Before she reaches me, I ask in a disappointed tone, “Roxy, were you listening at the door while I was talking to Cass?” I use the nickname I haven’t called her in a very long time to soften her. I want answers.

Her head drops in a submissive manner. “Yes Mase, I was. I just needed to make sure you were okay. I’ve never seen you threaten Cass. I don’t know who that girl is. Is she trying to come between you and your family? That’s not right, Mase. I just needed... need. I need you, Mase. I love you so much. I’ve been waiting for you to settle down for years. Please tell me you still want me, tell me it’s not over?” she begs.

“Roxanne, listen. I need you not to repeat anything you heard here today. It’s very important. Michael and Casper are the only two people who know the full story, so if I hear a word about how Sophia and I met I’ll know it was you.” There’s a threat there whether she hears it or not. I’m not sure.

She still has hope that I’d choose her. I can see the wheels turning, analyzing everything I’m saying. I’ll let her think whatever she wants as long as she keeps her mouth closed. I look directly into her eyes so she knows what I’m about to say is serious. “No one Roxanne, not your sister, not your friends, not a stranger. No one, do you understand?”

She nods her head eagerly. “Yes, Mase. I understand.”

“I need you to go, now. I have a lot of things to figure out.”

She runs her long nails over my lower stomach almost dipping under my waistband before she adds, “If you need me, just call or come over, okay? I can help you with anything.”

Lucky for me, my brother kept his mouth shut the whole time. He must have realized what I was doing. I hope he knows. I don’t want him running to Sophia to tell her I’m keeping Roxanne on the side. I don’t think that’s even possible once you’re Mated, but she might not know that.

“Casper, you know I only handled her that way because I don’t want people knowing how different Sophia is right?” Before he can answer, I say, “I need to make sure she’s safe. If everybody knew she was different, it might be a problem. Sid called me when you guys drove through the pack property, said quite a few of the fellas were all worked up by her scent even unmated, married men.”

“I get it, man. I don’t like it, but I get it. I don’t know what you ever saw in her anyway but a lay. She and her sister are power-hungry bitches!”

I grab a water and head back to my little Mate. “She’s awake. I heard you guys and wanted to make sure she left for good this time. I’m going to tell her everything. I hope she gives me a chance to make it up to her.”