The Silver Dagger

Truth

Sorry it's taking me a little longer to get chapters up.  I ran into a few I didn't like and started rewriting.  The good news is, there's only a few left, so hang in there with me!

Nate's wolf relaxed a little as Aiyana opened the door to her bedroom. He'd known she was safe but all those dominant wolves down in the kitchen were making his wolf nervous. She'd donned a pair of slacks and a blouse that made her look like the young professional she would one day be and with the power she radiated, she was as intimidating as she was beautiful. He offered her the napkin-bound package in his hand. "I brought you a muffin. There wasn't much else left."

Her hand touched his as she took it, and he relished the contact. Had she even noticed? "Thank you, Nate. This is perfect. Did you find your mom?"

"Yeah, she's waiting for us downstairs."

Aiyana nodded. "I have to go with Alpha Miguel to fetch the prisoners. I'll see you down there."

His hand shot out to grab her arm. "I'll go with you."

A little wrinkle appeared between her eyebrows as she looked down at his hand. He loosened his grip but didn't let go. "Please. It's dangerous. I'm worried for you."

She shook her head. To his relief, her hazel eyes looked almost amused as she looked back up into his own. "It's not. They're all behind bars and Alpha Miguel will be with me, but you can come."

"Aiyana." He pulled her into his arms. Ever since he'd asked her to marry him things had changed between them. She was more reserved and less responsive to his touch, although that could be due to Cliff's presence. She'd barely left her ex-mate's side since he broke his foot. He'd never wanted to fight someone so bad in his life, but he couldn't exactly challenge an unconscious wolf with a hole in his chest.

She melted against him and some of his apprehension faded. Maybe the hesitation he sensed was all in his imagination. He kissed the top of her head. "I love you Aiyana."

She turned her head and kissed his jaw but didn't say she loved him back. She did, however, return his kiss when he pressed his lips against hers and looked just as affected as he was when he pulled away. He wanted to kiss her more, but everyone was waiting and the faster they could get this done the faster he could have her all to himself again. Maybe if he could take her someplace away from everyone for the day, he could convince her to say yes.

Alpha Miguel and several of the pack guards were already waiting at the front door when they came down the stairs. The power flowing from the packed great room made his hackles rise. His dad was one of the most powerful alphas in the United States, so he'd been around strong wolves all his life, but never around so many with his unclaimed mate. His wolf surged forward, fighting to emerge.

"Nate, are you okay?"

Aiyana's voice was a balm to both he and his wolf. He opened his eyes to find hers on him, full of concern. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just need some air." 

Alpha Miguel raised a knowing eyebrow, but didn't say anything as he led them out of the house. Nate's wolf calmed a little once they were out in the fresh air, but refused to leave Aiyana's side. She took his hand without looking at him, but her touch and her concern calmed him even more. He'd always had a very even temper - a weak wolf according to his dad and older brother - but since meeting Aiyana that had changed. Even though most bonded wolves didn't bother with a traditional marriage since the mate bond was more binding, it felt like he'd made an official claim when he'd offered her the ring. Now his instincts were yelling at him to challenge every male that came close while they waited for her acceptance. If she said yes...no, when she said yes, he was going to insist they merge immediately for the sake of his sanity.