The Mating Read Online Free

father was very traditional and had guarded her closely. While her friends had been off on dates, it had been well-known that she only went out in groups. Bryan had been the only male she was ever allowed to run with. Even he admitted that her father had given him stern warnings that there had better be no inappropriate behaviour if he valued his life. At the time, Elise had thought her father was just over protective, but now she was coming to realise that she had just been an object, a pawn to be used in political manoeuvring.

    At that moment, the bedroom door opened and Kane appeared. “Elise. I heard you in the shower when I came in, so I made some breakfast for us.” Briefly she made eye contact with him and he must have noted her flushed countenance for his eyes darted to the fresh sheets on the bed and then back to her. “Yes, the Council has been here to check on our union.” He spoke the fact blandly as if it was of no more importance than the weather and Elise forced her feelings down, trying to match his nonchalant attitude.

    He extended his arm, ushering her into the kitchenette. The table was set. Bacon and eggs, juice and toast were waiting. “I wasn’t sure what you liked to eat first thing, but this is what I can cook. I hope it’s suitable.”

    Elise looked at him in surprise. Her father had never set foot in the kitchen, always too busy with his work as Alpha. “You… You cooked this?”

    “Yes. I am capable of fending for myself, you know.” He chuckled at her expression and helped her into a chair. “Also, I can’t have my mate undernourished. We used up a lot of energy last night.” This final remark was accompanied by a kiss on her cheek and a hand running casually over her breast to her waist. Elise momentarily froze, but Kane sat down opposite her as if nothing had happened and began serving. “We’ll need to take a few days to get used to each other—acquainted with various likes and dislikes. Is there anything you aren’t fond of eating?” He paused in the middle of spooning up some egg and looked at her enquiringly.

    “Um…not really.”

    “Good. I’ll eat almost anything myself. Do you like to read? Watch movies?” The meal progressed with Kane asking her questions and Elise supplying answers. When she didn’t question him back, he would fill in his own preferences. Elise had to admire him for the effort he was making. He was being friendly and polite, showing an interest in her… Apparently he was committed to making their union work.

    After awhile, she relaxed a bit and found herself expanding on her answers. Kane smiled over at her, obviously pleased that she too was making an effort.

    “Our territories adjoin to the east, and with our packs under an alliance, we technically have miles and miles of forest to roam in now,” he explained, leaning back and sipping his coffee. “Personally, I love a good run over rugged terrain. How about you? When I first saw you, it was apparent that you’d just come in from exercising.”

    “Yes, I’d been out with…a friend.” The smile that had been on her face during their meal, faded as she recalled her last run—the last time she would ever be with Bryan.

    “And this…friend. Would he be the young male who was looking daggers at me yesterday? Tall with sandy hair and about twenty years of age?”

    Elise hesitated, but knew Kane could find out from anyone in her pack. Her friendship with Bryan had been no secret. “Yes. That was Bryan. He had hoped to speak to my father about being my…mate.” She looked away, her eyes misting a bit as she thought of him.

    “And you?” Kane prodded softly. “How did you feel about that?”

    Staring at her hands, Elise whispered her answer. “I…I was hoping for the same thing.”

    Kane was silent for a moment, and then answered slowly. “I see…but I’m not surprised. You are a beautiful female and it would be strange if no one in your pack had wanted to mate