The Tiger's Mate: (Book 12, Grey Wolf Pack Romance Novellas) by E A Price Read Free Book Online

glad the accident happened – otherwise they may never have met.  He suspected she was important to him, and his wolf was circling the ‘m word’, but Acksel was trying to hold him back for the time being.  Although, he wondered if part of the reason Simone was so forgiving of the situation was because she felt the same feelings for him.  She didn’t even seem to be concerned that she was in the house alone with a strange wolf.  After the apology to end all apologies from Britt, Melanie had whisked her and Gwen away, saying that she would look after them that night.  She did it with so much authority that Hans didn’t even argue.
    “Britt will be fine,” he said.  “She’ll feel better when the Beta metes out her punishment.”
    Simone stopped mid-chew and gave him an odd look.  She swallowed her huge mouthful, almost choking in the process.  “Punishment?” she spluttered.  “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
    “My Alpha wouldn’t agree.  Pups need to be put in their place.”
    She clasped his arm, but his pleasure at her touch was marred by the pleading look in her face.  “Please, Acksel, don’t let her get hurt because of me.  It was an accident, and I’m fine.”
    His wolf grumbled in worry.  She was really concerned about Britt.  Did she think they were going flog her or something?  “Simone, it’s fine, she’ll be grounded for a while, and the Beta will think of a few creative punishments, but probably just running errands for elderly pack members and cleaning houses.  He won’t hurt her if that’s what you’re thinking.”
    Simone visibly relaxed.  “Oh, good.” 
    It was what she was thinking.  His beast growled, unhappily.  He wondered what her situation must be like if she would immediately jump to the conclusion that punishment meant violence.  He had made a few comments about her home life, but she hadn’t exactly given him any information.  In fact, she had been a little evasive about telling him anything.
    “I wouldn’t hand her over if I thought he would actually hurt her.  The pack is important, but she’s my sister and she’s only a pup.  I wouldn’t put her in any danger.”
    “No, you wouldn’t would you?” she said, softly.  Her voice wobbled a little and Acksel could hear the emotion in it.
    “Besides,” he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, “Alec - our Beta - seems to be having a bit of trouble handing out punishments to females ever since his pup was born.  Can’t look at them without thinking about baby Daisy.  The Alpha ribs him about it, mercilessly.”
    Simone’s eyes widened.  “He teases him about it?  Isn’t he angry at your Beta?”
    Acksel shrugged.  “Adam’s a fair Alpha.  He trusts Alec to do what is right by the pack.  If Alec really couldn’t perform his duties as a Beta, he’d step down.”  Yeah, they were just a bigger, hairier version of The Waltons.  His wolf snorted at that.  With a lot more swearing and hunting, he added.
    Simone munched in silence for a few moments, seemingly mulling over his words.
    “I take it things are different where you live,” he tried, hoping to coax a little information from her.
    She focussed on her meal and only relented when Acksel wouldn’t stop staring at her.  She sighed.  “It’s just, when you’re taught a lesson, you remember it.”  She nodded at a couple of vanilla cupcakes Carly the pack Omega had sent over.  “May I?”
    “Sure,” he said, trying not to let his frustration show.  His wolf was annoyed, but Acksel told him to be patient.  He’d only known Simone for a matter of hours, and she was probably still addled from the car crash.  He was trying to stop himself from being too pushy.
    “Mmmm,” she groaned in near orgasmic pleasure.  Acksel closed his eyes.  This was verging on torture.  “All your food is so good!  This cupcake, that stew earlier – ugh, how are you not all fat?”
    “Good metabolism.  Carly our pack Omega