Chapter Seven

Raine POV

He’s my mate? How is that even possible? Full wolves don’t mate with others, we never have. I also know that the vampire hybrids won’t ever let anyone in or accept them if they don’t agree to become a vampire hybrid.

Then there’s the witch side. I know witches end up living among humans, especially witch-wolf hybrids. I know that the vampires use them, take everything they can from them.

How is that going to work? Even if he’s the alpha, he can’t change the laws, the way his people act and think.

“You’re quiet, Venom,” Axel says and he nudges me.

“You would be if you were told you had to marry someone and not find your mate.”

Vane chuckles. “Is Kai that bad?” He looks at me, and Kai smirks.

“No, but to me, Kai is a brother. I’ve grown up to see him as a brother.” I can’t get past that in my mind. I can’t see him as my husband and mate.

“You’re aware when he claims you, the feelings will come, right? So don’t worry,” Vane explains and I sigh.

Forced feelings, great. I stare out of the window at the passing scenery.

With the engagement announcement and party tonight, I don’t really have time to figure this out. I get it, my father is trying to protect me, but who better to protect me than my real mate?

Okay, I’m not sure Brax can, not with who he is. He can’t take me to his pack. Still, my father has no idea who my mate is, and typically, a mate protects you no matter what.

Kai... there’s the risk that he will find his mate, then what? I’m a trophy wife, something that sits on a shelf, there for show while he builds a family with his true mate.

“Sis?” Axel nudges me and I see the pack house.

Turning, I look at him. “I need you to promise me something.”

Sighing, he nods. “What is it?”

I look at where Kai and the others are stood waiting.

“If, and when, Kai finds his mate, don’t make me stay. Make him reject me and let me go. I don’t want to be on the sides, Axel, and I will be. We all know you can’t pick someone else over your true mate.”

“He’s not finding his mate, he’s travelled, his mate isn’t close by.”

“You don’t know she won’t show up.” He doesn’t know that.

“I promise, okay? If by some crazy chance his mate shows up, I’ll make sure you can go.”

I relax at that.

“But if you’ve had his pups, you can’t.”

“That’s not happening,” I mutter.

“Venom, come on. Once you’re claimed you will have a bond, it will happen.”

“Let me ask this, how would you feel if you were told you were to marry Lucy and claim her?”

He flinches and nods. “I get it, but that’s different, she’s like a little sister.”

“And Kai is like my big brother.” Rubbing my face, I push the car door open and get out. I stop when I see my mother. At least now I know why she hates me.

Stepping forward, I walk into the dining room and head straight for the table. I sit down without a word. For a while, the only sounds are silverware against plates and low conversation about pack updates. I stay quiet, pushing food around my plate and listening.

Kai sits right beside me. I can feel the tension rolling off him, and I know it’s only a matter of time before someone brings up Brax.

“How’s the shop doing?” my father asks, looking at me.

“It’s great,” I reply, keeping my voice even. “It’s busy. I’m getting new customers, and I’ve had a lot of bigger designs lately.”

He nods, smiling. “Kai agreed you could still run it once you’re married.”

Oh, how generous of him. Like I need his fucking permission.

“I’ve changed my mind,” Kai says suddenly.

My body tenses. I slowly turn to look at him.

“Come on, Venom,” Vane says. “Can you really blame him?”

“Yes,” I snap. “So I just lose my entire life? My free will?”

“What happened?” My father’s gaze sharpens as he looks between us. “You said last night you were fine with her still working.”

Kai glances at my brothers. They all nod in silent agreement.

“We got to the shop,” Vane starts, “and she was on the same guy again. There was a cushion between them this time, so I do believe it was innocent. But when Kai dragged her off him… the guy reacted. Badly.”

“A human?” my father asks, eyes narrowing.

“Try a vampire hybrid,” Kai sneers.

The entire table freezes. Betas, guards, everyone stops moving. The air grows thick with shock and hostility.

“Everyone out. Now,” my father roars.

Chairs scrape loudly as people file out quickly. When the door shuts, only immediate family and Kai’s beta remain.

“What the hell were you doing, Raine?” my father’s voice cuts through the silence like a blade.

“I didn’t know at first,” I say, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “He came in for a tattoo. He had the chance to hurt me and he didn’t. He just wanted the work done.”

My mother scoffs loudly. “So not only were you straddling a man, it was an enemy. Bravo, Raine. Excellent way to represent this family.”

“It wasn’t like that,” I snap back.

“Who is he?” my father demands, looking at my brothers.

“No idea,” Axel answers. “We didn’t get the chance to ask. We were too busy stopping him from killing Kai.”

I roll my eyes. “He wasn’t going to kill him.”

“No?” Kai bites out. “I was pinned against the wall by my throat with his fangs out.”

“Why would he react like that?” My father’s stare burns into me.

“Don’t ask me! I don’t even know him.”

Vane sighs. “He said something about never touching a woman like that again, even if she was his fiancée. What’s his name, Venom?”

I swallow hard.