Read Online A Mate's Submission: (Hot Paranormal Shifter Romance) (Ozark Mountain Shifters Book 4) by P. Jameson - Free Book Online Page B

be challenges for us, for our pack. When the contenders stop coming for me, I’ll have to sort out this mess Jax created with the Elders. And after that, it’ll be something else. All we can hope for is a little peace in between storms.”
    A depressing outlook, but she wouldn’t lie to herself or to Seleka. It took years to make a mess of Ozarka and it would take years to fix it.
    Seleka shook her head. “I’m not strong like you. I don’t know if I can do this.”
    Avan frowned. Her sister’s words didn’t make sense. She played her role in the pack perfectly.
    “I’m too meek. I cry when things bother me. I worry and fret, and I don’t have an ounce of fight in me. How am I supposed to make it through this?” Tears danced with the brims of her eyes, but she seemed determined not to let them fall.
    Aw, damn. Seleka was all those things, but she was so much more. A pack didn’t survive by only the strong. It took all sorts, working together for the good of the whole.
    “I just want to be happy, Avan.”
    Avan did something she hadn’t done in years. She pulled her sister into a hug. “I know, Sel, I know. I want that too. And I’m trying my best.”
    Seleka shook her head. “It’s not that.”
    Avan pulled back, giving her a questioning look. Seleka began pacing again.
    “Your next fight… do you think it will be the last?”
    So that’s what was wrong. She was worried for Avan. It was damn sweet… but also, kind of insulting.
    Avan sighed. “I don’t know. There aren’t any other challengers in line, so that’s a good sign.”
    Seleka nodded. “And when do you fight Raden?”
    “Five days.”
    Seleka pressed her lips together. “Five days. So soon,” she muttered.
    “We’ll be fine, baby sis,” Avan assured her. “We always are. And you? You’re amazing. You know I don’t lie. The part you play in this pack is just as important as mine.”
    Seleka scoffed, shaking her head.
    “It’s true. There are princesses and then there are alphas. You are a princess; I’m a fucking alpha. But the only real difference is princesses wear crowns. I wear the blood of my enemies. You remind us how beautiful things can be, how sweet. You’re a breath of fresh air. I’m the one who makes sure we all have a chance to inhale it.” Avan shrugged a shoulder. “What good is breathing if there’s no air?”
    Seleka’s eyes glistened. “I love you,” she whispered.
    “I love you too. Always.” Avan’s throat clogged up. “Now, go. Stop worrying about me. It’s fucking embarrassing.”
    Seleka didn’t laugh. She crossed her arms, nodded, and pushed past Avan.
    ***
    Avan was lying in bed, trying—and failing—to sleep, when she heard the front door slide open and shut. There was only one wolf who would help himself to her cabin at this late hour.
    His footsteps were light as he moved around her place. She waited for him to make his way to her bedroom, but he never did. She tossed and turned for hours hoping to finally succumb to sleep, but she’d grown accustomed to feeling Lexar next to her, his body curving around hers while they slept. She should’ve never let him stay in her bed.
    She sat up, yanking the covers aside. Maybe she just needed to walk it off.
    Pacing the circuit around her bed didn’t really help, and soon, she found herself inching the door open to listen. There was no sound except for breathing. Her wolf was asleep.
    Avan stepped into the hall. She just wanted to see him. Then she’d go back to her room and punch herself in the face if that’s what it took to fall asleep.
    Lexar lounged on the couch with his feet propped on the coffee table. His hands were folded over his stomach. Avan swallowed, remembering his tight abs and the way they’d rippled with power as he thrust into her.
    She pushed the thought away.
    His head rested on the back of the couch, a baseball cap covering the eyes she loved to stare into.
    “Why aren’t you sleeping?” His rough voice startled