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

Kirk. He tried to kill my mate because he was human before Tal and I mated him.”
    “That was wrong, yes, and I get why you feel the way you do, but you have no idea what humans can do. None. So don’t you sit there and lecture me about something you know nothing about,” I snarled as my voice climbed.
    Dolf stared at me, neither of us saying anything until Dolf finally cleared his throat. “I’m going to ignore the snarling thing because you’re upset.”
    Aw fuck, what am I doing? Cringing, I tilted my head, baring my neck. “I’m sorry, Dolf. I wasn’t challenging you. Please believe me. I have no interest in leading. I’m not strong enough.”
    “I know. I also know Kirk’s right. When someone hates this deeply, there’s a reason.” Dolf held up a hand when I opened my mouth. “Something happened to you at some point, and I somehow missed it. It’s personal, so I’ll stay out of it. For now. I will say I’m hurt something this major transpired and I know nothing about it. I thought you knew you could come to me with anything.”
    “I… I’m sorry, Dolf. I seem to be saying that a lot. Back then I—I… It… It was a long time ago, and I just… I just can’t. Please don’t make me go there.”
    “I have a feeling you aren’t going to get a choice in the matter, so please remember I’m here for you. Keep in mind our goddess wouldn’t give you a mate who wasn’t perfect for you. You know by not claiming him, it’ll leave a hole in your life. You’ll always miss that special someone who’s your mate.”
    “We don’t have to claim the mates.”
    “Dad said the same thing in the beginning when we told him about Kirk. As I told him, ignoring Bast’s choice for us isn’t wise. You better think about this.”
    “There’s nothing to think about.” I stood. “Are you really buying dinner? I’m starved.”
    “Fine, I’ll drop it for now.” Dolf pulled out his keys. “Come on, we’ll take my truck. What are you in the mood for?”
    “Meat. A big slab of red meat.”
    “One steak coming up.” Dolf laughed.
     
     
    WE PARKED at Arches. Sam, a member of our clowder, had opened the steakhouse close to a year ago. Dolf, Tal, and Kirk often ate dinner there. I remembered Kirk’s surprise when he found out Sam was a werecat. It was priceless. Sam often supplied Kirk with wood when he still lived alone.
    Many of the older teens and young adults worked part-time at the restaurant or other clowder-based establishments while finishing high school or college. Alpha Armonty encouraged our children to attend college. He helped as much as he could to ensure everyone had a higher education. He might not fully trust humans, but he didn’t disdain their technology.
    I followed Dolf inside. The place was busy, but that was no surprise on a Friday night. I noticed several clowder members throughout the restaurant too. Each waved or nodded. After the waitress seated us and took our orders, I leaned back against the padded bench seat. A rather muscular black man with long braids walked down the aisle toward me.
    The guy was big and beefy, but that wasn’t what caught my attention. Neither was the fact he was a paranormal. I was unsure what species he was since I couldn’t place the scent right off the bat, but it wasn’t shifter.
    I stiffened as another scent teased my nose. What the hell? The alluring scent of the ocean flooded out from the male coming toward me. My cock immediately swelled and my jeans strangled my erection. I gripped the table, knuckles white as I struggled not to yowl. My head spun. That scent. It was the same one I’d smelled before.
    Except this time it was on the wrong person.
    Fury washed over me and my cat hissed in my mind, clawing in anger. Someone who was not me was wearing that scent. That was wrong. Horribly wrong. I glared at the man coming closer.
    “Um, Heller?”
    I ignored Dolf, instead focusing on the man nearly even with me. Who was this, and how dare he have