32. Chapter 32

Chapter 32

-Naomi-

I struggled to grasp Reese’s purpose as he walked alongside his father, his Beta, and a group of seasoned fighters. Keeping to the back, I hugged my jacket tightly, trailing behind as we patrolled the perimeter of the territory. It appeared they were scouting for any signs of intruding wolves and ensuring the border guards were positioned correctly, yet I couldn’t quite discern why it necessitated their physical presence.

Nevertheless, I remained silent, merely shadowing the group. My attention often drifted to Reese, observing his earnest dedication to his responsibilities. I knew it weighed heavily on him, as he had never felt entirely suited for the role. However, it seemed he had undergone a change in perspective. Despite this, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of annoyance, knowing the reason behind his transformation wasn’t our newfound status as mates.

As we retraced our steps back to the starting point, where a few cars were parked, Reese slowed his pace, breaking away from the group and falling into step beside me.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

“Yeah, just... trying not to be in the way,” I replied, my words tinged with uncertainty.

“My mate would usually walk beside me up front,” he explained.

“I... I didn’t know that,” I murmured. “But we still don’t know—”

“I think we can stop pretending. Even though our wolves haven’t vocalized it, I’m certain I wouldn’t feel this way without a bond between us.”

“Maybe it’s a weaker connection.”

“Weak isn’t quite how I’d describe it, but we can arrange that run together to confirm if our wolves align,” he suggested.

I shook my head.

“Why not? We might as well get it over with.”

“Because I... I don’t know if I can,” I confessed.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“The pack doctor thought all I needed was a run to appease my wolf, but she... she didn’t want to emerge,” I admitted, feeling a knot of nerves forming in my stomach.

“What?” he exclaimed, taken aback.

“Yeah, she refused to take control.”

I glanced up at him, noticing the intensity of his scrutiny as he assessed me, undoubtedly trying to determine if I was flawed. It made me uneasy, and I averted my gaze.

“This hasn’t happened before,” I added quickly. “I’m usually perfectly fine.”

“Do you think I’m judging you for it?”

“I should be able to change,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“I’m concerned. If she refuses to emerge, there must be an underlying issue,” Reese admitted. “Have you considered going back for a checkup?”

“No, but I suspect it’s related to everything that’s been happening,” I replied. “I doubt there’s much she can do about it.”

“Then perhaps we should give it a shot,” he suggested. “Maybe she needs a stronger incentive to come forward.”

“Incentive? She’s quite resentful about the whole situation. I’m not sure she would want to cooperate,” I explained.

“Is she angry with me?” Reese asked, his tone tinged with apprehension.

I hesitated, reluctant to reveal the truth.

“She is,” he concluded from my silence.

“She can be quite stubborn,” I admitted, glancing at the ground.

Hey! my wolf protested.

“Regardless, I believe we should try,” he persisted.

“You know what can happen when wolves run together, especially mates. It unleashes our primal instincts,” I reminded him, turning to face him. However, I was taken aback to see a faint glow in his eyes, a sign of his wolf’s presence.

“I-I don’t think I want to risk us mating in the forest,” I clarified hastily.

Reese reached for my arm, his touch gentle but firm, anchoring me in place as the rest of the group gradually disappeared.

“It might bring clarity to our situation,” he murmured softly, lowering his arm.

“What?”

“Mating. It might help us sort things out,” he elaborated.

I stared at him, stunned, realizing the seriousness of his suggestion, and shook my head.

“Could you really do that to Rosa?” I questioned.

He groaned, running a hand through his hair before meeting my gaze.

“The thing is, if you’re both my mates, I’ll have to... find a balance, show affection to both of you.”

“Share your affection,” I muttered sarcastically, crossing my arms, discomfort creeping in at the thought of him being with another woman.

“I know it sounds complicated. I didn’t ask for this!” he hissed.

“I’m well aware, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with the idea of sharing you, waiting for you to divide your time between us,” I retorted.

“Naomi...”

“That’s why I keep suggesting we break the bond!”

“I can’t,” he insisted. “I don’t seem to want to. Just the thought of it infuriates me.”

“But I don’t think I can bear being touched by you, knowing where your hands have been before,” I confessed, my voice faltering. “Could you stand the thought of me touching you, knowing another man had held me, kissed me, seen me na—”

A low growl rumbled from Reese before his hand closed around my throat, pressing me against a tree, his eyes gleaming with a powerful yellow hue. My heart raced in my chest, but it wasn’t fear that coursed through me. It was something else entirely—a surge of excitement.