In the Alpha’s Arms Novel

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“And now, look at her!” Stace’s voice broke a little. “I would think you, of all people, Alpha, would understand what it’s like to be abused. You would leave your mate to that fate?”

Cole huffed, wiping his bleeding no

nose as he leaned against the far wall What could he say back to that? Subordinate or not, Stacey was right. He’d been selfish and cruel for absolutely no reason. Because she was human? God, he sounded like his father. Because she wanted to be a ring bunny? It wasn’t because she purposely wanted to hurt him. Cole knew that. And still he’d ignored what he’d seen because… he had no excuse.

Stace stared a hole in head, calmed at least by the fact that Cole looked as miserable as Stace thought he should

“I didn’t plan on claiming her. I still don’t. We all know Alpha’s don’t claim a human mate. It weakens the bloodline… Cole cringed at his own words. His father’s words. “But you’re right, I should have helped her if I suspected she was in trouble. Claiming her shouldn’t have had anything to do with stopping violence against women.” He knew he was doing something most Alphas didn’t, admitting to a lapse in judgement in front of his whole pack. And yet, the remorse he felt demanded he do it. He’d disappointed himself and set a terrible example for the others.

Looking at Lita’s face, his chest tightened. He knew in his heart that he should have helped her.

“Wait, she’s YOUR mate?” Mark asked, mouth suddenly hanging wide open. “That’s…wow… I did not see that coming…”

“WHO did that to her, though? Andres asked again, still staring at the girl. Her injuries were darkening with the passing of each minute. Her skin even seemed pale compared to the deep browns and purples. She could have internal bleeding, and it made his pulse kick up. His Luna had been hurt, and it rubbed against every protection instinct he had as a Delta.

“I called the doctor over. You think there’s internal bleeding?” Stace addressed Alex but looked back at Lita’s unconscious body, “She was fine, I mean flustered and bruised, but fine, ya know. And then, boom, she was passing out, Nothing we did would wake her up…”

“WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHO DID THIS TO HER?!”

Cole’s eyes shifted deep red as he glared at Andres tone. It was irrational. His wolf’s reaction was completely off base and yet, it didn’t stop from growling, “It’s not your concem! Is she YOUR mate now?!”

“See, that’s what I mean, if she’d had THAT man protecting her, maybe this wouldn’t have happened, Stace yelled, tossing her arms into the alt

“Stacey Ramos, you will address your Alpha with his due respect, are we clear?” Alex growled, icy blue eyes glaring at her like she’d lost her mind. Stace could feel the mental claws scratching against her, twisting her insides until she remembered her place. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

She nodded begrudgingly, glaring at her brother even as she canted her head lower in submission. Andres also lowered his head slightly, showing his own acknowledgment, “Of course she’s not my mate Alpha, however…”

“However, what, Delta?!” Cole spat the name through the space between them like a physical force. Andres straightened his back and forced himself to continue.

“At the moment, you haven’t rejected her, and you’re saying she’s your mate. That would make her our Luna… and-

ANDY

“And we protect our Luna with our life,” Andres returned his stare to Cole’s eyes in a silent challenge. Would he deny it? Would he go against everything they all believed about protecting women and children?

Cole said nothing to Andres carefully took a step forward. “So we should plan to rain hell down on whoever dishonored our Luna. Cole’s eyes returned to their normal shade, and he nodded stiffly, as if he hadn’t really wanted to concede.