Zed's Dishonest Mate Read Online Free PDF Page B

elevator?” he asked. Zed’s back stiffened. Luka flinched back as the other man became angry, but his leg throbbed. He wouldn’t make it up the stairs. Before Zed could explode, he quickly added, “I walked a long way today. More than I’m used to and I’m tired. For today, can we please take the elevator? Please,” Luka begged. If he couldn’t do this, would Zed send him back?
    “The elevator doesn’t work. Tomorrow you will climb up and down the stairs, but for today grab onto me and I’ll teleport us to the top floor.”
    Luka sighed in relief. He walked over to Zed and wrapped his arms around the larger man’s waist. He leaned in. Being in his mate’s arms felt right. Zed’s entire body was hard with thick muscles. He felt the strength flow into him. Then the sadness hit. They might have been loving and caring mates in his visions, but right now Zed barely tolerated him.

Chapter Three
     
    Zed held Luka closer than needed. The elf smelled like the wind and everything good in nature, a natural aroma of flowers, trees, and pinecones. He was addicted to the sweet scent. While not necessary to breathe, he took in a deep breath, memorizing the unique scent.
    They reappeared inside of his apartment. Luka’s eyes were tightly closed. The small elf’s brow wrinkled. His fists wrapped tightly around Zed’s shirt. He held Luka a little longer than needed, relishing the feel of the small elf perfectly nestled into his body.
    Zed wanted a strong mate. No, he needed a strong mate. Not physically strong, but his mate had to be mentally strong. Luka was the type of person more concerned with how the problem affected him. He would never be concerned with people dealing with difficult times. Those things wouldn’t bother the small elf or if it did, it was because it dirtied his pretty view of the world.
    The elf dressed in a pure white turtleneck and white dress pants. The outfit looked good on him, but most clothes would fit the elf’s lean body. The bright white was another example of Luka’s disconnect from reality. Zed would never wear a color that showed all the blood and dirt that accompanied running a territory. The elf avoided work and had no desire to participate in such things. Luka probably never realized the impracticality of wearing such a light color, but it was unpractical for any leader that needed to get down and dirty.
    The apple seldom falls far from the tree. Kane was exactly the same way. Some things were just inherited. His beautiful, spoiled mate lacked discipline and had serious character flaws. He was selfish, self-centered, rude and demanding. Those things could be changed with hard, backbreaking work, but the worst part couldn’t be changed. The dark blood of King Kane flowed through his mate’s veins. Luka had a beautiful face, but he had an ugly heart.
    Zed would try. The fates created them for each other, but if tonight was any indication, he had his work cut out for him. The main problem was the small elf’s attitude. Luka wasn’t serious. He wasn’t trying. First, whining about walking too fast. He wouldn’t even attempt to keep up. No, Zed had to modify his pace. Then the elf prince demanded to ride the elevator. Normally, he’d force the small elf up the stairs, but making a scene in front of the others would have lasting negative implications for the spoiled elf prince.
    He needed to get tough. In a room full of vampires, Luka would learn to straighten his back and climb the stairs, not complain about being tired. Leaders never got tired. He shook his head. Luka hadn’t climbed the stairs. Instead, he complained. That said it all.
    The first step was getting Luka to learn to suck it up and get the job done. Complaining would bring more work. Maybe tomorrow he’d have his mate climb the stairs ten times. It wasn’t barbaric, but a start to improve the elf’s character.
    Tonight, he’d let it slide. So much had changed for the elf. Luka was young, he reminded himself. He