Chapter 3
“Boss,” someone says behind him, and he clears his throat, stepping back. The man before me exudes a more powerful presence than any alpha I’ve ever encountered. Despite his apparent concern for his son, he radiates an aura of authority that I can’t help but be drawn to, and yet, it also fills me with a deep–rooted fear.
His guard motions toward the paramedics, and he sighs, a sound that carries a weight of responsibility I can’t
comprehend.
“Really, it’s nothing,” I lie, my voice more steady than I feel. I need to go meet my mate, and I am already late, and Rhett hates having to wait for anyone.
“Thank you,” he repeats, the words carving themselves into the space between us.
I brush away the discomfort nagging at my limbs, trying to mask the pain as he reaches out a steadying hand when I pick up my discarded handbag. His touch is light but firm as he grips my arm, waiting for me to steady myself as I sway slightly.
“Soren,” he says, his name rolling off his tongue with a slight accent I can’t place. Why does that name sound familiar, like I‘ ve heard it before?
The men who had been in pursuit now stood back, making me glance around nervously when I realized the crowd we had
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gathered was now gone, and only men in suits stood in a circle around us.
My skin prickles with unease, wondering who this man is, that he has this many security guards following him, and to think. one small child escaped the lot of them; I try not to snicker at the thought. Soren turns to tell the paramedics they aren’t needed before returning to me.
Soren’s gaze holds mine with an intensity that makes me pause. “Let me take you to get checked out,” he insists gently. I’m about to decline again when he speaks. “Or, at the very least, let me buy you a coffee; there’s a café just around the corner.” I can’t help but feel torn. On one hand, I don’t want to impose on him or make him feel obligated to help me. But on the other hand, I’m curious about who he is, and I can’t deny that a cup of coffee sounds good right now.
I hesitate, keenly aware of the time slipping away. I am supposed to meet Rhett for lunch and don’t want to be late. “I really should be going. I’m meeting a friend,” I say, the words. feeling awkward as they tumbled out.
But this man doesn’t need to know about my complicated mate bond, and no one wants to admit they are the unwanted mate of an alpha; how embarrassing. He’d probably think there is something with me.
“Please,” Soren urges, his voice filled with genuine concern. “It‘ s the least I can do.”
Despite knowing I should decline, I find myself agreeing. His concern is rare in a pack where I often feel unwanted. As we make our way through the crowd, Soren places his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me. He smiles, pushes
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Chapter 3
the door open, and sets Max down. He rushes off toward a nearby booth. I follow the boy only to see his security remain outside. Once again, I try to recall where I have heard the name Soren before, my heart fluttering with a mix of curiosity and unease.
The café is quaint, and I take a seat next to Max while his father orders drinks. I sit awkwardly, debating if I should just get up and leave while the man isn’t looking, but I quickly toss. the idea away when I find Soren approaching us. He holds a tray with three cups and takes a seat across from me instead of the other side of his son. For a few moments, Max clutches. a cup of hot chocolate like a lifeline, his earlier panic subdued to quiet curiosity. He studies me over the rim, blue eyes wide and searching.
“Max was supposed to have a fun day at the park,” Soren said, his voice tinged with a father’s guilt as he ruffled his son’s hair. “But work called, and plans changed.”
“Seems to be a theme today,” I murmur, more to myself than. to them. Rhett’s accusations, his insinuations that I was just being jealous, echo in my head..
“Max thought I was choosing work over him again,” he says, his voice tinged with regret. Shadows play across his face, revealing a torment that resonates with my own inner turmoil. “I’m trying to make it right. Thank you for stepping in today.”
I glance at Max, his tiny fingers curled around the paper cup, chocolate mustache painting his upper lip. The fear from earlier in his eyes has faded, giving way to a child’s curiosity.
A shiver runs down my spine at the boy’s probing gaze; he is a child, yet he has an aura? Soren notices, his brow furrowing
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with worry. “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asks again, his voice low and laced with an accent that I still can’t place.
glance down at my leg, which was grazed and bleeding, to find it is healed now. I let out a breath, checking my ribs and hip. Relief floods me, knowing I won’t be a limping mess. walking into Rhett’s office and embarrassing him.
“Fine, all healed, see?” I show him only to realize what I am doing and quickly shove my shirt back down, realizing we are in public and that it was highly inappropriate to flash al stranger. He chuckles when my phone vibrates in my handbag. I pull it out and see that the wedding planner wants to know if Rhett is okay with the new wedding venue. I sigh, knowing I need to leave, and I rise from my seat; Rhett will already be angry with me for being late.
“Sorry, I need to go, I am so…” I trail off, not wanting to reveal too much. No one likes rogues; until Rhett marks me, that is what I am. Soren watches me closely, “Thank you for the coffee,” I tell him, grabbing the cup.
Max looks up at me with a pout, and I can tell he doesn’t want me to leave either. “It was nice meeting you both; really, it was.” Soren stands up with me. “Before you go, may I at least know your name?” He extends his hand again, and I take it gingerly this time.
“Bree,” I give him my nickname.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Bree,” he nods. I give Max a small wave before rushing out the door, wanting to see my
mate.
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