Alpha's Arrangement (Troubled Fork Shifters (Book 2)) Read Online Free PDF Page A

stared right at her.
    “Emma, are we in agreement here?” Theodore asked.
    “I’m sorry, what?” she replied as she averted Alexander’s gaze and turned her head to Theodore.
    “I asked you if we were in agreement with what’s to happen next?”
    “Yes. I mean , I’m not sure,” she said. “What’s happening next?”
    Alexander groaned in disapproval.
    Emma scowled at him.
    “You are leaving and going to my nephew’s home - to live . Remember?” Theodore said.
    “Oh yes. Of course. Right. I’m in agreement with that.”
    “Are you okay, Emma?” Theodore asked.
    “Yes, I’m fine.”
    He looked in Alexander’s direction. “And you… Remember what I said. Keep your hands off of her until the wedding night. Understood?”
    “Yeah, I got it. Loud and clear. That… won’t be a problem.”
    Won’t be a problem?
    “Now, I need to speak with Emma alone. Please excuse us.” Theodore said.
    Wordless, Alexander got up and left the room.
    What a fucking jerk.
    Emma felt bad for Theodore. He seemed like such a nice person. Why did bad things always seem to happen to good people? Of all the nephews in the world a person might have to be concerned about, Emma couldn’t imagine one much worse than Alexander.
    Theodore leaned forward in his chair and said, “Emma, I am sorry about his behavior. My only hope is that we can get this matter taken care of soon.”
    Emma shook her head. Despite what she thought at first, she now realized how complicated this was.
    “That’s okay. Really.” Emma said. That was a lie. It wasn’t.
    “I don’t know what happened to Alex. Ever since his father died he …” Theodore said. His voice trailed off.
    “Is there anything I can do?” she asked.
    “No. It’s quite alright. But, thank you.”
    “I don’t mind.” She said. “After all, I’ve come all this way.”
    “I appreciate that.” He said. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. My nephew is not a bad person. He’s foolish. I’ve always done the best I could. By that, I mean to offer the guidance and leadership which vanished from his life after my brother died. But, it’s never good enough for him.”
    Emma nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that.” She said.
    Theodore stood and waived his right hand in a casual way. “No matter… Our family squabbles are of no consequence to you. I wanted you to understand that what I do comes from a place of love for my family and leadership for the pack.”
    “Yes, I understand.” She said.
    “Very well. I won’t burden you with the heaviness of this any longer. Your time here will be brief, Emma. I have no doubt Alex’s true colors will show before long and when they do, I’ll be able to bring much needed order to the pack once again.”
    ***
    By the time they’d gotten into Alexander’s car, the sky was dark and Emma was outraged .
    How could anyone be so rude and well… mean? As far as he knew, Emma was to be his wife and that’s what he thought about her? That it ‘wouldn’t be a problem’ to not have physical contact?
    Really?
    Oblivious to her inner dialog, Alexander turned the key in the ignition and as he shifted it into gear he said, “You hungry?”
    Why? Am I supposed to eat now because I am upset?
    Disgusted, Emma replied, “No, no thanks. I’m fine.”
    “Are you sure? There’s not much to eat at my place. You know, bachelor pad and all.”
    “Yes, I’m sure. Can we just go? I’m tired.”
    “Yep. No problem.”
    The pair drove along in silence for about five minutes. The car rolled to a stop at a traffic light just outside town.
    “So, what did you chat about before I arrived?” Alexander asked.
    “I don’t see how that’s any of your business. I don’t feel like talking about that… or anything else for that matter.”
    “Hey, what is the problem, lady?”
    “Uh!” Emma swiveled to face him. “What’s the problem? What’s the problem!??! You need to ask what the problem is right now?”
    “Yeah, for starters.”