Fox Mate (Madison Wolves) Read Free Page A

everyone."
    "Michaela," Mr. Berg said. "What do you know about tonight's announcement?"
    "The alpha has not specifically told me anything she hasn't told the rest of you," I said. "I could share the rumors I've heard."
    He started to open his mouth again. "Mr. Berg," I said. "Lara did not tell me why we're meeting. The first I heard there was to be this picnic was when two of my students asked me about it on Thursday. I have my own suspicions, but I would not share them without Lara's permission."
    At that, Mr. Berg smiled triumphantly.
    "Damn it!" I said. "I just got played." I had just admitted I was submissive to Lara, something I rarely admitted outside the bedroom.
    "Yes, honey, you did," said Lara. "But I love you for it."
    "She's going to-"
    Lara clamped her hand over my mouth. "I will paddle you, Little Fox," she said. "Think carefully before you speak further."
    She took her hand away and I looked up at her. "Would you really?"
    "Yes."
    "In public?"
    "Yes."
    "Even knowing you wouldn't get any for a month?"
    "Yes."
    If I had thought she was bluffing, I would have called her on it. I thought further then smiled. "That's fine," I said. "You're wrapped around my finger as badly as I'm wrapped around yours."
    "Isn't that the truth," Elisabeth agreed under her breath.
    Ava wandered by, collecting plates and replenishing drinks. I kicked my sandals off and curled my feet underneath me, cuddling into Lara. She put her arm around me. I felt warm and safe and very much at peace. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.
    "I love you, Lara," I said in front of everyone. I'd never done that before.
    "I love you too, Little Fox," she said. She kissed the top of my head.
    After that, I listened to the conversation. It remained fairly innocuous. Elisabeth talked to a few stragglers making wagers about the reason for the get together. With great amusement, I listened in on each of the predictions.
    Francesca stopped by, "How soon would you like us to light the bonfire?" she asked Lara.
    "Whenever you're ready," Lara said. But I was listening to her heartbeat, and it sped up. I realized she was nervous. I opened my eyes and looked up to her.
    "Are you all right?" I asked her quietly.
    "Yes," she said. She lowered her lips towards my ear then spoke so quietly even a wolf wouldn't have heard her. "You know the alpha can't divorce. And you know the alpha's mate can't publicly rebel. Are you sure, honey?"
    I leaned up and kissed her jaw, cuddling closer to her. She lifted my chin, turning my ear towards her, continuing to speak quietly. "After tonight, at least in public, you must always stand as one with me. If you can't do that, Michaela..."
    I shifted so I could nibble on her earlobe. "I can't give you pups," I said. "We will fight in private. And you will never be he avy-handed in public."
    "I can't promise that last one," she told me, kissing my ear as cover for our conversation.
    I pressed my head into her, wrapping my arms around her, thinking about my response. Finally I pulled away, sitting up properly, but clasping her hand. "I love you, Lara," I said.
    "You already said that," Violet said.
    "Yes, I did. I'm sure I'll say it again, too."
    Lara squeezed my hand.
    "Oh look," I said. "Fire." Faces turned to see Francesca lighting the bonfire. Instead of one big bonfire, we actually had several medium fires, and Francesca lit them one after another. Having several medium fires allowed everyone to sit their preferred distance from the fires. It was a warm night, so I didn't imagine there would be competition for the closest seats.
    As a group, we got up and carried our chairs towards the fire. Lara and I sat down towards the end of the fires, facing our chair s along the length of the row of fires. Everyone would be able to take a seat and still see us. We could watch the fires as well as all the assembled wolves. Elisabeth set her chair next to ours. Everyone else gave us a little bit of room. Some people sat in lawn chairs; others sat