Read Online The Gathering by Lily Graison - Free Book Online Page B

hurt any less. Rayna laughed lightly before looking across the
room. When she knew she could look at him without lashing out, she
turned her head back to him. “So, instead of the pack knowing me as
your mate, I’ll just be the slut who lets you crawl into her bed,
right?”
    His eyes darkened, the grip on her arm
tightening until she had to clench her jaw to keep from crying out.
“No one would ever think that of you.”
    “No?” She laughed again. “And what will your
new mate think? How long do you think she’s going to let you crawl
into my bed?”
    “She’ll be my mate in name only, Rayna, and
you know it. I chose you. The wolf chose you. Nothing Carmen says
or does will change that.”
    “And nothing you can say or do will make me
stay here while you, and everyone else in the house, pretends she’s
yours!” She jerked her arm free, crossing the room to snatch up her
jacket. He grabbed her before she could turn around. “Let me go,
Garrett.”
    His arms circled her waist and she knew
without trying she wouldn’t be able to move. She sighed and closed
her eyes, fighting back tears. She was through crying. Through
being the victim.
    Since the day she’d arrived in Wolf’s Creek
her life had been one roller coaster ride after another. She’d been
chased, scared half to death, punched, bruised and made to feel
insignificant. Days spent confined to a bed while the torn flesh on
her stomach healed left her feeling fragile. Weeks trying to come
to terms with the infection that allowed a monster to live inside
her body left her confused and vulnerable. The only thing good to
come from her entire ordeal was Garrett. Her suffering had been
eased by his presence, in knowing that no matter what happened,
he’d be there for her.
    And now this.
    Finally being able to say Garrett was hers
had been just another cruel twist of fate. For whatever reason, the
marks he’d left on Carmen all those years ago were enough in the
eyes of the pack to make them forget he’d chosen her, instead. A
human, turned werewolf, while he was trying to protect her.
    Garrett lowered his head, burying his face
into her hair. His breath was hot against her neck, his arms
tightening around her waist. She sighed and leaned back against
him. “Just let me go, Garrett.”
    “I can’t do that.”
    “Why? Twenty minutes ago you told me I had to
leave. Now you won’t let me.”
    “Twenty minutes ago all I was thinking about
was your safety.”
    “And now?”
    He turned her in his arms, holding her close.
“I’m just thinking about myself right now.” He raised his hand,
brushing her hair away from her face. “I’ve wanted you since the
moment I saw you Rayna, and I can’t just let you go. I won’t. I’ll
fight her myself if I have to.”
    Rayna stared up at him and wanted to give in.
To just let him have his way. To stay and be his mistress while
Carmen ruled the house. She couldn’t though. She wouldn’t stay and
let Carmen win without lifting a finger in protest. She’d rather
get beaten down and made to stay.
    Neither would happen.
    Shaking her head, she raised her hands,
placing them on his chest and tried to move away from him. His arms
tightened and trying to break from his grasp was useless.
“Garrett…”
    “Look me in the eye and tell me, honestly,
you want to go and I’ll let you.”
    She knew that was a lie but wasn’t about to
say so. Regardless of what Garrett said or did, that wolf of his
would think otherwise. She’d seen that first hand and knew no
matter what happened, Garrett would be forced to go along with the
wolf. She knew without a doubt he wouldn’t let her go. It was why
Garrett was trying to keep her now instead of sending her away.
Because the wolf demanded it.
    Inhaling deeply to calm her racing heart, she
looked him in the eye and lied. “I want to go.”
    He had the nerve to smile at her. “You’re
lying.”
    Rayna’s temper flared again at the smug look
on his face. “Prove