Joshua’s eyes tracked me. I felt his yearning. He wanted me close. He wanted to touch me. I wondered if Luke felt for me even a fraction of what Joshua felt. If he did, how did he keep saying no?
“He underestimated you,” Joshua said softly.
I knew he meant his leader. “Your kind usually does,” I agreed. And still I always die.
“So how do you see this ending?”
“That depends on how many are waiting out there to meet me,” I said, reminding Joshua of his original intent when he entered the room.
His lips curled. “Three.”
I nodded slowly, thinking. Only three. A discreet number easy to slip in and take me. A perfect number to obliterate. I needed to keep the room at peace, and Joshua on my side for a bit longer.
Meeting Nana’s eyes I said, “I don’t want a Mating challenge.”
Luke growled. “It is my right.”
“Shush,” I said, keeping my eyes on Nana.
She looked troubled by my words. I could see her weighing my safety and the pack’s safety. By keeping Joshua linked to me the pack would be safe, but would I? Joshua would soon realize the only way to save himself would be to Mate with me and create an unbreakable bond. Hopefully, Nana wouldn’t see that just yet. Finally, she reluctantly nodded her agreement.
Luke growled, and Joshua laughed.
“Like Joshua said, I need to think about how this should end. I don’t want bloodshed. That’s why I Claimed Joshua. To avoid just that.” I moved to touch Joshua’s arm, tamping down my revulsion.
“Joshua, I’d like to meet with the Elders and figure out how we can leave here without dying.”
He purred with satisfaction and in a quick move, wrapped his arms around me in a hug, pressing me tight against his body. My stitches pulled and I made a small noise. Oblivious, he leaned in and nuzzled my neck. I fought not to gag.
“Moron, you’re hurting her,” Luke growled taking a step toward me.
Over Joshua’s shoulder, I watched Grey clamp down on one of Luke’s arms and Sam the other. They held him back as his body flexed in a constant state of shifting. I couldn’t tell if his wolf was coming or going.
“Please, Joshua. He’s right. You’re hurting me. I was cut recently.”
Joshua still didn’t pull back. His hot breath warmed my neck a second before his tongue laved it, just below the ear Luke had kissed not long ago. Joshua was marking me, wiping away Luke’s scent. Not good. I could feel his desire rising again.
“Nana,” I called in a slight panic.
“Joshua,” Nana warned. “She is in no shape for what you’re thinking. Stop now or for her safety, I will stop you.”
He laughed, a rumble I felt in my own chest since we were pressed so close. But he did ease back. “Soon,” he whispered, ducking down to meet my gaze. “They can’t stop a Claimed pair,” he promised, his hand drifting to my belly. His fingers traced the stitches through my shirt. “A few days will see us truly together.”
I nodded slowly as if agreeing while trying to keep the tremors from my body. He smiled in return and released me. I couldn’t look at Luke. I wanted a shower.
Nana held her hand out to me. I clasped it tightly and left the room with her. I hoped they knew to keep an eye on Joshua. He wouldn’t leave without me. I’d ensured that when I Claimed him. But, I didn’t want him near Luke.
Chapter Sixteen
“I don’t even know where to start,” Nana said sitting across from me.
The padded room was packed. The Elders, my sisters, and I sat at the table. Emmitt, Thomas, Clay, and Luke stood.
“Who’s watching Joshua?” I asked.
“Carlos,” Grey answered. “He won’t let Joshua leave, or any harm come to him.”
I snorted. “I could care less if any harm comes to him.”
