Mated by H.M. McQueen Read Free Book Online Page B

she could grab it and run.  The bike rumbled down the uneven road as she held onto Raythe's slender waist. His familiar scent filled her senses to overflowing. Tears brimmed her eyes.  Finally she'd convinced herself that it was possible to let him go, to forget and now back to square one.
    He shifted a bit to the side and the motorcycle leaned around a corner stirring her out of her revelry. Several miles later they arrived at a house atop a hill overlooking Aguanillas harbor.
    Sometimes she forgot how well-off Raythe was and how easy material things came to him.  The gates slid open silently and he motored slowly to the front of the stucco building.  Madison eyed the tall fencing and electronic iron gates. It was possible to escape from here, but it would be a challenge.
    "That's why I rented the place.  Figured I could keep you from running for at least a couple days." As always, he could read her thoughts.
    Madison huffed, but didn't reply.  Instead she dismounted and focused on any possible means of escape, her eyes roving to take in the area.
    His long leg lifted over the bike and she watched him straighten to his full height and walk to the front door.  The way he moved with such predatory grace never ceased to enthrall her.
    The inside of the house was airy and fully furnished, the tile floors gleamed from the sunlight that streamed through the huge windows.  Every room was cheerful with bright paintings and vases brimming with flowers.
    Madison took in the airy space.  "Doesn't scream you to me. Not unless you've turned a new, more colorful leaf."
    He didn't look around, but kept his gaze on her.  "Come, let's sit."
    It was hard to swallow past her suddenly dry throat. Straight to the business at hand did not bode well.  It seemed Raythe would not relent until she told him the truth. 
    Madison took a deep breath.  God the fact that he was able to find and came after her meant if the other wolves followed, he would be marked for death.  She had to tell him why she left and ensure his safety, once again.  This time he'd be so angry, she was sure he'd turn her in to the council.
    "I left because Damiel had set you up to be the fall guy for a huge drug shipment.  There was no other option, Raythe.  It was always you who defended me, who kept me safe.  This time it was my turn.  They didn't give me time or opportunity to warn you. He dictated the note I left you."
     
    "Don't you think I could have defended us?" Half an hour later, Raythe shouted once again while pacing in front of the infuriating woman. "You left me without a second thought because that fucker threatened to turn me in for selling drugs?  Do you know how ridiculous that is?  No one would believe I'd do such a thing."
    "They would if they found it hidden in the house.  Especially when they had videos of you conducting transactions."
    "What videos?  I've never sold drugs..." He realized what she spoke of.  The job in Canada for a pack leader they'd not heard of. The errands they'd requested of him where he dropped off packages to supposed wolves needing assistance. It was all a set up.  But why?
    "Why would Damiel go to such lengths to set me up?"
    Her eyes met his and she looked away.  "He said it was your fault I never mated with him."
    "Mated?  I don't understand. Was there something between you?" Raythe resumed pacing, his mind racing over what would drive Damiel to want him executed.  "If he had a grudge with me. He could have just confronted me."
    "I wasn't aware of his interest.  He never approached me. Damiel said the worst way to hurt you was to take me and your honor." Madison slumped forward and ran her hands over her face.  "I wasn't about to let him get away with both.  I went with him. They kept me locked up in a house somewhere on the panhandle.  Finally I was prepared to escape.  He attacked me, I killed him." She swallowed at the memory of slashing Damiel's throat. "Then I rushed to your house to get rid of