The Alpha Who Saved Me

CHAPTER 5

“Mother has been waiting on you, Quinn.” Declan informs me with a scowl as soon as he stops in front of me.

“Are you going to ignore me?” He sneers at me, “People are wanting to head out, and you haven’t even cut your cake yet.”

I just stare at the man in front of me because I don’t even recognize him. Instead of responding to him, I go to brush past him, so I can go find Amelia, but his hand shoots out, taking hold of my wrist. I glance down at his big hand circling my tiny wrist and the look up at him as I lift a brow, but he doesn’t let go.

As long as you keep being an ***to me, then yes, Alpha, I am. However, I will head over to your mother right away.” I jerk my hand out of his grip, and surprisingly, to both of us, I’m able to. I don’t stick around to figure out how I was able to, though. I only take a few steps, and then I’m turning back to him fuming. “You know, I didn’t ask for this party, and I sure as hell didn’t invite half the males from this side of the country! Maybe if I weren’t being passed around from male to male like the pack ****, I would have been able to get to your mother sooner!

“Quinn.” Declan growls.

“Don’t you dare growl at me, Alpha! I don’t know what I did to earn your displeasure, but I would very much like to leave your presence now, so your mood doesn’t ruin the rest of my night.” I don’t give him a chance to get anything else in, because I quickly lose myself in the crowd on the dance floor.

I zigzag in and out of separate groups, not even responding to those who call out to me as I pass. I remain on my own mission, to dodge the Alpha, until he can talk to me civilly once again. Declan has never talked to me like that, so I can’t even begin to fathom why he did so just now, but I will not allow anyone to talk to me that way, Alpha or not.

I was almost to the cake table where Amelia was standing having a conversation with another woman, when I’m grabbed once again, but before I could let my anger loose, I’m being pulled through the nearest door. I can smell his cologne, making me roll my eyes and spin around.

“Seriously, Declan, what is it with males manhandling me tonight?” I scowl up at him as I cross my arms in front of my chest.

“Who the fuck has been manhandling you?” Duke, Declan’s wolf, comes forward, growling, and making his eyes glow a bright blue.

I give a sarcastic laugh, “Do you mean aside from you?

Declan sighs heavily. “That’s why I brought you in here. I wanted to apologize to you. You were right, you didn’t deserve my anger earlier, and it wasn’t you that I was upset with.”

“Who then?” I ask, beginning to calm my own irritation now that he’s apologized.

“My cousin can be a bit much at times. I saw how he grabbed you to dance and then again when he wouldn’t let you step away,” he scrubs his hand over his face, “I didn’t like it, I guess.”

I can’t help but smirk now, “You do realize that I can take care of myself, right?”

“I’m not worried about him hurting you, Quinn. I was worried that he would overreach his step. I saw how he’s been watching you all night, never taking his eyes off you, and I know Gavin.”

“Well, he’s pretty much been a gentleman all night. I’ve enjoyed talking with Gavin.” I tell him, only to see him flinch, “What is it?”

“Nothing, just please keep your wits about you when you are around him, and do not, for any reason, allow yourself to be alone with him.”

“Declan, I highly doubt your cousin will try anything with me. I’ve already discussed with him that I am waiting for my mate.”

“Why would you have to have that discussion with him?” The Alpha furrows his brows.

“Well, because he asked if he could take me out on a date some time, and I didn’t want to give him any reason to think that we could be more than friends.” i drop my arms and take a step closer to Declan. Placing my hand on his arm, I smile warmly up at the man who saved me three years ago. “You have kept me safe all these years, Declan, at some point, you will need to let go.

protecting you, Quinn.” ! wrap my arms around his waist, “I never told you this, but the day we found you in that saferoom, I

ask without lifting my head from his

mate by the age of twenty, and those that I know of who hadn’t had started to go mad. Those that finally found their mate, went back to being themselves, but those who hadn’t,

0.00%

19:08 T

CHAPTER 5

were dead by twenty-five.”

head jerks up. “But

for some reason. Duke is calm with you around. So, the point of the story is, you always say that I saved you that

you mention it, Tala is always calm when you are around, too. That’s so

away but still holds onto my upper arms. “Please forgive me, Quinn. I never meant to upset you, but I am very protective of you and Tala. Cousin or not, Gavin was going to get my wrath had he not

he saw that you were in a

the time, and that is why I ask that you watch yourself with him.” He seems desperate for me to appease him, and so

but only because it’s you

He leans

of you look nice and cozy!” A sneer comes from

the doorway. She’s leaning against the door jamb with her arms crossed, glaring right at me. If looks could kill, i’d be

go to my mother and wait for me. I will take care of this

I’m a situation?” Lila snaps

out a bit

else I will cut the cake without you and eat your piece along with mine.” i

at all, I promise.” I see his smile

stand outside the door, so I can hear what is being said, I give them their privacy. I go and find Amelia in the same place as where I saw her just before Declan kidnapped me. She is still in a conversation with the same woman as I walk up to them

there’s the birthday girl! I see you have been having fun dancing with all these handsome

I had a choice,” I chuckle, “Most

that you weren’t their mate. You can’t always go by smell

respectful and simply asked first. I turn toward the other woman and hold my hand

Quinn. Thank you for coming tonight.” I address

my manners?” Amelia chuckles, “Quinn, this is Sara, Gavin’s

Sara, looks me up and down, “So, this is

goes to say something, but I stop her by placing my hand on

but I can assure you that not one day went by where Amelia or Declan has treated me as such. To me, they are my extended family.” I try to keep my tone as light as possible, not wanting to make waves

“You allow such disrespect

going on about, Sara?” Amelia

the Alpha so informally is disrespectful, Amelia! Surely, as a

his title.” There is a bit of bite to Amelia’s

boy’s aunt!” Sara tries reminding the

CHAPTER 5

not share the same blood, so technically, you are in