Rushing toward them, she looked at her mother and kept her distance, in case she scented anything … unusual.
“Mom, hey,” she said.
“Oh, honey. Klaus is here, and I sent you up to the house with all those packages.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m here now, and Nicole says thank you.”
Anna chuckled. “I’ve invited Klaus to have dinner with us.”
“Right, yes, of course. Klaus. Er, yeah, can I steal him away? I need to talk to him about something.”
“Yes, of course. I hear my phone ringing.” Anna disappeared into the shop, and Poppy had no choice but to grab his arm and march him toward the small alley, away from prying eyes.
There were so many pack members. Getting a moment’s peace was not realistic.
“What did you want to talk to me about?”
She stopped touching him and turned a glare right on him. “Seriously? Your sister?”
“You talked with Bethany?”
“Yeah, she was acting strangely, and then I figured out why. You asked your sister to put in a good word with me.”
“Well, I didn’t … those weren’t the actual words.”
“Damn it, Klaus! Why did you even involve her? We weren’t going to tell anyone about this!”
“No, that’s not entirely accurate.Youweren’t going to tell anyone about this. I didn’t actually get a choice in the matter. This was all on you.”
“Oh, come on!”
He shrugged. “What do you want me to do, Poppy? You want me to pretend that I like this and I agree with it? I mean, I can try, but then it would be a lie.”
“You’re telling me that you want this mating?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not lying.”
“Klaus, you don’t like me. You’ve never liked me. Every single opportunity you had to bully me, you did.” She wanted to scream at him, but instead, she had no choice but to keep her voice calm. This was a fucking nightmare of the highest order.
He took a step toward her. She moved back. They did this dance until her back was pressed against a wall. His hands went to either side of her head, trapping her in place.
There was nowhere for her to go.
All she could do is wait.
“I fucked up big time. I know that. I don’t have any excuse for how I treated you, but, Poppy, know this. I want you. You are my mate, and I will not allow another to have what is mine.”
Then, the most unexpected thing happened. Klaus slammed his lips down on hers and kissed her, hard.
****
Klaus didn’t want to be at the town square greeting Lionel and his pack. Including the alpha’s son, Greg. But he was, being what his father would often refer to as the perfect host. Keeping a smile on his face and having a firm handshake.
Holding out his palm, he nodded at Greg, who gave him a smile.