I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m not terrified I could be throwing my life away if I’m wrong about Bruin. This could be my one chance to be free and have a life that isn’t dictated to me by the Eaters. But by running, I’ll be leaving Bruin.
I put my bag back in my room and sit down on the couch with my head in my hand. I hope I’m doing the right thing.
Chapter 11
Bruin
“What do you mean you’re not going to let her go?” Deator asks me.
I prepared my speech the whole way down the mountain. After these last few days with Penny I knew I couldn’t give her up. I feel guilty that I haven’t told her that she could go, that she’s free. When Deator called me, I should have told her right then, but I didn’t. I know I should’ve told her and let her make her choice. But even after everything, I was afraid what she might decide. I know she’s my mate. I know she’s the only woman, the only spirit bear I’ll ever want or need. But does she feel the same way? Does she even realize that I’m her mate? I’m not willing to find out, not until I have some kind of plan for keeping her.
I came to the clubhouse to talk to Deator. I know what he said. I know he told me to let Penny go. But I can’t… and I won’t.
“She’s mine. I’m not letting her go,” I tell him with more force in my voice than I should be using with the president of my club.
He’s shaking his head. I know he doesn’t like to fight with the Eaters. I’m sure it’s because we’ve lost so many members when we go against them. We just lost Petey not too long ago. “Bruin. First you fought me when your cousin came to town, now this…”
I just stare at him openly. I know I shouldn’t second-guess him. I know he’s our leader but I can’t back down from this. I won’t. “She’s my mate,” I tell him quietly.
He scoffs. “Your mate? Hell, boy, you don’t know that. You met that Eater what, five days ago when she snuck into your closet breaking onto New Law territory. She’s not your mate. There’s a difference between your mate and getting your dick wet.”
I jump up from the chair ready to pounce. No one, and I mean no one will talk about Penny that way. I put my hands on his desk and lean toward him. My voice is stern, calm, deadly. “No one will talk about her like that. What would you do if someone talked about Kassie like that?” I ask him, referring to his ol’ lady.
He doesn’t hesitate and I see the muscles of his jaw tighten as he stands up from his chair, leaning toward me. He may be an old man, but he’s still intimidating. Even to me and I’m a lot bigger than him. “I’d kill them.”
I stand to my full height and cross my arms over my chest. “That’s right. Because she’s your mate.” I stand with my feet apart, ready to take it if he decides to punch. He may be the oldest member of the club, but I know what he can do. “I have done everything for this club and it has been my number one priority since I became a member. But I’m telling you, Penny is my mate and she’s my number one now.” I hold my hand up when he starts to talk. “And I know you’re going to tell me that the club always comes first. But let me ask you, if your club told you to let Kassie go, would you? Knowing you love her, that she’s your mate?”
His head cocks to the side and he stares at me as if he’s deep in thought. I’m waiting on him to tell me to get the fuck out of here. I’ve seen him take the patch off members for less than I’m doing now. But whatever he tells me, whatever punishment he dishes out, I’ll take it as long as I know I’ll have Penny.
Finally, after minutes go by, he slams his hand onto the table and gets up. “Fine. But you know what you’re asking us to do, right?”
I shrug my shoulders. “If I don’t have the club at my back, I will do it on my own, Pres. It’s your call.”
He nods his head. “Klaus, come in here,” he calls out to the main room. Klaus, his youngest son, walks in and looks between us. Deator grabs him by the shoulder. “Take Johnny and go and get Penny from Bruin’s house. Meet us at the old deserted road on the edge of town in an hour.”