Embracing the Wolf - Book #2 (Anna Avery) by Stephanie Nelson Read Free Book Online

worth a try.”
    “I don’t want Anna near Anthony without me, or someone equally powerful, present. He’s already kidnapped her once,” Adam said.
    I crossed my arms and shifted my weight, causing my hip to cock out. “I’m not helpless. I’ve learned a lot from Elle, and when he kidnapped me, I had just gotten in a car accident.”
    Adam smiled down at me. “I know you’re not helpless, Chante. I simply don’t want you alone with him … for my own peace of mind. The convention already comes with threats; I don’t want to add to them.”
    I thought about the threats Adam was talking about. While I was feeling more confident with my fighting skills, I wondered how much I was going to have to use them. Now that I knew I was bonded to a man from an olde bloodline, I would have to be on constant watch. My and Adam’s relationship was especially sensitive because we’re linked as Chantes. If something were to happen to me, it would end up destroying Adam and vice versa. That was a lot of pressure. I had to keep myself safe, no matter the cost, in order to keep Adam safe. I watched Adam as he talked with Wade and wondered how someone so powerful could put all of their faith in someone like me. Tomorrow night I would go through the alpha ceremony, but I would still not be alpha born. My mixed blood could never be anything other than what it was—mutt blood.
    I looked up at the porch and the new arrivals. Already, Chloe and Cadie had shown interest in Adam, and there were still a lot more people coming—more females who would take one look at Adam’s mutt mate and assume they could take me down. Fear snaked its way through my body as I thought about the impending challenges.
    Fingers curled around my forearm. I snapped out of my thoughts and met Adam’s eyes. There was so much confidence and love when he looked at me I could almost feel the weight of his gaze against my skin.
    “It’s getting late,” Adam said. “How about we head to bed.”
    I nodded, taking Adam’s hand and walking away from Wade and toward the house. The sky was as black as a raven’s wing, bejeweled by a million glittery stars. The wind stirred against my face, carrying the coolness from the snowcapped mountains.
    Adam and I headed into the house and back to my bedroom. I began to shuck my shoes and change into my pajamas when Adam grabbed my hand.
    “You’ve been somewhere else all night,” he said, pulling me into his chest. “What’s on that crazy mind of yours?”
    I shook my head. “Nothing of importance.”
    Adam brought his hand to my face and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers trailed down my cheek while his eyes searched my face for the truth. It didn’t matter what words my lips spoke, our bond was like a lie detector. Adam could notice my anxiety just as much as I could pick up his worry. No secrets could hide between us.
    “Tell me,” Adam said softly. “Are you worried about Anthony?”
    I shook my head. “No, surprisingly Anthony hasn’t crossed my mind. It’s … well, finding out about your bloodline and how desirable it is … it’s overwhelming.” I snorted. “And here I thought females would challenge me because of your rugged good looks.”
    Adam smiled. “I told you it had nothing to do with me as a person. You know how wolves operate: they crave strength and power.” He cupped my face. “Nothing will ever come between us, you know that right?”
    Except being murdered for my position , I thought to myself. “Yes,” I told him. “I’m not worried about the other women. I’m worried that I’ll put your life in danger by not being up to par with those who challenge me. If anything were to ever happen to you because I—”
    Adam placed a finger against my lips to silence my panic. “I have complete faith in you. Since when have you ever laid down and admitted defeat?” He removed his finger and trailed his hands down my arms. “When the world tries to knock you down you fight