But he was. She’d tasted it, knew it. And with that came another realization. He couldn’t claim a mate without his power coming out. He’d be forced to. A wolf’s mating called up every instinct they had, switched their allegiance to their mate first. She was Dominic’s Enforcer now that Romano was his Capo. If her Alpha wanted to punish her, Pasquale would attack. Every instinct within him would be focused on protecting her.
And she’d learned long ago what an Alpha’s protection was.
Of course, The Fates—those bitches—would give her a mate who was everything she wanted to get away from. Life had taught her men held on too tightly and confused love with near obsession of safety and care.
No, she couldn’t have that. Never. She needed to be free, needed to live her own life and make her own choices. She wouldn’t be able to do that with Pasquale. He’d made his point clear in ways he couldn’t imagine.
It wasn’t about wanting each other. It was more about the fundamental difference in their wolves. Perhaps, if she had met him before, things would be different. She could appreciate that he understood, that he saw what others around her didn’t, and was letting her be.
Just sucked it had to be her mate.
“You may not be a recognized Alpha, Pasquale, but no wolf can do what you just did if they weren’t Alpha.”
He shrugged, but it was pained. “I know, but who I am doesn’t matter. There’ve been too many changes lately. Maybe if things had been …” He let his words trail off and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Things are the way they are, and we have a pack member to find. This thing between us will only make things messy. Focusing on the job at hand is better all the way around.”
Maybe it was because she still had subtle explosion rocking between her legs. Maybe it was because she wanted to taste his mouth once more. Or maybe it was just because she was used to fighting against men who seemed to have her best interests at heart, but it only happened to satisfy them. Whatever the reason, Giuliana didn’t let it go.
“So you’re deciding for me?”
He frowned. “You don’t want this mating.”
“I am so sick of everyone telling me what I can and can’t do. It’s my life.”
“You said it yourself, Giuliana.”
“Um, yeah, before you went exce-fucking-llent between my legs with the juju works. I should have the choice to have more of that if I want it.”
“Exce-fucking-llent juju works?”
He smiled again, and it stopped her heart just like it had the first time. She liked him, or at least the small hints of who he was that peeked out when he didn’t have to hide it. She wanted to know more of that side of him.
You want his cock.
That too.
Mine!
Let’s not get carried away. I just want to jump his bones when I want to.
Mine!
Okay, you’re turning into an annoying bitch, and I don’t like it.
Technically, I am a bitch, by definition.
I hate you.
Love you too.
Irritation at her wolf notwithstanding, it was still true. She just wanted the choice. That’s all.
Pasquale watched her for a moment. “Do you always make faces when you talk to your wolf?”
“She can be annoying.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“Your wolf talks back to you too?”
