Free Slade's Desire (White River Wolves Series, #2) by Dawn Sullivan Page A

if sensing her presence, Slade turned from the window to face her.  She watched as his eyes widened and his nostrils flared.  His gaze slowly slid down her body and then back up, a deep growl escaping his throat.  Gypsy caught her breath as he took a step toward her, but then seemed to catch himself, stopping and clenching his hands tightly into fists. 
    You like? She asked the question softly in his mind, afraid to voice it out loud. 
    I fucking love , came the quick response, followed by another low growl.  Mine.
    “Gypsy, we need to talk to you about the man who took a shot at Slade.”  The alpha’s voice reminded Gypsy that she and Slade were not alone.  A quick glance around the room showed Chase, Jade, and one other male she didn’t recognize.  “This is Bran, my beta.  If you aren’t comfortable with him being in on this discussion, he can wait in the hall.”
    Remembering her promise to herself to be the woman she used to be, not the scared one she had become, Gypsy shook her head, “No, he can stay.  If he is your beta, then you and Slade trust him.  That means I can as well.”
    Chase nodded, “Yes, you can.  As Slade’s mate, you are a part of this pack, Gypsy, which means you are under my protection.”
    “Which also means you are my alpha, and Bran is my beta,” Gypsy replied.  Walking over to them, she kneeled before Chase and bared her neck.  “I accept your generous offer of protection, and I am honored to be a part of your pack, Alpha.”
    Feeling Chase’s hand on the top of her head, Gypsy smiled at the push of energy from him, instantly calming her wayward emotions.  “When you are ready, we will have a ceremony announcing your mating and welcoming you to the pack.  Until then, know you already are a part of us, and your mating is approved.”
    Gypsy raised her head and smiled.  “Thank you, Alpha.”
    Chase smiled, letting his hand trail down to cup her cheek.  Why can’t my mate be more like you?  
    Gypsy caught the words that flitted briefly through his mind, and the guilt that followed.  Smiling gently, she responded, Because she wouldn’t be the woman you want, the woman you love, if she was.  Everything about her attracts you to her.  Her loyalty to her team, her love for her children and determination to keep them safe above all else, her will to survive everything she has been through and become the person she is today.  Her rejection is killing you right now, but try and focus on her reason for that rejection. 
    We would be stronger together, Chase growled in frustration.  I would fight with her if she would let me.
    Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t let you because she is afraid of losing you?  The impressions I get from you is that she is a strong woman, always in control, always fighting for what she believes in.  But, always losing what is most important to her.  The first man she cared for, both of her children.  Maybe she is afraid of losing you too?  So she fights to get rid of the one thing that could take you from her.  The General.  After he is gone, she will feel safe enough to allow you to claim her.
    Chase’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated her words.  You are strong, Gypsy.  You don’t push your mate away right now while we track down and fight the man who is trying to kill him.
    Gypsy covered the alpha’s hand that still rested against her cheek with her own.  Squeezing it, she whispered, That is only because I am not as strong as your mate.
    His eyes widening slightly in understanding, Chase replied out loud gruffly, “Thank you for that, Gypsy.”  Leaning down, he helped her to her feet before looking at Slade.  “Your mate is wise beyond her years, my friend.  The God’s have chosen well for you.”
    As they have for you.  Gypsy savored her alpha’s look of gratitude before walking over to sit in the chair next to Slade.  Slade’s hand rested on her shoulder, and she covered it with her