The Alpha's Taboo Mate (Blood Moon Lynx Book 1) by Ravenna Tate Read Free Book Online Page B

done if I’d refused to mate with you?” She placed the bags near the door and sat next to him, stroking his arm.
    “Kept up my persuasion until you agreed, because we weren’t leaving here until you were mine in every way. There was never a question of allowing Hawke to have you. Especially after you told me how he’d threatened you and your father. The only clear answer was to take you as my mate before another day went by.”
    “They’ll be back any time now. Hawke and his family.”
    “Yes, they will.”
    They gazed into each other’s eyes for long moments, and finally Fiera rose and picked up the bags. “What should we do first?”
    Canyon took the heavier of the bags from her. “We go and tell the Elders it’s official.” He grinned. “Then, we plan the biggest party the people of our villages have ever seen.”
     

Chapter Six
     
    After Canyon placed the bags of food and supplies in his home, he took Fiera straight to the home of Avery Caddock, the chief Elder. He didn’t want to waste any time in case Hawke was already back. It wouldn’t take the Medinas too long to figure out that Canyon and Fiera hadn’t been seen since yesterday morning. They didn’t know about the cabin, but they would jump to the obvious conclusion regardless.
    Avery had the papers ready for Canyon and Fiera to sign, but they needed witnesses. As they had pre-arranged, Canyon’s father had informed the Elders early this morning that Canyon would be bringing Fiera to Avery’s home this day to sign the official papers of their mating. That’s how confident and determined Canyon had been that he would convince Fiera to do this.
    While Canyon and Fiera waited, Avery made phone calls to several people, including two of the Elders, Alex Rockland and Darren Kennedy, on an old-fashioned push-button phone. Very few shifters who lived in these woods used cell phones because service was spotty at best. If they had them, they didn’t use them unless they drove to a nearby city. Internet service, as well, was hit-and-miss. Most of them didn’t bother with it inside the villages.
    “The witnesses will be here within thirty minutes,” said Avery, eyeing the couple. “Canyon, while I understand why you did what you did, it was foolish and impulsive.”
    Canyon squared his shoulders and stood up straighter. “My parents gave me their blessing to do what I felt was right.”
    “I respect Luke and Leah as much as I respect any lynx couple, but you’re missing my point. You have an official decision on Fiera as your recognized mate from us. All this act will do is further incite Amasa. Hawke’s father is arrogant and cruel. His father, his uncles, and his grandfather are the same. They have all taught their sons to act this way.”
    “I know that, Avery.”
    “What I’m not convinced you fully understand is that while you did the right thing in bringing this to us for a decision in the first place, by putting the cart before the horse, as it were, you showed an act of defiance as much as Hawke did when he declared Fiera to be his mate.”
    “He never paid any attention to her before.”
    “I know that! Not until he realized that by claiming her, he could take over Cash’s company, that is.”
    Had he interpreted Avery’s words correctly? “So you agree with me that’s what they’re doing?” Canyon’s pulse raced.
    “Of course I agree with you, but are you listening to me?”
    Avery’s voice echoed around the cabin, angry and loud. The only thing more frightening than an angry lynx shifter was one who had power and authority over the others.“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, Avery. You’re right. I jumped the gun. But what’s done is done.”
    The expression Avery gave Canyon left no doubt the man, who was at least seventy, could still beat the shit out of him if he put his mind to it. “Yes, it certainly is.”
    Avery glanced toward Fiera. “Your father has also been called. He is on his way, escorted by Stone and Arizona. The