That got his attention. He turned fully to me.
“Where did you get that idea?”
“I heard Madison speaking with another woman at the clinic you took me to. They were discussing how horrible you must be feeling since you were…” I trickled off as his gaze narrowed with anger.
“I was what?” he demanded.
“Mated to a human.” My voice was soft and hesitant.
“That’s why you ran from me?” He clenched his fists at his sides, the muscles in his arms and shoulders bulging. “What else did they say?”
I swallowed. “That you were in love with Belinda James. That you must be devasted to know you weren’t her mate. Madison seemed to think you could mate someone else and was willing to take the lead in that one.”
“And?”
Had his jaw had that tick earlier? I didn’t remember noticing it. Lord, was he angry!
“And?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to admit the rest of what I’d overheard.
“What else did you hear, Cecilia? Don’t even think about lying to me. I want to know all of it.”
I opened my mouth to make a snappy comment then thought better of it. I couldn’t make light of this. Not this. Not when it meant…well, everything to me.
“That you must be disappointed to find yourself with a human for a mate, especially one so far beneath you. A weak, frail, little human.”
“Sonofabitch!” Simon exploded and reached for his phone.
“Simon, I—”
He cut me off with a wave of his hand as whoever he’d dialed answered on the other end. “Is Madison working?” His gaze met mine. “Put her on. Now. Whoever it is can wait. Don’t make me repeat myself.”
“Simon, really it’s okay. I mean, honestly. I don’t mind being beneath you.” I tried for a grin. “Or under you. We could always try over you?”
He didn’t even crack a smile.
“Listen to me and listen closely,” Simon snapped, anger rife in his tone. I’d hate to be on the receiving end of his current fury. “You need to think long and hard on the words you spoke the night I brought in my mate. Words my mate overheard. Words that sent her fleeing. If anything would have happened to her, I would have held you personally responsible, Madison. Do you understand that?”
He paused, and I could hear a high-pitched response.
“Sorry doesn’t cut it, and I’m the wrong person to give it to. When we return, you’ll make amends to my mate. My mate. She’ll be treated with the respect she deserves, and if I hear of anything like this happening again, you’ll be searching for a new pack. Do I make myself clear?”
His gaze narrowed at whatever she replied then he hung up.
“Simon—”
He held his hand up as he made another call.
“So much for the respect I deserve,” I mumbled, and Simon’s lips twitched as he shook his head.
“Gabe, hey.” I sat, feeling my own ire rise as I listened to him share what I’d told him. I had no idea who Gabe was, but I also heard Simon mention Raina. I knew who she was. She was the mate of the alpha of the James Pack. Would that make her my alpha? Did mates have an alpha? As a human mate, was I expected to follow an alpha? I wasn’t good at obeying orders. I had a defiant streak a mile wide. My dad continuously warned me about it. And Hannibal said it drove him crazy. Damn it! I should have spent more time grilling Hannibal, so I wasn’t walking into this whole mating thing blind. Well, maybe, Leslie instead. Hannibal’s mom would be a lot more likely to give me answers.
A plate appeared in front of me, and I realized Simon was off the phone. Crisp bacon, fluffy eggs, and biscuits.
“Eat,” he ordered. “Then we’ll talk.”
“We could always talk while we eat. Conversation. People do it all the time.” I glanced at the counter. “And I only see one plate. Are we sharing?”
“I ate earlier. Which is a good thing. I’m too angry right now.”
“Why?” I asked, munching on a piece of bacon. “Madison and her friend said some rude things. It’s no reason to get bent out of shape. I’m here. With you.” I shrugged. “I might decide to stay.”
He snorted. “You’ll stay. And for the record, I’m fucking thrilled to find my mate. I knew the moment I heard your voice over the phone. And my heart fucking stopped when I walked into that warehouse and saw Mullins throwing you aside as if you were without worth. Not when you mean everything to me.”
“Simon.” I shook my head, unsure what to say. How could he feel that way about me? He didn’t even know me.
“There’s nothing weak or frail about you. I know you followed your brother into a situation you weren’t completely sure of because you didn’t want him going in alone. That tells me you’re brave and loyal. From what Bas heard from your brother, you antagonized Mullins even as he threatened you while you tried to give your brother an opening. And you contacted me.” He laughed. “Demanded I get my ass in gear and gather the troops to rescue Hannibal and his mate.”
“The woman you’re in love with,” I reminded him.
“Not even close. I admire Belinda James. She’s special. Different. And her difference makes other people nervous. Wary. She needed someone to look out for her. To make her seem approachable. To…humanize her for lack of a better word. She’s an amazing woman. Your brother’s very lucky. You’re going to love her, Cecilia. Like I do. Like family. I’ve never been in love with her. There’s only one woman for me.”
“You really believe that?”
“I know it. Give me time, and I’ll prove it to you. Ask me anything.”
“I asked before if you were born into the James Pack, and you scoffed. I take it that means you joined later? How? Why? Were you part of another pack before?” I wanted to know everything.
“I was actually raised by a
