His Loyalty

11

Madison stood silently as she listened to Jake speak to the group of wolves that approached them. He had been nothing but smiles and laughter with her, but in front of these males he was something completely different.

The moment they had approached she shut down. Her gaze dropped to the ground and she stiffened. Jake was very perceptive and placed himself in front of her. She smiled slightly, he was her own little protector. She could almost imagine his eyes narrowing at the intruders.

"What?" He barked.

She zoned them out, instead she found herself admiring his broad back. His shirt was pulled tight against the muscles. The sleeves straining against the thickness of his arms that were currently crossed over his chest. A low growl had her jumping and Jake immediately turned to smile reassuringly at her before facing forward again.

"You can tell the old bastard that I stand by what I said before. He can puff his chest out all he wants, he isn't the Alpha here and Lucas will stand by my decision. I won't budge."

"He has his son, and the girl is with him too." The shorter of the two males spoke.

"I don't care if he has his whole pack here. Madison is staying with me. She is mine, I won't give her up. You let them know that if they don't leave, I'll take this as an act of war. They will be wiped out."

Her eyes widened and she spoke on a scared whisper, "my father is here?"

Jake turned and took her into his arms, "you are safe here. You have nothing to fear."

"But what if," she began before Jake cut her off with a finger to her lips.

"No need to worry Kitten." He grinned down at her, "let me take care of you."

Madison was frozen. Never in her life had she ever had anyone want to willing care for her. This was so foreign to her and she was unsure what to say or do.

"Okay." She nodded.

The smile that broke out on his face could light up a room, but it quickly vanished as she spoke next.

"What do you want in return?"

Pure shock was written on his face before it quickly turned to anger. "What do you mean what do I want in return?"

Madison swallowed hard, her body beginning to shake in fear. "I, it's just that. Well, you see."

Jake stepped closer to her, "what is it?" His voice was calm, but still held a hint of anger.

"I have to earn what I want. Nothing is given freely. What do I need to do in return?"

Jake shook his head, "nothing. Maddie all I want is you."

That is what she feared. She knew he was set on having her, but now with his protection would that mean she would have to give herself to him? She swallowed hard and slowly took a step back.

Jake's eyes widened in realization, "no. That isn't what I meant. Did they make you?" He allowed his question to linger in the air, unfinished.

Madison stood quietly. There had been times that the male population had made bets about who could get her to do what. The longest going bet was to see who would be able to bed her. She had avoided all advances.

Rage filled his eyes before he gripped her hand and pushes pass the two men standing before him. She struggled to keep up with his stride and panicked at the fury she could feel rolling off of him.

"Jake?" She waited a moment with no response, "Jake?"

They quickly reached the house and Jake pulled her inside, still not responding to her. She wasn't sure what he was up to at the moment but whatever it was, it couldn't be good. One thing she did notice though was that the entire time he pulled her to the house, his touch was soft and gentle. Not once did he cause her discomfort.

"Landon!" Jake yelled out. 

The sound of a startled infant cry was followed by more angry footsteps. "Really Jake? What," Landon trailed off when he spotted the cold blooded fury on Jake's face.

"What the hell happened?"

Jake turned to her and kissed the top of her head before turning back to Landon.  He kept his arm wrapped around her shoulder, keeping her glued against his side. If Jake hadn't been so angry, Madison would have laughed.

Jake called out for Grace, who wasted no time in making her way to them. "Keep Madison here. Landon come with me." Jake kissed her head once more before removing his arm.

Madison could see the moment Landon went from angry father to brother and Alpha before the two of them stormed out of the house. Her mouth was opening and shutting, she was like a fish out of water. She couldn't believe the turn of events today. Being here would definitely keep her on her toes. There never seemed to be a dull moment.

"What's happening?" Grace looked at her curiously, her arms cradling her stomach.

Madison stood stunned and shook her head. "I don't know. My father is here and Jake he," Madison gasped, "he thinks I was forced into doing things with the males of my pack."

Grace gasped before shouting for Lucas. Madison didn't blame her for calling for him. He was still the Alpha and needed to know what was happening on his land. The next few moments happened quick, Lucas had rushed down the stairs with a look of complete panic on his face. The second he realized Grace was okay, he took a deep breath of relief. It didn't last though, Grace wasted no time in explaining what was happening.

Lucas growled, "that boy is going to get us into a heap of trouble." His eyes softened when they took Madison in, "I'm not blaming you at all for this. I'm happy my son fell for you like he did."

Madison watched as Lucas kissed Grace before bolting out of the house. The love between them could been seen by anyone who looked. How she wished that she could feel that type of love. Jake seemed to have already fallen for her. Could she ever feel the same way about him?

Madison didn't realize how deep in thought she was until Grace spoke.

"He is a good guy who loved unconditionally. He'll never hurt you Madison. Just give him a chance, you won't regret it."

Madison stood silently as she thought about what Grace said. Could she ever trust him enough not to hurt her like everyone else in her life? What if he grew tired of her and sent her back to her father? What if he decided her sister was better suited?

"Stop, I can see the thoughts running through you head." Grace smiled and motioned her to follow.

Madison walked behind her quietly, only speaking up when they reached the kitchen and Grace began to pull out ingredients for dinner.

"You know, there was a time I couldn't cook." She looked around with a smile on her face, "I almost burned this house to the ground."

Madison wanted to laugh but something was eating away at her. "How do you know he won't hurt me?"

A bright smile took over Grace's face. "Because, I recognize the look he gives you. It's the same look that Lucas gives me."

Madison shook her head, "I don't understand."

Grace laughed, "he would never do anything to intentionally hurt you Madison. With the exception of my dimwit," a look passed over Grace's face but quickly vanished, "a male could never hurt his mate."