“He claimed me in front of my parents, thus giving his own form of the pledge.” I hated the formal rhythm of my speech, but I also knew what was expected of me.
“That he did.” He paused. “You must realize this is a double-edged blade. A wolf mate can never walk away, never leave you alone. A human? There is nothing to stop them if they grow bored, no way to keep them from looking elsewhere to find someone new.”
You mean the way Jerome is allowed three other mates? Fuck that.
Kip could bang every girl he met, for all I cared. He was doing this to help me.
“I am aware, Alpha. I cannot help myself, though. I love him and have since not long after we met.”
“Tell us about him.”
Talk about Kip? Sure, I could do that.
“In school, Kip was a star athlete. He holds several records in football, baseball, and swimming.” I paused to take a breath. “However, beyond that he was immeasurably kind. He would stand up for anyone in need against those who tried to take power away from them.”
Alpha Donnelly blinked. “Indeed?”
I nodded. “Once he told his coach he would quit before he’d be part of a team that would bully their equipment manager. The coach was incensed to hear that his people were picking on someone who was an integral part of the team, and did such an important job, keeping others from having to pick up the slack.” I looked him in the eye. “He keptmefrom being picked on as well. He told the others that if they wanted to try bossing me around, they’d have to go through him first.”
Both stories were true. Kip was—is—an amazing person, and anyone who had him as a partner would be lucky indeed.
Alpha Donnelly rubbed his bearded chin. “And will he become an athlete?”
“No, Alpha. He said he’s going to do something else, something he feels is worthwhile. He knows he’s a decent player, but he’s also aware he’s not the best out there.”
“Hm. So he’s self-aware.” He peered at his son. “Jerome, perhapsyoucould learn something from him.”
The color drained from Jerome’s face. “Father, you can’t seriously?—”
“I will do what I think is best,” he snapped, and Jerome froze. Alpha Donnelly squared his shoulders. “Clearly that isnotyou. If we went before the council and aired ourgrievances, I’m sure they would side with us, but I don’t want my son in a marriage that is devoid of love. Therefore, I am willing to accept the vow between Kip and Mason.”
Holy fuck.
“Father, you can’t do that!” Jerome wailed.
“I already have,” he said. “However, there are things I feel must be addressed to keep everyone happy.”
Oh, I didnotlike how this was sounding.
“Mason, the two of you will share a house in your town. Everyone must see the two of you together, as a couple. You will eat out publicly, be affectionate, and?—”
I knew I was going to hate myself for this, but I had no choice. “But Alpha, Kip isn’t out of the closet. This could be putting him at risk with his family.”
“So then you’d help him live a lie?”
“Well no, but?—”
“There is nobuthere. If Kip feels as strongly as you claim he does, then he should step up and show it.”
I swallowed. “And what if he’s unable to do so?”
“Then you will return to Jerome and marry him without further protest.”
Well, fuck.
I might just as well go with Jerome now. No way would Kip be willing to do this. And, if I was being honest, I didn’t really want him to. I wasn’t into Kip, except as my best friend. There was no spark between us, and the thought of any form of affection left me kinda grossed out. He was more of a brother than anything else.
“I understand, Alpha. What about talking with him and explaining what we are?”
