The Mark of Betrayal (by Cooper) novel Chapter 21

Roman

I didn’t have to hear the entire story to know that Austin was telling Samantha about the aftermath of the death of Theo’s family. There’s only ever been one time in my life when I lost control and killed innocents, and it was that day. It’s not something that I’m proud of and I’ve made sure to never lose control like that again, but I can’t bring those people back any more than I can bring Theo back.

Since my mate doesn’t need any more reasons to hate me, I interrupt their conversation letting her know I’d like her to accept me as her Alpha. I may not be willing to force my mark on her, but I need her to be part of the pack so I can find her or reach out to her mentally when needed.

I expected her to fight me, but instead she falls into step beside me. Rather than complete the simple ceremony in front of the pack, I take her up to our room. While she was meeting the pack, I unpacked some of her things for her and left room for other things in my drawers, closet and bathroom. I left the few personal things that she had in her bag for her to put away. Since she has a ridiculously small amount of personal belongings, it only took a few minutes to put her things away.

“I want to show you our room. No arguments. I won’t touch you until you’re willing, but we will share a room and a bed, Samantha. You’ll need more clothes. If you’re not comfortable ordering clothes for yourself, I can do that with you. You’ll need more than the omega clothing that you have. You’re my Luna. I want you to look and dress like it.”

When I don’t get any snarky response, I look at her. She’s deep in thought, but when she realizes I’m looking at her she quickly responds.

“Okay.”

I sigh internally. I can’t wait to know what’s going on her head.

‘Do you think she’s just going to open her mind and let us in?’ Pierce asks. He’s so utterly in love with our mate. I swear he just stares at her swooning.

‘What’s not to swoon over? She’s amazing. Look at the way our pack instantly responded to her. She’s a true Luna. A true Alpha.’

Yes, she is.

“You can order whatever toiletries you need for the bathroom as well. We have some things in storage for guests that you are welcome to use while you wait for your things to be delivered, or you can use mine. It’s up to you,” I say, stopping at our door. “After dinner, I’ll show you around the pack. Pierce would love to go for a run with your wolf as well...”

“No.”

I turn and give her my full attention. “No?”

“No. If there is ever a time when I accept you as my mate, which I doubt, but if that time comes, then Pierce can run with my wolf.”

Pierce whines in my head.

“Does your wolf agree with this?” I ask.

“She does,” she says, surprising me.

“Are you going to at least tell me her name?” Pierce is practically desperate to know the name of his mate.

She looks at me so long that I expect her to decline. I can see that she and her wolf are having a discussion about it, so I let them talk.

“Ayla. Her name is Ayla,” she finally says.

Instantly, Pierce starts purring so loudly that I’m pretty sure the walls are rattling.

“A beautiful name for a beautiful mate,” he purrs, pushing forward.

“You haven’t even seen me,” Ayla says, her voice deeper than Samantha’s.

“I don’t have to. I already know you will be beautiful to me. Always.”

I watch Samantha’s face turn to a scowl and then Ayla is pulled back. “Shall we?” she asks, gesturing to the door, but Pierce isn’t done yet.

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