Marked Against Her Will

Chapter 7 – Meeting

“One month, Jared.”

“No!” He couldn’t accept it. What is he do for a month in this place? He felt unsettled, thinking how he would have to let go of his usual duties. He likes being in control and knowing everything that occurs in the pack. He enjoys ordering people around and enforcing the rules he had set. He likes to be organized and chaotic at the same time. Seeing his men scramble to get things done fuel him with a desire to continue down that path. He likes fighting, proving to everyone that he’s the strongest man in Blood Moon. Anyone who dared to question him before were all beaten down and forced to submit to his authority. He has set the standards and made them train harder. He’d seen the progress and how each man has gotten stronger. He would take the credit and say it’s because of him. He did well and he’s proud of that. All the other issues in the pack, he deliberately ignored them. To him, they were irrelevant.

“You will. I’ll give you time to adjust your mindset. You’ll stay here for another day. Tomorrow, I want to see you ready for it. You’ll meet her father in the afternoon. You need to make him accept you. Otherwise, I don’t think he would allow you to meet his daughter. Impress him. Impress me. Behave well.” Wade began to be firm with him. He’s already old and have let his eldest son do whatever he thought was best for the pack. He can appreciate the pros, but he’s also unsatisfied with the cons. It’s time he put a stop to it. Changes are needed to be made. He would have to lead the pack again. He’s taking the reins back and train his second son. James would need to step up.

He left as Jared began cursing and struggling against the ropes binding him. They had to use really strong ones for him. His words weren’t pleasant and Wade deeply sighed.

That day, Polly was able to return home and her parents had a discussion with her. To ease their worries, she can only agree to everything. She’s still a little afraid to meet Jared, but knowing her father wouldn’t let them meet unless they can be certain he won’t hurt her . . . this gave her assurance. She recalled Alpha Wade’s words. Can she actually stand up for herself when facing such an intimidating man? She could already imagine herself stuttering in front of him. Sighing, she tried to psyche herself up and faced the mirror. For a moment, Ren’s face flashed in her mind. She shook her head. It was not as if they had a chance. Ren was waiting for his fated mate. She groaned when she began to feel uncomfortable. Why? Why did it make her feel guilty? She has done nothing wrong. She tried to determine what she’s feeling and was a little bit horrified. She’s not cheating! It wasn’t cheating when she simply has a crush on someone else. Jared’s threatening gaze came to her mind and her lip twitched. How would he react if he learns she likes someone else? Oh, no. He can’t know. It’s best if he doesn’t know. Somehow, she imagined he would most likely beat up Ren when he finds out. She would feel terrible if that happens. Her friend was innocent. She never confessed but their other co-trainees told her she was quite obvious. Maybe the guy was just trying to keep things normal. She appreciated that. Otherwise, they would have been awkward around each other every day during training.

She sighed again as she lay on her bed. She has enough time, right? She thought of their alpha and how she used to be intimidated by him. Well, she still is but she also knew he’s friendly and accommodating. She can talk to him just fine. There’s mutual respect, regardless of the disparity in position or status.

Polly stared at the ceiling. You’re his mate. You’re his equal. You can’t just let him boss you around. You should definitely speak up when you have to. Tell him what’s on your mind. Let him know exactly what you think. Be brave.

She chuckled to herself after her peptalk ended with “be brave”. Oh, she would need that to face him. She had a somewhat restless sleep, worrying about the next day. When she woke up in the morning, she felt dreadful and sick. It was as if she would puke at any moment. It was that bad.

“You’re too worried. Don’t worry, you won’t see him today. I promise you that.” Her father reassured her and she began to breath easier.

“I’ll come back and tell you my assessment of him. We’ll discuss if you still want to give him a chance or if we should simply request to keep him out of Snow Mountain so he would no longer bother you.”

Her mother’s smile was a rare comfort and she felt better afterwards. She tried not to worry about it. As her father went to speak with Jared, Sab showed up to chat with her. She’s grateful for the distraction.

Somehow, Jared did listen to his father’s instructions. The initial effect of the bond has subtly faded. He’s more in control of himself now. He kept reminding himself that the woman is already his. No other man would have her when she already bears his mark. Even so, he still desires to be close to her. He’s impatient but he tries not to rush. Last night, he asked to be freed. He wanted to have a good rest so he can properly prepare for tomorrow’s meeting. Normally, he doesn’t mind facing other alphas in ragged clothing after a day’s training, but this time . . . he acknowledged that he needs to create a good impression. Clyde came to see him and showed him a house his father paid to be his. It made him frown, though.

“I will only be staying for a month. Was it necessary to purchase it?”

Clyde raised an eyebrow. “What? You won’t allow Polly to visit sometimes? When she does, won’t you accompany her? It’s best to have a place of your own even if you won’t be staying here the whole year. When you guys come, you can comfortably rest in your own home.”

He grunted. Fine. Money wasn’t an issue, anyway. It was fairly small, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a balcony. The furniture pieces were basic and plain.

“The meeting will be held in the pack house, at the conference room. Be there after lunch. I will be mediating it.” Clyde didn’t say much, planning to do so during the meeting.

After Clyde left, Jared stepped outside the door and saw a number of men guarding it. He narrowed his eyes at them.

“I’m no longer bound. What can you do if I decided to beat you all?” He smugly asked them, crossing his arms in front of him and leaning against the doorway.

“Nothing much. Mainly, we’re to inform Alpha Wade. We’ll try to hold you back for as long as we can. You’re not allowed to leave the house until noon tomorrow.” Jeremy, one of their oldest active warriors, replied to him with equal hate.

Jared smirked and stared at them for a few minutes before going back inside. His baggage was in the couch and he decided to get a good long shower. He feels dirty and tired. A few times, he would get these urges to go and find her but he managed to keep himself under control. No point causing problems before meeting her father the next day. As he prepared to sleep, he recalled her features. She’s young and pretty. He groaned as the taste of her blood came to his mind. It caused him to desire her and he was aroused. He took deep breaths to tamp it down. It was difficult and it took him almost half an hour before returning to normal. It was a bad idea to dwell on her image. She was enticing enough. He grinned. Huh, his mate was clearly inexperienced. He would be the first and only man who would have her. It was a nice thought, satisfying his ego. He would definitely ruin her for other men. He planned to pleasure her until he’s the only man she would want. Gritting his teeth, he reminded himself to remain calm. His erection was already tenting his pants. It’s not a good idea to be thinking in this direction.

This is Snow Mountain, not Blood Moon. He perfectly understood the implications of his father’s words. In this place, they aren’t the authority. He needs to behave if he wants the approval of her father.