The Pack Girl's Retribution (Sequel to The Pack's Girl)

Confronted by the Alpha

"Draven..." Hunter straightened. Then looked away. Lifting his hand slowly and realizing his pants were in them. He quickly stepped in.

Trying to put some manner between him and the fierce, dark-haired Alpha, who was now staring at us from across the spread of leaves and grass between the trees. He had his arms crossed across his chest and blatant fury on his face.

How'd he know?

In my panic, I bit my cheek and tucked my body against Hunter in an effort to hide all my bare flesh from the angry Alpha looking me up and down disdainfully.

Apparently unamused by my nudity.

"My Alpha." Hunter lowered his head in deference. "We were merely out for a morning frolic."

"That wasn't what I asked."

"Our intent wasn't to defy you." Hunter said quietly.

"But you did nonetheless."

"We only-"

"Enough!" Draven put up his hand. "Defiance is clear, and my consequence is clear."

Both of us gave him a stunned look.

Draven's voice was booming. He was nearly shaking the woods with his aggravation. His very presence was always intimidating.

Like he can steal all air from a room.

"You both have defied me!" He announced so loudly that I was certain creatures beyond the wall had to be hearing.

I heard a fuss behind me and coming through the trees behind Draven.

Vanquish and Racer appeared next to us. Having jogged from the cottage.

Vanquish reached sideways and thrust clothes at us.

I looked from his hand to his face and realized I had no choice if I wanted to regain any dignity. I heard the crushing of more branches and crackling leaves and knew without looking that much of the pack had now gathered to witness what was unfolding.

And here in the center, stood Hunter and I in all our naked glory.

I snatched the clothing and looked only up Hunter as I quickly stepped into my skirts and tugged the top up over my shoulders before rounding to face the alpha. Sheltering Hunter's privates from view.

Though his hands landed on my shoulders reassuringly and I became very certain he was far less bothered by that then by the confrontation with the alpha in general.

"What is it you want in apology, Draven?" Vanquish asked levelly. "For their indiscretions."

He almost spoke like we were wayward

children. But I sensed that the goal was to remind the alpha that though two of us had acted out of line, two had not. Hoping to urge Draven to reconsider whatever punishment he was fit to settle upon us.

"Do you deny, Hunter, that you've been sneaking beyond my walls to search for her house." Draven pointed at me. "An act I did not give you permission for."

Hunter winced. I felt the tension in his hands as he did. "I did do it."

"Why?"

Because I asked him to. I twisted to look back at him. Knowing the truth would put it back on me.

"Because I wanted to help her."

It was the only thing he could've said that didn't make it solely my fault.

I was struck again by the loyalty and protectiveness of

my mates. Always looking out for me. Caring for me. Doing all that I ask.