Caught in the crossfire

11

Alaric dragged Kay into his office before releasing her, the door slamming behind them.

"What's going on?!" and "Can't you ever just stay were you're put?!" they demanded in unison.

"What did she mean an 'understanding'? What is really going on here?" Kay insisted.

"That is none of your concern."

"Really? I thought mates were supposed to be open and honest with each other." She spat "oh, right, my bad. We aren't mates."

Alaric's eyes instantly darkened. And doing the one thing you should never do, Kay turned her back on an angry Alpha. Immediately, he shot a hand out and grabbing her shoulder, he spun her roughly into him kissing her hard. For a second she stood frozen in shock before instinctively melting into his kiss, tingles and sparks dancing across her skin wherever they touched.

He pulled away, both breathing heavily, and rested his forehead on hers. "I'm sorry. The things I've said, what I've done... you were right Kay. I do want you. You're mine. Mate."

Gently he leaned in for another kiss but this time Kay pulled away.

"No. No!" She shook her head, stepping back and still breathing hard, "You don't get to do that. You can't just say and do all of those things... try to kill me even, then kiss me and expect everything to be ok!"

"Kay. I didn't mean-" he began pleading.

"And by the way, haven't you ever heard of consent?!" She berated, what little hope he had drained from his eyes.

"Next time I want to be kissed..." slinking back towards him she ran her hands across his chest and leaned in so that her breath caressed his lips "I'll let you know." With that she gave him a little shove and darted out the door.

Looking down the hall in the direction she and Alaric had come she saw her brother heading towards her. Turning on her heel she decided to march the other way. She didn't want to fight with him and that was likely what would happen if they talked right now. It must have taken a moment for Alaric to come to himself after their little interaction because Kay made it all the way outside before he caught up with her.

"Kay," he said, again grabbing her arm, "listen."

She turned to retort only to find his eyes were now glazed over. Seriously?! She though, people around here link each other at the worst times! Taking advantage of his momentary distraction she broke free of his hold. She'd hardly taken two steps though before he had her again.

"Alaric!" She whipped around with a deadly glare.

For a fraction of a second he froze before a genuine smile began to spread across his face.

"What are you smiling for, huh?" She snapped.

"That's the first time you've said my name" he replied.

"So?"

"So?? I kind of like it." He stated. "Now come back inside."

"No! Let go. Let go! Alaric!!" She dug her heels into the ground.

Suddenly a chorus of growls sounded from behind her. Whipping her head around she was relieved to see it was the Rock Creek Pack! In an instant Alaric was in between them and her in a protective stance, a deep menacing growl reverberating through his chest.

The two lead wolves stepped forward to shift. The Alpha's son Benjamin and his cousin Garreth.

"Get your hands off her you bastard!" Growled Gare.

Throwing his arm out to the side Ben stopped his cousin before he could do something rash. "Give us our girls back and we'll leave in peace." He growled to Alaric.

Straitening his posture Alaric laughed. "You really think you stand a chance against us? You know you don't or you wouldn't have first offered 'peace' after your resent humiliation" he goaded. "But fine, since I'm feeling merciful today I'll make you a deal..."

By this time Silver Fang warriors had already began to gather. Looking around, Kay could see glimpses of them in the forest beyond as well. Rock Creek would soon be surrounded!

As the eyes of all the Rock Creek warriors were suddenly trained behind Kay she glanced back to see what they were looking at. Andreya. One of the Silver Fang warriors was escorting Andy towards her.

"Ben!", "Andreya!" The two mates called to each other.

"I'll give you back your mate little Alpha and grant you safe passage off my lands if... Kay agrees to stay." He said, boring straight into Kay's eyes, then whispered for only her to hear, "for always."

"No!" Cried Andreya. Breaking free she ran to embrace her friend, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I won't leave you!"

"It's ok." Kay soothed. Pulling back she pulled the earring from her pocket and placed it in Andy's hand. "I'll be ok. I promise."

"Kay..." she sobbed.

"Shh. No one needs to get hurt. Especially not on my account." Kay smiled encouragingly. "You go."

Looking up she spoke out with resolve "I'll stay."

"Kay?!" Cried Gare in shock.

"Kay. You don't have to do this!" Reasoned Ben.

"I'll stay." She affirmed. "There's no sense in fighting" she glanced again at the Silver Fang warriors lying in wait. "Besides..." she looked at Alaric "he's my mate."

There was a brief moment of shocked silence. Then, nodding solemnly to Kay, Ben walked forward alone to receive his mate. Taking her gingerly to him the two retreated and the pack left quietly, a sense of somberness settling in their wake.

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Hey all! So, they both finally acknowledged their bond to each other! Maybe things will start looking up? As always, thanks for reading and let me know what you think :)