We’ll miss you.
Love, your parents.
The urge to tear the letter up was strong. She’d been drugged to get her into this house and now, she was alone with her … mate.
She folded the letter back up, returning it to the envelope.
“Great. Just great.”
Sitting on the edge of the bed for several seconds, she waited as her stomach began to settle. Once she was happy, she got to her feet and slowly walked toward the window. Pulling the curtain back, she gasped. Endless ocean and a beautiful beach lay before her. She raised a hand to her lips, almost taken aback by the beauty.
It would be no hardship staying here. She had no doubt.
She moved away from the window and went toward the door. Opening it up, she smelled something amazing.
Lucas had to be up already.
She glanced back in her room. The desire to stay here all day was strong, but she decided not to be stupid.
Maybe if she convinced Lucas how unsuitable they were, he’d give in and allow them both to be free.
She left her bedroom door open and took the steps, making her way to the main floor. Following the scent, she came to a stop outside the kitchen. He was working a wok, flicking up the ingredients.
Run.
No, no more running.
Even as she wanted to go back to her room, her stomach growled.
Lucas looked up.
There was no more running.
She’d run so often in high school. It was almost second nature to her now to do so.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey.” She stepped into the kitchen.
“I had no idea they were going to drug us to bring us here.”
“It kind of makes sense though, right? It looks so beautiful.” She offered him a smile.
Lucas paused, staring at her.
Seconds passed.
He didn’t move.
“Are you okay?”
He shook his head then nodded. “Yes, I’m perfectly okay.” He nodded at her. “Do you want to grab the dishes? This is ready.”
She nodded and moved past him, looking in the cupboards for a couple of bowls. It was the third cupboard she found them in.
“You cooked this?” she asked, putting the bowls beside him.
“Yep.”
“I had no idea you can cook.”
“My mom taught me.” He divided the food into the bowls.
Being this close to him, Mabel hated how he filled out the crisp white shirt he wore. It should be illegal what he did to it.
Rather than speak her thoughts, she avoided looking at his impressive, muscular arms, covered in tribal ink. She saw his family crest on one arm, the one announcing him as the new Alpha.
If she didn’t put a stop to this mating madness, she’d be the Alpha’s mate. The role was very much coveted by several women within the pack. All of which could have the damn job.
Lucas picked up the bowls and carried them through to what looked like a dining room.
They sat on opposite ends of the table.
She’d found some chopsticks in a drawer, and she handed him one.
Mabel froze as his fingers brushed against hers. The action was so subtle, but it sent a wave of pleasure rushing through her entire body. Jerking her hand back, she covered it with her other one, hoping he didn’t see. Of course, he did.
“I don’t have any diseases,” he said.
“I know. None of us do. It’s nothing.”
“You feel it too.”
She looked up. “Excuse me?”
“I believe it’s the result of our … mating. We enjoy touching each other.”
“We’re not mated.” She worked her chopsticks through the food, gathering some of the noodles.
“We’re mated, Mabel. Even if you don’t like it.”
She slurped up her noodles, chewing on the mouthful that she couldn’t deny was exquisite. So damn delicious.
Her stomach chose that minute to rumble loudly.
“No, we’re not mated. To be completely together in a union, we have to first accept each other. Then there is of course the …”
“Sex?”
Her cheeks started to heat. “Exactly. Followed by a nice bite to the neck on each of us. A claiming mark for all other mates to see. We do not possess either of those things, and we never will.”
“So, you’re not even going to give us the chance?”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” she asked, refusing to answer his question.
“Yes, because you want to sever any kind of future we might have.”
“What future do we have exactly, Lucas? Enlighten me as to what could possibly be between us.”
“You just felt it. The feeling rushing through your body when you touch me. That’s what being mates is all about. When you touch me, the more you do it, the better you’re going to feel. You’re going to want to be near me, touch me, fuck me.”
“No, I don’t!”
Lucas reached across the table and took her hand. The movement was so quick, she didn’t have time to pull back, but even that one touch set her body on fire. Wetness flooded her pussy, and her nipples grew unbearably tight. Even her neck felt tender, like she wanted to be kissed.