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But I nodded my head, trying not to laugh as he continued in his business voice.
On Saturday the 2nd of June, you snuck into my club underage. I warned every single male wolf off of you that night-
You did ?
Yeah, don’t interrupt. I pursed my lips and let him continue. I didn’t do it because you are my mate. I did it because it was my responsibility as a club owner and an alpha that I provide safety to every human that comes into the club. Is that clear ?
Yeah, I nodded, becoming slightly amused.
I brought you into my office to tell you that I do not permit underage students in my club and that you should leave. I didn’t kiss you or want you in any way. Are you still with me, or are you going to continue laughing ? He raised his eyebrow.
I flushed and stopped silently giggling to myself. This was just ridiculously funny. Sorry.
You were on your way to the train station when you were suddenly attacked. You did not see this person’s face or know who it was, but he bit your neck and left you on the sidewalk. On my way home I found you and being the good alpha that I am, I brought your pert little ass back to my place to make sure you were okay. I did not lose control and kiss you. I did not mark you because we have a mating bond. I brought you upstairs, gave you something to wear and put you in the guest bedroom.
I snorted at the pert little ass comment, remembering how he was that night. But what about Jenny ?
I’m getting to that, he said looking down at the list. You met Jenny. I told her that you were attacked. What I didn’t tell her is that you hijacked my car and left during the night, so we need to sort out the mustang when we get back. This is where it gets tricky though.
I nodded, still aptly taking everything in. Okay.
The part that’s a lie is the supposed person that attacked you after you left the club was a pureblood werewolf. This is the only thing I can think of that will get us both out of trouble. You don’t know who your mate is. He bit you and left. But because it happened on my territory, I decided to keep you close to me by offering you an assistant job because you were interested in my club. I did this to keep an eye on you. You still know Toby through your brother and I told him to watch you too, not because you’re mine or because you’re my mate, but because you were marked randomly, got it ?
I think so. I frowned at how complex this was. So basically Colton didn’t mark me, what happened between us never happened. Instead, someone else marked me.
That’s everything, he slid the paper towards me and I took hold of it. Everything he said, minus the pert little ass comment was written down in bullet points. I smiled at that.
What about Toby and his lie ?
He said that you were his mate because he was protecting my secret investigation into who is your mate and why you were marked. I didn’t want anyone to know about it because I was worried in case it was somebody in my family who bit you and I wanted to protect them. I have told the council this-
The council ? I interrupted.
Yeah, a council of elders who create the rules. I’ve already explained everything to them and they have brought it, so everything has been covered. This is just in case Marcus continues being suspicious over you in regards to Jenny.
I took a deep breath and blew it out. Wow, you really have thought about this.
How many lies was that ? That couldn’t be good for either of our Karmas. He sighed lazily and looked at me, his eyes trailing over my face and hair. I probably looked a mess, I hadn’t showered yet.
Yeah, I have. Because despite everything, I refuse to give you up or leave you alone. Call it selfish, but I need you like I need air to breathe and it’s becoming unbearable to be away from you. Maybe that’s a mate thing, but it’s not like I know how these things work. All I know is that you’re mine and I’d like to keep it that way.
My face grew hot from his words, he really wanted this to work. He wanted everything and I didn’t know whether I was a fool to be going along with this. But being away from him too was annoying and I wanted to be around him, I wanted him to be interested in me.
Wouldn’t werewolves be able to smell my permanent hickey ?
Colton looked offended. It’s not a hickey !
Yes it is, I teased with a smile to try and lighten the mood between us.
He rolled his eyes. It’s not. And yes they can. Use that makeup you used when you went to Toby and Jared’s party. Jared couldn’t smell my scent whatsoever when you used that. We’ll have to tread carefully from now on.
I nodded my head. Right, so what about this thing between us.
What thing ?
I diverted my eyes away. This…wanting to complete the mating ?
Colton smiled. If you’re asking if other werewolves can sense that between us then no, they can’t. That’s between me and you. We have a bond, but it’ll become even more so when we mate, so we might want to avoid that.
I nodded. Oh, okay.
I heard Colton sigh then. Layla, if you don’t want this, I’ll understand.
Whoa, what ? What happened to I refuse to let you go ? I frowned as I watched his expression appear wary once again. Was he doubting things ?
Why would you think I wouldn’t want this ?
He poured out another cup of tea and pushed one of his hands through his hair. It was then I noticed how tired and stressed he looked. I frowned, I didn’t like seeing it. I wanted him to be happy.
I don’t know. I’m just aware that this is a lot of take in and ask from you. I’m not very good with this. I like getting what I want, but I don’t want to hurt you either.
It would be easier if you just left me alone for a while, I stated and he nodded thoughtfully.
I know, but I don’t want to risk losing you. I want you around me. Just because we have this mating bond, doesn’t mean you can’t be with other guys, he said.
I sighed through my nose. I didn’t want to be with anybody else. He was keeping me close because he was worried I would get with someone else ?
What to do ? Walk away or stay ? The thought of leaving Colton was more than I could bear, especially when I came to the conclusion last night at how much I wanted him in my life. Apart from all of this mess, he was sweet, caring and made me feel so special.
It was funny actually, the death threat looming in the air wasn’t at all bothering me. I knew if Marcus found out that it was Colton who mated with me, I would probably be killed. I wasn’t stupid and knew this was the reason why Colton was taking so many precautions in the first place.
But I was worried about him, Colton and this revenge thing I knew so little about. He was hiding something deep and it had something to do with Jenny’s family. What was it ?
I cleared my throat, my brain working overtime. I’d like to negotiate my own terms.
Colton’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but he looked somewhat amused. Oh ?
I want you to persuade me. You have until Monday to convince me that walking away from you would be the biggest mistake of my life.
Colton looked at me for a long moment, until finally a smile stretched out over his mouth. He stood up then and leaned his hands on the table, his face deadly serious and sexy.
Challenge accepted.
I smiled and pushed my chair away from the table. I’m going to get a shower. I hope you have a plan.
Believe me, I do.
I was sat on the couch with my arms folded across my chest, my hair was still damp from the shower I just had and I smelled of my favourite perfume.