The Mates of Monsters
Chapter 61

I wait in the sitting room, prettied, dressed up, and alone. I sit on the couch looking over the backrest like a widow longing for her husband to return home, to come marching up the front yard, through the weeds and untamed growth of her garden. I feel timeless, like the young woman captured in the black and white photograph back home that my father says is his great aunt. She sits on the mantle with the other members of our family history and surveys from her post. But, most of all, I feel helpless. I can fight for the Lunas for their daughters and their Alpha blood-but I can't save them from their bonds. I can't save Aurora. She is tied to her mate as intricately as I am to my own. It is a deal that flows both ways.

David's words are instilled in my mind, in Aurora's mind: No Alpha will let his mate be taken from him.

I only hope she doesn't resent me the moment I refuse her murderous plans. Sometime between their arrival and our gathering at the table, I need to make my decision crystal clear to Aurora before she drops something in his drink or serves a tainted bottle-ideas I gave her myself.

"You look beautiful."

I turn my head and watch David come into the room, ready himself. "You always do," he adds and I look away.

"Stop it," I mumble, not so serious.

He crouches in front of me, his elbows on his knees. "How come you accept everyone's compliments but mine?"

"I accept them. Most of the time."

"Right," he says sarcastically.

His knuckles brush down my exposed arm, and I say, "I don't feel good about this."

"I know. I wish the circumstances were different, but we have to look out for ourselves."

"And if the circumstances change? Can we do something?"

David sighs. "I promise you I will."

A knock on the front door a wall away makes me flinch. I sit up straight and hurriedly tell him, "Talk to Nicodra. Get me time with her."

He nods and together we answer the door. I stay behind him, partially over his shoulder as if some kind of Hell will unleash on us once the door swings open.

Aurora's face is the first thing I see, bound up and threatening to rip at the seams. Her mate smiles from behind her then moves past when she doesn't react fast enough. "Good evening, Alpha Amin... Brigette," Nicodra greets.

"Please, come in," David says and we step out of the way. David moves in on Nicodra, and I hang back as Aurora eases through the doorway. David ropes Nicodra in conversation, asking about the journey, sharing his hopes for a resolution. He guides him down the hallway, heading straight into the dining room. My heart hammers as I shut the door behind Aurora and stand in her way.

"We're not doing it," I whisper, painfully cautious. "We can't. Okay?"

Her eyes shift. "You told your mate, didn't you?"

"I had to, and he agreed with me when I told him I couldn't do it. Please, Aurora, tell me; did you tamper with anything?"

"No. He didn't bring wine, but you have to understand, things have changed. He isn't... right. I-I'm worried, Brigette," she breathes, beginning to tremble.

"Has he hurt you? What's going on?"

David steps into the hall, announcing, "Here they are. Is everything alright, Brigette?"

He's playing along. "Sorry. Just catching up," I call.

We make our way to the dining room to join our mates, but I can't help myself, I have to ask again, "What's going on?"

She snaps her head to me, something of fear in her eyes, an expression I've never seen from her. "He's doesn't want an apology," she manages before the dining room drags her in. My gut shrivels to dust. What on earth does he want?

David and I sit on one side of the table, and Nicodra and Aurora occupy the other, something of a level playing field as the head of the table is left empty. Helena uncorks a bottle of wine before serving the first course. She pours each glass, and I touch David's leg under the table, hoping that if I move sporadically enough, he'll get the hint. His hand captures mine, and he draws a question mark in my palm. My eyes casually point to Nicodra, and subtly shake my head before thanking Helena and sipping from my glass. "Thank you for coming," I say and set my glass down. "I know we left off on the wrong foot, and I want to apologize for the whole ordeal."

I thought the words would try to claw their way back down my throat, but I'm desperate to know what Aurora is so afraid of.

"That's very big of you, Brigette," Nicodra says. "Mistakes were made on both sides, but I accept your apology. I must say, when I discovered you filled my spot-well, I didn't take you for the sneaky type."

"I got her the spot," David chimes in. "Many Lunas we're behind the proposition. I know Brigette does not want to take full credit."

"Right. I don't. Luna Godoy and I are campaigning together, and the basis of the proposition was a group effort."

"But you got me out of the way, didn't you?" He asks, but before I can retaliate, he continues. "You've adapted quickly to the leadership lifestyle-how we go about business. There is always a risk, though, Brigette, when you go about things messily." I swallow.

David says, "Let's not get vengeful. The proposition will benefit countless women, men, and their packs."

Aurora remains quiet, like a flower on a hill, watching the end of the world.

"I won't feed you lies. Not everyone believes your proposition is beneficial. I, for one, do not think such drastic changes should be supported, not when they risk our history and traditions. For centuries we have followed the same law, and for a plain-blooded female to protest that it is a shame you've done so much damage already."

"Watch your tongue," David warns, trying to keep his cool.

I place my hand on his arm. "It's okay. I understand, really. Call me whatever you want, Nicodra. But the fact is that I may very well have enough support to see this through. I am not fighting this battle alone. There are Alpha-blooded and non-alpha blood leaders who agree with me."