The Bad Boy's Promises

Change of plans

Nova

Tabby was true to her word and let me stay with Shirley for a few days before taking me back to Stanwood to my stupid mate. She assured me that Kendall would treat me better. Yeah, okay. I'll believe it when I see it.

We pulled up to a massive house and got out of the car.

"This isn't the clubhouse," I said across the car's rooftop.

"No, it's not." Tabby shook her head. "It's our home."

"Wait. I thought most bikers live at the clubhouse."

"Only the ones without families or wives. Cress prefers his crew or pack to settle down in a house once they meet their mate."

"What about before they meet their mate?"

"The members are free to do whatever they want except bring a club girl to the clubhouse. Cress's rule."

"Could Cress give my dad the same rule?"

Tabby smiled. "Unfortunately, no. The prez or alpha runs their crew their way. But you will understand how everything works once you settle into a routine with Kendall."

"I'm still not sure about this arrangement."

"You don't have a choice."

That was the story of my life. No one gave me any choices.

I followed Tabby inside to find Cress, Kendall, and Riley waiting for us.  Tabby waved at them to follow us into this vast ass living room. Holy donkey balls! I've never seen a room this size.

"So, Nova agreed to return," Tabby said.

"Actually, I didn't have a choice." I raised my finger before lowering it.

Tabby arched her brow at me.

"I wanted to clarify any misunderstandings before we proceed." I shrugged.

Tabby shook her head and turned to her family. "As I was saying, Nova returned with a stipulation."

What stipulation? I don't remember having this conversation.

"She and Kendall will work together to get along while they figure out their mateship. There will never be any threats," Tabby glanced at Kendall, "or running away," she shifted her gaze to me. "You need to learn how to work together to lead this pack. An alpha is only as strong as his Luna and good as his pack members. He's the one who protects his family. Understand?"

"Yes," Kendall and I said.

"Good. We'll leave you to it." Tabby ushered Cress and Riley out of the room, leaving Kendall and me alone.

"You changed your hair." Kendall pointed to my hairstyle and color.

"It helps when you're hiding from someone." I smirked.

"I preferred your other color. This one isn't you."

"How would you know? You don't even know me."

"You're right. I don't know you."

I folded my arms and looked at Kendall.

"I've never had a mate or a girlfriend."

"What about Cindy Lou?" I raised my brow.

Kendall shook his head. "Not even her."

"Were you waiting for your mate?"

"No."

I closed my eyes and counted to ten before opening them. "No offense. It's not like I knew anything about werewolves until you turned into one. A little heads up would have been nice."