The Alpha Takes a Mate by Sam Crescent Read Free Book Online Page A

you’re scared about Brandon. He seems like a good man. I love you, honey.”
    Her mother kissed her head.
    “Good night, Mom.”
    She turned her back and started up the stairs. Frowning, she walked down the stairs to glance at her mother. Vivian had gone back to the window. The shirt she’d been wearing was pulled down exposing her neck. She prodded her neck as she stared at her reflection.
    Shrugging her shoulders, Elle walked up to her room. She couldn’t think of her mother’s strange reaction.
    Removing her clothes, Elle place d on her large night shirt and climbed under the covers. The window to her room was open, and a cool breeze settled over her.

Chapter Seven
     
    Brandon stared down at his mate. When he’d returned to the party to find her missing he’d panicked. His first thought had been someone had taken her. He wasn’t well liked amongst his kind. They could easily destroy him by taking his mate. Daisy appeared by his side as if he’d thought her up.
    “Elle went home. She looked tired. You’ve got a lot of work cut out with her,” Daisy said.
    “Thanks.”
    Daisy lingered as he watched Layla disappear into her own home. The humans were leaving the pack for the rest of the night. A couple of the women who liked to sleep with wolves lingered whereas many had disappeared. This was where the party got a little frisky. For many months he’d taken Lori during the full moon. His beast was in full force. Sex, blood, and food were the only sustenance that could calm him.
    “What else, Daisy?” he asked, wanting to be with his mate.
    “You need to keep Elle protected. The pack may have bowed down to your orders today, but I doubt that will last long as they test her.”
    “No one will test her.”
    “It’s the pack’s way, Brandon. She’s going to have a struggle over the next few weeks. Prepare her, or face the consequences,” Daisy said, moving away.
    Shaking his head in annoyance, Brandon made his way toward Elle’s house.
    He walked into the house and to the kitchen. Raymond was muttering to his wife as she cried. Tears poured out of her eyes as he quietened her down. Brandon frowned, staring at the scene before him.
    Vivian closed her eyes. Raymond picked her up.
    “Will you wait for me?” Raymond asked.
    Brandon nodded. He closed his eyes and scented Elle in the house. Tonight and for the rest of their lives he’d be joining her.
    Raymond came down several minutes later.
    “What’s going on?” Brandon asked, wanting to get to his mate.
    “When I came in Vivian was scratching her neck and staring at her reflection as if she saw something else.”
    He frowned, and then Brandon remembered he needed to talk with Darcy.
    “I can’t help you until I talk with Darcy,” he said.
    “I think the spell the witches and warlocks put on them is wearing off.” Raymond rubbed the back of his neck.
    “Don’t worry. I’ll fix everything.”
    Raymond nodded. “You want to go to my daughter, don’t you?”
    “She’s my mate, Raymond. You can’t keep her from me.”
    The other man let out a breath. “She’s been through so much. I don’t want her hurt by anyone or anything.”
    Brandon growled. “I’d never hurt her. Elle’s happiness is the only thing I care about.”
    Nodding, Raymond moved out of the way. “I love my family, Brandon. I’ll do everything to keep them safe.”
    “Well, they’re my family as well.”
    He made his way up the stairs to the bedroom at the back of the house. Opening the door, he saw her curled up in a ball underneath the sheets. He closed the door then removed his shirt and jeans. He kept his boxer briefs on for her comfort rather than his own. Brandon preferred to sleep nude than with clothing on.
    Before going to bed, Brandon took the time to investigate her bedroom. The cream walls gave nothing away about his woman. The small vanity desk held a few bottles of creams and perfume but no makeup. He already knew she didn’t wear the stuff. Going to her