“Only as my mate and even then I don’t know that any of them would want me. I don’t offer much in the way of pack politics.”
“What about your connection with Sam and Nafarius? That has to be worth something? The fact that you’ve lived with them for almost a year and they both obviously care for you should strength your position.” Alex’s heart went out to the young woman.
“I don’t know.” Maddie stood and gathered her things.
It was obvious that she was upset by what she saw as a hopeless situation and Alex felt bad for having brought it up. “I know it is a pretty worthless offer but if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. It’s the least I can do for the kindness you’ve shown me.”
Maddie smiled but said nothing as she left. Alex spent the rest of the day thinking about their visit and waiting for her to return. To his disappointment another young women brought him his supper that night. Dark hair that reminded him of Sam she introduced herself as Natasha. She was heavy with pregnancy, but her movements were still sure and graceful despite her bulging belly. Natasha set down his food and left.
The next day Nafarius and Sam stood outside in the clearing. Nafarius had stripped down to the waist while Sam wore a pair of tight shorts and a tank top. Both of them were covered with a fine sheen of sweat. For all her natural ability Sam had not been born a fighter and Nafarius was working with her to see that her training went well. Despite her smaller size she insisted that Nafarius treat her as he would any other member and all she had to show for it was a back covered in bruises. Time and time again Nafarius attacked. Quick and lethal he knew her strengths and weakness and exploited them both. Finally, after an hour Sam learned how to compensate for the weakness on her left side. She was naturally inclinded to attack and defend from the right, which was her stronger side. Therefore, Nafarius came at her left side, which was often open and vulnerable. He was pleased when she finally caught him coming at her from the left and defended accordingly.
Proud of herself, Sam watched as Nafarius was caught off balance and landed on his side. Taking advantage of the situation she came back and moved in for the attack. Nafarius saw her coming but instead of defending let her momentum carry them both over. Laughing, they ended up in a pile of sweat covered limbs. Those pack members that had been watching shook their head and moved off knowing that the serious training had ended for the day.
Riley waited until the two had once again regained their feet before approaching. “Nafarius, may I have a moment of your time?”
Nafarius gave Sam a silent look. They had discusses Riley’s interest in Maddie and the events of a few nights before and both had come to an agreement. “Of course.”
Riley looked from Nafarius to Sam and realized that he would have to make his request before his mistress as well as his leader. “I would like to formally ask your permission to take Madeline as my mate.”
Nafarius thought for a moment choosing his words carefully. “While it is true that Maddie has been under the protection of my mate for nearly a year she is a grown woman on her own. She no longer lives at her father’s hearth but has chosen to share ours therefore it is up to her to decide who she will take as a mate.”
Riley was speechless. Usually, a woman could choose her mate and in fact he had to be strong enough to take her. If he could not conquer her during the mating processes then she was free to choose a stronger mate. However, Maddie was the weakest member of their pack, she couldn’t defend herself against Riley or anyone else. If she was left to decide for herself then it was likely that she would end up with someone other then himself. Unbeknownst to either of them, Alex had been correct. Maddie’s position with Nafarius and Sam made her an ideal mate beside which she was beautiful and there were many males within the pack that would be more than happy to have her in their furs.
Sam could see that Riley understood the implications and was struggling to come to grips with them. “You’ll need to speak with Maddie yourself. Neither Nafarius nor I will interfere on any members’ behalf when it comes to who she chooses.”
“I see.” Riley turned and went to find Maddie. He didn’t like the idea of approaching her and requesting that she chose him as her mate. It felt too much like begging which was something he didn’t do. However, if he didn’t approach her soon there was every chance that someone else would.
He found her in the gardens. She was bent over weeding wearing a simple sundress. A large straw hat covered her head from the afternoon sun. “Maddie.”
She looked up at her name, a slight frown forming between her blonde brows before she pasted a small smile on her face. “Hello, Riley, what are you doing here?”
“I came to speak with you. I just spoke with Nafarius and Sam. They informed me that you will be allowed to choose your mate despite residing at their hearth.” The last was added to show his disapproval of the situation.
“Yes, I know. We talked about it last night.” Maddie knew what was coming and sought to cut him off. “I haven’t yet decided who I want as a mate.”
“I would like you to consider me.” Riley stood still and waited.
Maddie sighed and sat back on her heels. It would have been so much easier if Riley had just left well enough alone. Although she didn’t know who she wanted as a mate one thing she was sure of was that she didn’t want Riley. While he was a good match in many regards he wasn’t someone she could see spending the rest of her life with. He wasn’t blonde, broad across the chest with blue eyes like…oh Lord. She couldn’t be seriously considering…if anyone knew what she was thinking…
“Maddie? Did you hear what I said?”
“As I said, I’m not ready to make a decision.” She was trying to be diplomatic but he wasn’t taking the hint.
“I’m not asking you to make a decision, all I’m asking is that you at least consider me.” Riley bit his tongue and swore he wouldn’t say another word. Otherwise he would start to beg.
Maddie knew it would be easier to let him believe she was seriously considering him but it wouldn’t be fair. “I’m sorry Riley. I don’t see myself spending the rest of my life with you.”
“Why not?” Now he was angry; how dare she dismiss him out of hand!
“Because I don’t love you.”