Chapter 2 - THE ALPHA WHO ASKED PERMISSION
The first thing Emma noticed about Nathaniel Mercer was that he never pulled her closer.
He held her hand.
He stood beside her.
But he waited.
That simple courtesy unsettled her more than his reputation.
“Would you like to leave?” he asked.
Emma glanced toward the ceremonial clock.
Twelve twenty-three.
“I'm not allowed.”
Nathaniel looked at her.
“According to whom?”
“Blackridge tradition.”
“Tradition isn't a prison sentence.”
She almost smiled.
“Tell that to my employer.”
His expression changed.
“Your employer?”
Emma explained the lease, the job, and the expectation that eligible wolves remain until the closing toast.
Nathaniel listened without interrupting.
Then he looked toward Grant Holloway.
“Alpha Holloway.”
Grant hurried over.
“Yes?”
“Does your pack prohibit members from leaving social events?”
Grant's smile tightened.
“It's a longstanding custom.”
“That wasn't my question.”
Grant glanced at Emma.
“Technically, no.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“Then Miss Whitmore may leave whenever she wishes.”
Emma stared at him.
Grant looked furious.
But he said nothing.
Nathaniel turned back to her.
“Would you like to go?”
Emma looked across the ballroom.
Daniel stood beside Madeline.
His expression was no longer relieved.
It was angry.
For eleven months, Emma had imagined he might become her future.
Now she realized he had never offered her anything definite.
Only possibilities.
Only promises that evaporated whenever they became inconvenient.
She lifted her chin.
“Yes.”
Nathaniel offered his arm.
Emma accepted.
Together, they walked toward the doors.
Behind them, whispers rose.
She caught fragments.
Impossible.
Mercer doesn't choose anyone.
Is she his mate?
Emma's heart hammered.
At the entrance, Daniel stepped into their path.
“Emma.”
She stopped.
Nathaniel remained beside her.
Daniel looked at their joined hands.
“Can we talk?”
Emma stared at him.
“About what?”
He swallowed.
“I didn't mean for tonight to happen like this.”
She felt something sharp twist inside her.
“How did you mean for it to happen?”
Daniel glanced around.
“Privately.”
Emma laughed once.
“You wanted to reject me privately after spending eleven months making me believe you might choose me publicly?”
His face reddened.
“It wasn't that simple.”
“Actually,” Emma said, “I think it was.”
Madeline appeared behind him.
“Daniel, darling, we're missing the photographs.”
Emma looked at her.
Madeline smiled.
It was a beautiful smile.
And entirely without kindness.
“You should probably go home, Emma. You've had an embarrassing evening.”
Nathaniel spoke before Emma could answer.
“Miss Cross.”
Madeline straightened.
“Yes, Alpha Mercer?”
“An evening becomes embarrassing when someone behaves without dignity.”
His eyes moved briefly toward Daniel.
“Not when someone is treated without it.”
Madeline's smile disappeared.
Emma squeezed Nathaniel's hand.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He looked down at her.
“You did the difficult part.”
Outside, cold Wyoming air rushed against Emma's face.
She breathed deeply.
For the first time all night, she felt free.
Then Nathaniel asked a question that changed everything.
“Emma, has anyone ever explained why your wolf hasn't completed a bond?”
She shook her head.
May you like
He looked toward the dark mountains.
“Then there's something you should know about the Mercer bloodline.”
