I took a deep breath. He was right. I felt that confidence as I scanned the tables for the one male I wanted to see even if it was all illogical. My wolf stirred inside me at that. She responded to him and it made me wonder. Was Colton right? Was I meant to be with Devon? Is that why he’d wanted to protect me when we were younger?
The burst of energy from his appearance gave me a boost of excitement. This was a real party and I was invited. Nothing could ruin this for me. Nothing that is until I found Devon.
I stopped dead yanking Colton back. Sarah paused a few steps ahead.
“What? What is it?”
It took me a few seconds for my brain to catch up.
“This is the Cripple Creek Pack.”
Colton looked between me and the crowd.
“Yes. I’m sorry. I should have warned you.”
Warned me?
“You knew they were the pack I served?” I asked with an embarrassing quiver.
His hand wrapped around my hands as I grabbed his bicep like a giant stress ball.
“I’m sorry. Devon might have mentioned it.”
Might have mentioned it? He knew who had hurt me.
“They sold me, Colton. They used me for years and then when I was supposed to be free?”
I swallowed past the lump in my throat.
“Please. Do it for Devon?”
I looked past Devon and met the eyes of my old alpha or rather master. There wasn’t enough air out here. I was suffocating.
“Wait is that the-“
Colton pulled me along, cutting me off.
“Breathe, princess. Just breathe.”
I tried. My lungs were burning but I couldn’t remember how to do what he asked.
“You’re safe. Devon and I will protect you, you have my word.”
I could hear him talking but I was struggling. Finding the strength to break my connection with that asshole, I moved to the girl next to him and froze.
“Is that his future mate?” I asked.
“Yes. Now do you see why I need you here? He needs to stop the worst decision of his life. And I think you’re the only one who can make him stop this insanity.”
I was on autopilot as we headed to the table. Name an emotion and it was happening. I was angry, sad, scared, and most of all jealous. Her perfectly little manicured fingers tapped on the table like waiting for me was ruining her plans. I hated that she looked gorgeous, and I was just me.
“I feel sick,” I whispered. But I was certain Devon heard me or perhaps Colton was relaying the message because as I got there he had the chair pulled out for me.
“I thought I told you to stay put?” Devon said under his breath.
I couldn’t come up with words let alone guarantee my stomach would revolt against its contents.
“Devon, I invited her. For good reason,” said Colton.