The Alpha and The Vigilante novel Chapter 77

What the hell are you looking at? She snarkily asked me via mindlink, making me roll my eyes.

I wrapped my arms tighter around her before she tried scrambling away. I didn't want this to end. I felt like this was the first time I had ever seen her vulnerable.

"Is it a crime for a man to look at the beautiful mate the Moon Goddess so generously provided for him?" I asked, and kissed her forehead, making sparks fly at the contact.

Ares scowled, but blushed slightly nonetheless. As hardcore as she loved to portray herself, her cheeks tinting red would always give her away.

"Are you hungry, pup? I gave the cook the day off, but I can make something for you," I offered, stroking her hair still. She slightly leaned into my touch. Her fingers traced gently over my chest, and I wondered if she even realized she was doing it.

It's gone, she suddenly said.

I raised my eyebrows. "Although last nights activities weren't too PG, I wouldn't say that I stole your innocence-"

She scowled again and hit my chest, none too gently. My strong little spitfire. Not that, you barbarian. The pain. From Carter.

I searched her eyes. "I told you that I could bear the weight of it on my own after mating, pup."

She shrugged. I thought it might have been a trick for you to get into my pants.

I rolled my eyes again. "You think so lowly of me, little mate. Interestingly enough, you still chose to go through with it, even though it might not work. I'm starting to think you don't hate me as much as you pretend to."

Chill out, Casanova. It's just sex, Her tone was flippant, but I could feel her heartbeat quicken as she said the last word.

"You smell of desire," I murmured into her ear, making her squirm in my arms. The scent got stronger.

I placed soft kisses against her cheek, and trailed them down her neck. She gasped when I reached the mark, making me smirk.

"What a compromising position you're in, little pup," I mumbled against her neck, my canines gently scraping her skin.

What's going on? I asked, not liking the look on his face.

"Wilson declared war on Blue Moon. I'm going over there with most of our warriors to back Thane up," He answered, and began going upstairs to get ready.

What do you mean you're going over there? I asked him, narrowing my eyes and following him upstairs.

"You're not coming, Ares." He spoke calmly, daring me to defy him.

Why the fuck not? I'm stronger than all of your warriors, and probably his too. I snarled at him. I wanted a piece of the action. It was unfair that he gets to go kill people and I have to stay here and play homemaker.

We got to the bedroom, and Cain sighed as he led me to the bed, sitting me down and grabbing both sides of my face, forcing me to look at him. "I know you're strong, Ares. Unnaturally so. That's why I need you here to help protect the pack just in case if any rogues decide to start some trouble because they know I'm gone." His eyes and tone were honest.

"I am entrusting the safety of the Blood Moon women and pups with you, mate. It's not a punishment. It's because I know that you can protect them better than anyone," Cain pleaded, begging me not to fight him on this.