Rejected Mate and Following Fate

Chapter 19: Meadow

You okay?

Colton comes through loud and clear, checking on me, and for a second it warms me that he does, that maybe he felt my nervousness. His voice is that sound of home that I never knew I needed, and I find myself exhaling, like I've been holding my breath, as I lean back into the chair less stiffly.

Just waiting on the others and sitting by the fire.

I reply, setting his mind at ease and hoping I sound as comfortable here as I am pretending to be.

I won't be long, my father kept all the leaders back to talk plans, schedules, you know what I mean. If you need me, I'll leave our link open. Don't let any of them give you any shit or else they'll have to deal with me. His deep husky voice has me pining for his presence, and I sigh wearily.

Matteo is being a gentleman and taking care of me; I'm sure he'll intervene. I'm trying to make him relax, but the overwhelming surge I get back from his emotions that he didn't like what I said, surprises me. It's a hint of jealousy and I blink at Matteo as though I'm missing the point. He has his back to me, pouring his drink, and nowhere near me.

Right. Like I said I won't be long.

His tone is clipped, and he closes link before I can respond, despite saying he wouldn't, sounding off, and moody, and I swear it actually makes me want to laugh at how ridiculous he's being. He sent me here with Matteo, and now he's what? Jealous, because I said he was being nice. I knew males were territorial and possessive by nature, worse so when they mate up, but I'm not even his and he has nothing to worry about. We imprinted, and the fates made sure I have no desire to look at anyone else, even if he did reject me.

I inhale sharply, shake it off, and go back to staring at the fire, trying not to let him get to me as the door swings open and two boys stomp in arguing with one another

he's just been faced with a terrible or vile sight. He stops dead as the other collides into the back of him with an exaggerated 'whooomph' noise. He's unsurprisingly dark haired, tanned and has your typical Colombian look to him. All the Santos originated from there, before coming here a few generations ago. They tend to mate up with others like them, so the bloodline stays

and shoves him forward, exposing an identical face and equal build, and I realize these two boys are twins. If memory serves right, I can pull out of Colton's mind that this is Domi, and Remi. They're younger than Colton by a year, making them eighteen, like me. Both lanky, tall, athletic boys,

turns to Matteo with a growl and is met with a snarl in

Colton said so, and I doubt he wants to hear you were questioning it!" It's not a friendly tone and it

the other chirps in, throwing me a devious side eye and I shrivel back into my chair, aware the waves of prickling heat coming my way are hostility, even while he is smiling on

Thick like honey, and sultry, preceding her entry. She sashays in like the Queen of the manor and stops dead in her tracks when she spots me. Grey eyes instantly storming over, pouty mouth forming a thin tight light, and porcelain skin paling

let her in here?" Carmen loses her cool, steps at me fast but Matteo zaps forward using his hyper speed, blocking her

go sit over there and behave!" Matteo has a tone not too dissimilar to Colton's alpha tone, only less effective, and she draws her eyes from me to him, not as affected

it to get crazy in here. Surprised that Matteo is not his second in command and I rake my memories to find out who is. I swear to god it better not

undercurrent as three more wolves stroll in unannounced, and I recognize her as Meadow, one of the older femmes in her late twenties, mated to the one behind her, Cesar. Her brother is

an incomer to Radstone and English is not her first language. It's not uncommon for wolves with

and instantly go into sulk mode, slumping together on one sofa and stare at me with lowered eyelids. No hint of warmth, which adds to my growing uneasiness as I sit stiffly where I was. Meadow strolls into the room fully,

hair, the most amazing pale blue eyes under sculpted black brows, and deeply tanned skin.

beautiful but has an aura of terrifying. She doesn't stray out of the Santo side of the lands much, but it's obvious that Matteo is not Colton's second in command. Meadow is. I wouldn't argue with her, her natural nails are long, sharp, and pointed, with a nice shellac of blood red, so I can't

see a pattern with this pack. Best of the breed and all alarmingly alike, except Carmen, the only blonde among them. They're all big, strong, and have lashings of both aggression and attitude, common among

sure she knows how to access them." Meadow strolls in front of me, heels clicking on the hardwood floor, her eyes wandering over me as she takes me all in without caring how

door and praying that has to be all of them. This is getting crowded and I'm starting to feel like raw meat being lowered into a hungry lion's den. I don't even glance their way, as Meadow has a commanding quality that demands you give her