Read Online NocC 013 - Katie Reus - Protector's Mate - Harlequin 2012-04 by Nocturne - Free Book Online Page A

Besides, Knox is a good Alpha and Alaric is a good second in command. This is a strong pack.”
    Holding her hand up to block the glaring sun, she tried to gauge his expression. “You really think so?”
    “Yeah. He’s a lot better than Lamont.”
    A demon would be better than the dead wolf. She didn’t voice her thoughts and Chris continued. “Most of us work in one of Knox’s hotels or other establishments and he’s helping a lot of the younger she-wolves with college.”
    Felicia struggled to hide her surprise. She’d depended on scholarships and grants to get through school despite Lamont’s objections. He hadn’t thought she needed an education. He’d preferred his females to spend their time on their backs with their legs spread. “So Knox is…fair?” Despite her attempt to sound casual, the question came out strained. She knew what Alaric had told her but it wouldn’t hurt to get another opinion.
    “From what I can tell.”
    “What about Alaric?”
    “He handles a lot of the day-to-day skirmishes and he’s fair too. Everyone respects him. That’s why I don’t understand why he’s taking Amanda as his mate.”
    She could feel the blood drain from her face and a low buzz started in her ears. “He’s what?”
    He glanced around then lowered his voice. “That’s what I heard. Someone told me he was on his way to see her right now. That woman has been after him from practically the moment we assimilated into Knox’s pack. She barely mourned her mate’s death. It’s shameful.”
    Felicia pressed an unsteady hand to her stomach as Chris’s words sank in. She could think only about everything she’d shared with Alaric. And what she’d planned to happen between them once he got back. There was no way she’d imagined how much he wanted her. I’m such an idiot. Hating her stupidity, she bit back a curse. Alaric had never made any promises to her. Sure he’d told her how much he wanted her but that didn’t mean anything. “Listen, it’s great to see you but I’m not feeling well. Probably jet lag. Would you mind if we caught up later?”
    He nodded enthusiastically. “Sure. I’m really glad you’re back, Felicia. There were a few of us who hated the way Lamont treated you and…I’m sorry I never did anything.”
    Her throat tightened at his unexpected apology. “Thank you.”
    Once Chris was gone, she hurried back inside and fought to breathe steadily. Chris had to be wrong. She picked up the portable on Alaric’s nightstand. She tried calling Rainer first but he didn’t answer so she tried the next number on the list. Conrad. Another of Alaric’s brothers.
    “Hello?” a deep male voice answered.
    Thankful he couldn’t see her flushed face, she cleared her throat. “Um, you don’t know me but—”
    “I’m assuming this is Felicia, since you’re calling from my brother’s direct line.”
    “Oh, right.” She’d forgotten about caller ID.
    “Is everything okay?”
    Knowing she was going to sound needy, she simply cringed and forged on. “I just wondered if you knew where Alaric was.”
    “Yeah, I think he’s still at Amanda’s but he should be heading back soon.”
    The low buzzing in her ears from earlier flared to life. “Thanks.” Without bothering to respond further because she didn’t trust her voice, she hung up the phone.
    She didn’t want to believe any of it but the proof was right in front of her face. The knowledge that Alaric was going to mate with Amanda rattled around inside her like hot, scorching lava. It burned up everything in its path with no mercy. She had no claim on Alaric but she’d thought he was different. The way he’d looked at her…a man couldn’t fake that kind of need. So he wanted her—big deal—she still wasn’t good enough to mate with. That burned a crater-size hole in her stomach. Tears pricked her eyes and she angrily brushed them away.
    She was tired of everyone treating her as if she didn’t matter and tired of having to