Alpha Mine (The Alpha Council Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF Page B

honor we do.”
    “Stephan, I think you have what humans call trust issues.” Marcus chuckled.
    “This isn’t a laughing matter. You were not alive when the Germans hunted our breed almost to extinction. It was terrible, so much senseless loss.” Stephan shook his head sadly. “I will do whatever it takes to make sure such an event never happens again.”
    Marcus stilled under Stephan’s watchful gaze. The Alpha leader saw anger flash in his friend’s eyes.
    “I’m positive Kat would never betray us,” Marcus proclaimed. “She’s probably out shopping or something.”
    “I hope you’re…” The sound of the front door to the penthouse opening interrupted Stephan’s reply. Kat entered the kitchen with a swish of her hips.
    “Hi,” she greeted the pair with a smile.
    “Where have you been?” demanded Stephan.
    “What’s it to you?” she snapped, the smile disappearing from her beautiful face.
    Not used to such insolence, especially from a mortal—a female at that, Stephan crossed his arms across his broad chest, leaned back in his chair and affected an intimidating look.
    “I asked you where you have been?” he repeated slowly, enunciating each syllable.
    “And I asked you, what’s it to you?” Kat said, equaling Stephan’s tone and slow enunciation.
    Marcus stood, grabbed Stephan’s cup, and took it along with his to the sink to rinse them out. “Hey now you two, I think you guys need to break and go to your corners. Ding. Ding. This round is over.”
    Kat took in a deep cleansing breath and let it back out slowly before speaking. “If you must know, I was at the Divine Mercy Shelter.”
    “Why?” questioned Stephan, his voice heavy with confusion.
    “Because I volunteer there.”
    The Alpha leaned forward slightly in his chair, still suspicious. “What do you do at this shelter?”
    “I usually work the soup line.”
    “Why do you go to such a place?”
    “Because I’m looking for a date,” Katrina replied sarcastically. Marcus’ deep laugh echoed in the kitchen as he rejoined Stephan at the table.
    “Seriously, why do you go to such a place?” Stephan asked with sincere curiosity.
    Before responding, Kat crossed to the refrigerator and poured a glass of water. “I guess I go there because it makes me feel like I’m giving something back. I like to help people.” Katrina looked pointedly at Marcus. “I remember a time I needed the help of a stranger. Now I can give a little help, so I give it. It’s like Karma.”
    See, sent Marcus across their mindlink. I told you she can be trusted. She wasn’t out betraying us. She was out helping people less fortunate.
    Stephan’s eyes flicked to Marcus . Today. But what about tomorrow or the day after that? She’ll have to earn my trust as she has earned yours, Marcus.
    Oh she’ll earn it. Just give her a chance.
    Stephan eyed the lissome blonde from the corner of his eye. I’ll be watching her closely.
    I just bet you will . A wry grin raised the corners of Marcus’ mouth.
    Stephan turned his attention fully on the woman in the room and found her watching the two of them carefully with a strange look on her face. His curiosity made him push into her mind to glean what she was thinking. He found she could see that something transpired between them, but she had no idea what. Her eyes darted between the two men briefly before coming to rest on Stephan.
    He diverted his gaze but stayed a quiet shadow in her mind, listened to her thoughts as she reviewed his features. His straight nose and strong jaw line made the heat of desire flood her body, tighten her belly. She loved his eyes, felt like they drew her in when he looked at her, the deep blue color calling to her like the sea calls its captain.
    Stephan turned to look at Katrina with a grin on his lips. The flush on her cheeks betrayed her thoughts. She shook her head. “I need to get ready for work,” she said giving herself an excuse to leave the room and his scrutinizing