he gave me a wink.

This seemed excusable enough to the Alpha who didn't make another reference to their presence.

"My name is Alpha Superior Deveraux," He said to my father,bwho only nodded in acknowledgment. He turned to me, "And Adam to you, love."

"Evelyn," I said, offering my hand.

He took my hand and kissed the back of it.

I had been going for a handshake there, buddy, but okay, I thought.

I wasn't looking at Vega, but I could see the stupid smile on her face without having to look at her. I knew her too well and she was probably about to wet her pants.

"I am Vega Chandler, and this is my father, Warren Chandler," Vega said, stepping up and gesturing to herself and her father.

"I need it in the strictest confidence you can assure me there is no rogue being housed on your land," Adam said, directing his words to my father and Mr. Chandler.

Mr. Chandler nodded eagerly. "I am absolutely certain there is no one being held here unlawfully," he said. "No one knew anything of it when we spoke to the council."

"There isn't enough evidence to support their claim," my father said. I rolled my eyes at his judicial language. "There are simply no signs of a rogue on this land."

Adam didn't look so convinced by this. "I apologize for not being able to take your word for it. I will be leaving behind three men tomorrow who are going to investigate the claims further. They won't need more than a week."

My dad looked irritated by this, but Mr. Chandler nodded;thoughtfully. "I understand," he said.

Adam seemed pleased by this and reached out to shake Mr. Chandler's hand. "I appreciate your cooperation," He said. "We will be leaving tomorrow if there are no other setbacks. Now, I would like to

speak to Evelyn, if you could excuse us. "

As my dad turned to leave, he reached out and pulled me in close by the front my jacket. "Don't bother coming home tonight. I don't want that man stepping foot into my house. Do I make myself clear?" He snarled through clenched teeth.

"Crystal," I nodded, stiff with fear.

As I said this, Adam slid his arm protectively between my father and I.

"Let this be a warning," he said in a low voice. "If you ever laybyour hands on her again, be prepared to have hands laid on you."

My father backed away from the two of us, shooting daggers atbboth Adam and I as he did.

"I like this guy," Vega whispered as she passed me. They had all walked away in a matter of seconds and I was more than aware I was now completely alone with this man I swallowed.

"Um, thanks for that."

Is that all you can say, you idiot?!

"Does he treat you that way often?" Adam asked, moving in front of me I didn't answer, not wishing to elaborate further on the topic of;my father.

"You said you're leaving tomorrow?" I asked, changing the;subject. I saw a shadow of a smile appear on his face.

"No. I said we were leaving tomorrow."

"We?"

"Excuse me," I said. "But you're not assuming I'll be going with you. are you?" Adam's eyes narrowed, causing a lump to form in my throat.

"You wouldn't want to?" He asked.

"I mean... I-Ihave school and.. stuff." I cringed

"School and stuff?" That's the best you could come up with? You don't even like school!"

"I see" he said.

Wait, what?

"You do?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes" he said. "I am wondering, however, if there is any way Ibcan persuade you otherwise? You see, as much as you are internally trying to deny it, you and I are mates. This means, from my end, that I have a duty to both protect and provide for you. I cannot do that while you are here and I am there. As an Alpha, I also have obligations to my people which I cannot

abandon by staying here. So... I am asking you to willingly comebwith me tomorrow when leave"

"And if I don't come willingly?" I asked slowly.

"You'll come involuntarily."

"As in...?"

"I'll pick you up and put you on the plane myself," He said.

Well damn.

"It's your choice, of course, which method you prefer," he added. "This is unbelievable," I said walking away.

He began to follow me closely. "Is that a yes?"

"I haven't decided" I mumbled Adam and I returned to our respective groups shortly and everyone turned to stare at us as I walked over to Vega. Adam

made his way over to the blond man, who was standing aloneband silently watching everyone else.

"What did he say to you?" She asked excitedly.

I sighed, kicking the dirt with my boots. "He wants me to go home with him tomorrow."

She gasped and smiled. "Are you going to?"

"I don't really have much of a choice," I groaned.

She gasped. "He's walking over here."

I looked up from the ground to see him walking over to us and Mr. Chandler spoke up.

"Alpha Superior Deveraux, if you need someplace to stay tonight, you are more than welcome to stay with my family and I."

"I have somewhere to stay, thank you, though," Adam said. He turned to me. "Follow me."

He began to walk away and I ran after him.

"Wait!" I yelled.

He stopped and turned to me "I'm not staying with you tonight," I said.

"Are you forgetting what your father told you?" He asked.

I took a deep breath. "I'm staying with Vega." Before he could say anything, I continued. "I need the time to say goodbye."

He thought about it for a moment and nodded. "I'll pick you up in the morning."

I nodded and turned back to walk away.

"Evelyn..." I looked back at him.

"Don't do anything stupid before then," he warned, adding a wink.

The ride home was silent.

I knew my dad was mad at me, but there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. It wasn't like I could help the fact that I had found a mate in a man who was an Alpha Superior and basically a king among our people. I tried not to think about that last part too hard.

We dropped my dad back off at his firm. He said nothing as he slammed the door after he got out. I watched him stomp over to his car angrily as we pulled away.

"Are you okay back there, Evie?" Mr. Chandler asked.

"Yeah" I said softly. "I'm fine. I caught his eye in the rearview mirror and caught his sympathetic gaze. Vega put her hand on my shoulder and smiled.