Page 108 of Alpha Mates

I deal with problems with my fists or canines, but tearing out my father’s throat isn’t exactly an option, so that means ignoring him, which again—not something I’m good at.

If my parents actually knew me well enough, I’d think that’s why they chose this method of torture.

Either way, I’d gotten an afternoon of peace before it started. Nonstop calls to my phone the moment Jewels and I finished making the rounds of the new packhouse. Then, when I turned it off, the badgering switched to our decaying family link, and unfortunately, I can’t so easily block that out.

Family bonds are supposed to be like the pack bonds, only tighter, sectioned neatly to those who share your blood. It’s supposed to be warm and full of love—a reminder that you aren’t alone. Their presence in my mind isn’t warm or reassuring. It’s an annoying cold stone that grows heavier the more they push against it. I shove back, trying to force them out, but my father refuses to fuck off.

“You okay?” Julian asks, shifting his book to check on me.

Our latest update? Cuddling. I didn’t even mean for it to happen. I just wanted to make him blush when I’d put my head in his lap and wrapped my arms around his waist. It worked of course, but then he slid his fingers into my hair. Now, we’re the cuddling type.

“I’m fine,” I tell him, grinning up at him.

His cheeks blotch sweetly, but he’s stubborn enough to hold my gaze anyway. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” I say, ’cause I am.

I’m chilling with my mate after a long day, and I’ve never felt so relaxed. The annoying swelling in my mind tries to take that away, but I can ignore it. Or I’ll try to for as long as I can.

“But thanks for asking,” I add, snuggling closer. “It’s always nice when you worry about me.”

Julian’s blush reaches the tips of his ears a moment before he ducks behind his book again. I chuckle against him, body warming like our bond. I’m melting into it and him, and—a pounding in my skull starts to dig its nails in.

My smile withers as my father’s presence blares in my mind like an alarm as he demands my attention.

Fuck it.

What?!I snap. The second I drop the mental barrier he’d been hammering at, the pressure eases enough to let me breathe.

Took you long enough,he snarls with mirrored venom.Is this your plan? To ignore us for the rest of our lives?

If it was effective …

What do you want?I ask again.

There’s a nest.

I stiffen as red eyes in dark shadows flash through my head.

“Aiden,” Julian whispers, pulling me back. His book is closed and set beside him. He’s frowning at me now. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I promise as I plaster on my best smile, but playing this game with him isn’t so easy when every day he claims another piece of me. “My dad’s just bugging me,” I say, tapping a finger against my head as I sit up. “I’ll deal with it.”

Julian’s frown eases as he nods, but he doesn’t go back to reading. His eyes remain on me, watching closely. I keep my expression neutral as I focus on the table in front of me.

How many?

Dean scented four, but I’m thinking there might be more,Dad reports gruffly.

Dean?I exclaim as fresh anger bubbles beneath my skin.You’re all out there?

Yes, we are!he growls back, his anger molten.You would be too, if you didn’t insist on acting like a damn child. Why did you think we were there this morning?

Bullshit. They wanted something this morning. This was only a happy coincidence for him.

Where are you?I growl as I push to my feet

Eastern gate, ready to go.