Read Online Behind the Eight Ball by M.A. Church - Free Book Online Page B

meant Marshell called Heller a beta. I hated how carefully we had to speak about things, but since we were in public, we didn’t have a choice.
    “He’s part of the second-ranking individuals within the dominance hierarchy. He’s one of them. The others are Aidric LeClair, Brier Fendon, and Remi Ginn. I’ve known all of them since birth.”
    “I get that. I also know how some of you feel about my, um, kind,” I said. Oh yeah, I was well aware how many paranormals felt about humans.
    Paranormals had laws, a government, and punishments suited to their kind. In each territory they voted for which elected Alpha was on the ballot. The winner led that territory and their title was territory leader. They were like human governors.
    There were five territories in the US: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Island, and Western Zones. Those five territory leaders joined with other territory leaders from around the world to make up the Alliance of Paranormals, which had over a hundred members. They had the power to change laws voted on by territory leaders. It was a lot like the human Supreme Court.
    Dolf nodded. “It’s no secret, true. But you’re friends with Janelle and Marshell, so you aren’t totally unaware of the issues. I also want you to know I have two mates, Tal and Kirk. Kirk was like you.”
    Meaning Kirk was human. Could he shift like Dolf and Heller? It looked like I was going to be studying up on werecats.
    “Huh,” Janelle said. “Odd, but threesomes aren’t unheard of.”
    “No, they’re not. It was a shock, though. Tal and I had been together for a long time when we found Kirk. I have to tell you, his assimilation wasn’t without… problems.”
    Marshell cocked his head. “In what way? Considering what your position is, I’d think there would be a minimum of problems.”
    Dolf grimaced. “There’s no way to pretty this up, so I’ll be blunt. An ex member—and yes, an ex-lover—tried to kill Kirk. Part of it had to do with who Kirk was before we mated him, but it also had to do with my position. This person didn’t feel I was worthy to lead with Kirk as a mate.”
    “Good gods,” Janelle whispered. “That’s insane.”
    Dolf nodded. “Agreed. It cost him his life. No one messes with my mates, or any mates in my clowder.”
    Marshell glared at Dolf. “Do you really think we’d let Lawson join you after hearing that?”
    “I don’t believe that’s your choice to make,” Dolf replied evenly.
    “Um, I’m sitting right here, guys,” I said. “I’m more than capable of making my own decisions. Plus everyone’s assuming Heller wants me.”
    “Oh, he wants you. He just doesn’t want you to be… you know.” Dolf waited as the waitress brought out their food and left before speaking again. “After the mating takes place, what Lawson is will change. We all know that. Heller knows that. Doesn’t change the fact you haven’t been raised as we were or have our values.”
    I nibbled at my steak. “Maybe not, but I have a better handle on this than most. I’ve been part of their, ah, lives”—I nodded at Marshell and Janelle—“for a good ten years, and known about them for eight. They accepted me, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.”
    Dolf looked from me to my friends. “I imagine there’s a story there. A very interesting one, I bet.”
    “Yeah.” Dolf seemed like a nice guy, and I might end up being part of his clowder one day, but my relationship with the Vetala wasn’t any of his business. Yet.
    Sam eventually joined us, and everyone could see how he and Janelle acted toward one another. It was nice, but jealousy went hand in hand with how pleased I was she’d found her mate. I couldn’t help it. That should’ve been Heller and me. Instead I was stuck here watching this play out while Heller was God only knew where.
    Dinner was finally over, and still no sign of my mate. Janelle and Sam stayed at the restaurant. She had her car and could leave when ready. Dolf went home