“Something changed?”
Nick paused, thinking about the change of his feelings over the last few weeks. “Yes, everything changed. I no longer wanted to just f**k Clara. She came to mean something to me. The first night in my home I held her while she slept. Holding her gives me as much pleasure as watching her read.” Nick stopped, remembering her lying on the sofa in his office reading as he worked. “She’s beautiful inside and out. Her family didn’t deserve her.”
“And you do?”
He looked at Charles, weighing up his answer.
“No, I don’t deserve her. She’s better than I ever will be. I’ve never been a good man. I thought I was a good alpha at one point, but I wasn’t. If I was a good alpha, I wouldn’t have been outlawed. Clara makes me a better man, and I know I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing her how much I love her.”
Charles stayed quiet for a long time.
“The decision to outlaw you was taken out of my hands. I didn’t disagree with what you did. The fact I sat at the same table with that man, ate with him, shared my life with him sickens me. I saw the damage he did. You were outlawed because one of us was determined to see you out of the way. Riley has a lot to answer for. He was the cause for the sale of women. He wanted you outlawed so everyone would tell your story rather than realize what he was doing. He made us believe we were doing the right thing, and for that, I’m totally sorry.” Charles stood. “You were one of the best alphas we’ve ever known. Our biggest regret is outlawing you.”
“Riley did this?” Nick asked, understanding why the other collective alpha hadn’t made an appearance.
“Yes. We found out what he was doing, and we’re stopping him. I know words are not enough, but I am sorry for not going with my gut and leaving you as an alpha.”
Nick was thankful for the words even though they were unnecessary.
“If you were given the option of having a pack would you take it?” Charles asked.
“No, I don’t want the responsibility. The only person I want is Clara.”
“Speaking of the wonderful woman, I better go and join the rest of the collective to interview her.”
Nick watched the other man walk toward the door. “Wait,” he said, halting him. Charles turned. “When you’re with her take your time. She doesn’t trust people easily, and I’d hate for you to upset her.”
“I will take every effort to calm her.”
Charles left, and Nick slumped back into his seat. There, his life was going to be over if they decided Clara didn’t know her own mind. Closing his eyes, he listened to his employees walking into the building. He hated them all for their happy easy lives.
Getting on with work he kept looking at his phone waiting for it to ring. It didn’t ring at all.
Around lunchtime he tensed as Dean entered the office. The somber look on his face didn’t help Nick’s nerves at all.
“Do you know anything?” Nick asked.
“Sorry, mate, no. I brought you the contract we agreed to. It’s time for you to look over it before you sign.” Dean placed the file on the table. “You’ve not heard anything?”
“No. I’ve heard f**k all. This shouldn’t be allowed to happen. I feel like my life is on hold until I know what is happening.”
“Clara’s a strong woman, Nick. She’ll convince them. I know she’s in love with you. She’s not going anywhere.”
He smiled at his friend, not believing a word.
****
Clara kept beating the butter and sugar together. She looked at the time sensing something was going to happen today. Nick had held her tighter than ever before. Seeing him drive away clearly sad had upset her even more. Today was going to be the day they visited her. The collective’s visit was the only explanation as to Nick’s change in mood.
Baking a dark rich chocolate cake usually eased her thoughts. Her cure for all tensions was no longer working. She placed the two filled cake tins in the oven, washing up the dishes. Clara was wiping down the counter when the doorbell sounded. Glancing around the kitchen, she tried to find any excuse to answer the damn thing.
Be strong, Clara. You can do this.
She loved Nick, and all she needed to do was prove to them her feelings. Tucking hair behind her ears she walked to the door.
“Hello, Clara. I’m Charles, and these are my brothers. I’ll be the one doing the talking today. They’re here to listen, learn, and take information in,” Charles said, going over all the introductions.
“Can I tell you to f**k off?” she asked.
“You can, but we can’t go anywhere. These are the rules.”
Nodding, she opened the door waiting for them all to enter. She heard them scenting the air. “I’ve been doing some baking. Would you please sit in here while I get the tea?” Clara ushered them into the sitting room like they were a pack a sheep rather than hungry dogs waiting to take her away.
Once they were seated, she went into the kitchen, tempted to call Nick. No, she wouldn’t do something to make them believe she wasn’t here of her own free will. She took the cakes out of the oven to cool, making up the tray with six cups and sugar.
Entering the sitting room, she placed the tray on the coffee table remembering her and Nick’s time together. Heat entered her core. She ignored the need, serving them all a drink and taking a seat even as her arousal increased.
“Why are you aroused?” Charles asked.
Her cheeks must be aflame at his obvious question. “I’m remembering a time with Nick, in this very room.” Lifting the cup to her lips she took a sip smiling. “It’s a good memory.”
“Clara, we must get down to business. I’m sure you know why I’m here?”
“I’ve been told you’re to make sure I don’t suffer with some kind of syndrome and that I’m here of my own free will.” She was speaking too fast, but she couldn’t stop the words from pouring out. Sipping her tea she cursed her wayward mouth with her constantly trying to talk.
Shut up, Clara. Be confident. You’re not lying. You’re telling the truth.
For the next hour Charles took over the conversation asking her questions. He asked about her childhood up to her first turning. The look on his face as she described what happened made her feel slightly scared. There was a reason these men were the collective. They knew how to handle wolves and were stronger than many other wolves.