Page 170 of Bred

She placed a hand on my shoulder, forcing me to turn. "Have you talked about pups?"

"Of course." I paused, refolding the rag.

She hesitated for a moment, placing the basket on the counter. It was a look she held every time she wanted to talk about something that made me uncomfortable. "I don't want to tell you what you and Rowan should do. But…" She signed hard, then grabbed my hands, squeezing them gently. "I just know you've always wanted a big family. And your father and I struggled to have you, and—"

"I know, mama," I cut her off, trying not to be snippy. Her pain was real, and I didn't want her to feel as if I was dismissing her. "You've told me before. You and Dad waited until you were older to have young, then you couldn't have any for the longest time."

She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I know omegas tend to carry well. It doesn't take you as long as betas or alphas, but I still worry. I don't want you to go through what I did."

I leaned into her soft scent, snuggling into her neck. "Rowan and I are on the same page when it comes to making a family."

She kissed my head, then grabbed the basket. "Okay," she sighed as if a weight had been lifted. "I'm going to take this bread to the packhouse. Lock the door behind me and—"

"I'm mated now," I reminded her, smiling wide. "We don't have to worry about someone snatching me up."

Her eyes went wide at the realization, then softened with relief. "You're right," she smiled. "Well then, I guess I'll be right back."

I gave her a little wave as I sat on the stool behind the counter. I had been in the shop a million times since I was a pup, but never alone with the doorunlocked. It felt wild and dangerous, and made the whole space smell sweeter. The aroma of warm flour, blooming yeast, and toasted almonds filled my chest, making me feel so serene. My bond with Rowan seemed to float with happiness. He could feel my joy. I was sure of it.

Wanting to be productive, I grabbed the broom and began sweeping up the front of the shop. Grains and flour were like pollen in a windstorm. They had a mind of their own, covering every inch of the floor in a matter of seconds. I pushed the rubbish next to the door, then went to the back of the shop to get the dustbin.

I was stooped over, rummaging through the closet when the bell over the door chimed. "How can I help you?" I yelled as I rushed back to the counter.

Terror exploded within me, making my eyes water and my palms sweat.

Luca's big body consumed the entire doorway. I immediately searched out Rowan through our bond. My mind flared with his anger. He was coming for me, but how long would it take?

"You aren't allowed here," I whispered, my voice weak. I wanted to run into the back of the store, but there was nowhere to go—Luca blocked the only exit.

His lips turned up into an eerie smirk. "I wasn't allowed here while you were a danger to me. But you're mated now." He narrowed his red eyes, walking slowly toward the counter. "Now, I can be around you and not worry."

Rage burned down my throat, overpowering my fear for a moment. I wanted to scream at him, but when I spoke, my voice was jittery and soft, "I'ma danger toyou?"

"All omegas are a danger to civilized society. Your pheromones fuck with alphas." His eyes raked over my face and down my body, his hips pressing against the counter.

I crossed my arms, taking two quick steps back. My bottom hit the wall, and I froze. "What do you want?" I whispered.

"I want to talk to your mate." He craned his neck as if trying to see into the back of the shop.

"Rowan is coming right now, and he won't be happy to see you here." I pressed my back against the wall harder. My wolf whimpered, begging me to run or hide, but there was nowhere to go. "You should leave before he gets here."

"Should I now?" He leaned forward, pressing his palms into the countertop. He was so close. If he reached out that he could easily grab me. "I looked for your mate at the packhouse and stopped by your cabin, but I think now I want to talk to you."

Ice tipped into my veins at the thought of Luca standing on my porch. Would he come to our house again? Would he break down the door to get to me? Was he really looking for Rowan, or did he just want to hurt me again?

Luca's teeth flashed as he spoke, "Let your mate know that I don't fucking appreciate the shit he's been saying about me. The lies he's spreading."

The tips of his fingers went black as his claws pushed forward. I stared at them, remembering how he had shredded my dress and ripped it from my body—the memory of his claws pushing into my skin when he palmed my exposed flesh made me want to scream. Bile rose in my throat, and I swallowed convulsively, trying not to throw up.

"Rowan wouldn't do that," I whispered. "He wouldn't lie."

Luca laughed, the sound booming in my ears. "You know, I actually believe that. I've known that fucker since we were young, and he follows the rules as if his fucking like depends on it. But that just means he believesyourlies, doesn't it?"

I swallowed hard, hugging myself tighter. "I d-didn't lie."

He slammed his fist into the countertop, making me jump. "Yes, you fucking did!" His voice dropped dangerously low, his breath hitting the side of my face. "Alpha Caz is considering me for his personal guard. It would put me in line to one day be an advisor. And I will not allow a whore to fuck it up." His clawed hand flung out, wrapping around my throat. I gripped his arm, trying to pry him off me, but he was so strong. "Don't force me to tell everyone how you played with my instincts that day, strutting around, wanting to be noticed."

I pushed my nails into his skin, wishing I could rip him open. I wanted to beat him senseless. Chop him into pieces and shove him in the oven.