Twice Tempted: Between Two Alphas (Mia and Cameron) novel Chapter 32

Chapter Thirty-Two

MIA

Cameron carries me out of the circle.

His strong arms hold me close. My body presses up against his chest, my arms circle his neck.

My son walks beside us, his hand on my back. My dad carries my daughter.

It’s almost two miles back to the square, and Cam never once falters.

Packmates line the trail. They pat his shoulders, welcoming him back.

Many of them offer blessings to my children. Some even extend a greeting to me.

I wasn’t expecting that.

I wasn’t expecting Cam to storm into that circle and declare me his mate. Or to challenge his father and the Elders.

His lips brush my forehead, he nuzzles my hair. I snuggle deeper into his arms and his rumbling praise is reward enough.

I miss this.

I miss him.

I miss us.

“Come back to the main house,” he mutters.

“Not yet.”

I feel the grumbling sound he makes. He isn’t happy with my answer.

When we reach the square, Cam sets me on my feet.

“Come, Father,” Jacelyn says. “Mommy needs to rest.”

She takes his one hand, and Aaron takes the other. They walk him toward the main pack house, Cam’s whole entourage, my father, his, the Elders, trailing behind like a parade.

I stand there, watching. The events of the last few hours feel surreal.

“How about a shower?” Christian offers.

Liam makes a show of sniffing the air. “You need one.”

Christian nudges my shoulder. “Come on. The worst is behind us, Mia. You’re home. Cam’s awake. Life’s looking up.”

Is it though? I can’t escape the terrible sense of dread that the worst is yet to come…

We head toward one of the bunkhouses. They’re for pack use.

I take that shower. Liam brings me a huge tray of food and I eat.

Someone brings over some of my old clothes. I’m surprised my dad kept them. I thought for sure, everything I’d owned would’ve been tossed away when Ashley mated Cam.

Seeing Cameron for the first time after so many years, it was like the time apart melted away. He’s bigger and his hair’s a little longer, but not much else has changed.

He’s still tall and imposing. His eyes still shine with that unnatural shade of green, glowing with an intensity that can make me feel like I’m the only woman in the world.

And when he came between me and his father, challenging his own pack and calling me his mate…

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t give me some of those old feels.

Nala purrs appreciatively.

No girl. We can’t go back.

He’s married, remember?

Albeit to a woman who lied and cheated her way into the life I should have had.

Alone in this temporary room, I drop onto the bed and give in to the tears I’ve bottled up since arriving here.

I want my children.

I want the peace I once had in a new life, in another place.

And a part of me wants Cameron again.