Read Goal: A Mate (Bachelor Auction #2) for Free Online Page B

her head. “No, Daddy, he’s been great. I’m just exhausted from the business. So much to do. And those Persian cat shifters across the road aren’t helping. There’s Alberto and pack business.” She darted away and sank into her chair.
    Her father remained standing. “Do you want me to talk to them? And what has Alberto done wrong? He’s been trying to talk to you and you’ve shut him down.” Martin’s voice dropped to a low rumble, which set off goose bumps on Kelly’s arms. His alpha voice was only used for naughty children and to get his pack members in line.
    “No. The Persians are my problem. My fight, my way.” She waited for him to ignore her declaration. He’d always been overprotective of her. She suspected he’d step in no matter what she said. “And as to Alberto, I don’t want him as a mate. I know my duty, but you always said I had a choice. I wouldn’t pick him for a mate.”
    “OK, fine. No interfering with the cats.” Martin’s lips contorted into a pout before he broke out into a laugh. “But why not Alberto? He’s strong, dependable, good income status, and has been alpha for his pack for over year. He’s managed to fight off all challengers. He’d be good for us.” He let out a heavy sigh and then dropped into the visitor’s chair.
    “Those are all great points,” Kelly said, “but for someone else. I want to pick who I marry… if I get married at all.”
    “That would be a good argument if you weren’t a pack princess. You have a duty to your pack. You’re thirty-five years old. You know who you want, but haven’t gone after him. You’ve had your chance, kid. This is no longer about you. This is about the future of the pack, or did you not read my e-mail clearly?” He settled against the backrest and stared at her. He’d used that unsettling, unblinking gaze during her childhood when he’d caught her in a lie and decided to wait her out until she broke down.
    “I read it.” Kelly crossed her arms over her chest and gave her father the same look back.
    “Then you know what’s at stake. Brandon is a good man. He’s strong. He can take a hit, but can he fend off other suitors? He’s useless as a mate if he can’t protect you, and we’re not on the ice. My wolves, they fight dirty…” He raised a thick, bushy brow.
    “I never said—” Kelly began to protest but realized it was no good. It seemed like everyone knew about her feelings for Brandon. “He doesn’t have to fight off any suitors. You could set rules of engagement. You are alpha. Why didn’t you just choose Dalton to succeed you? He was your heir apparent.”
    “True. I could hand the pack to Dalton, but I’m not going to. Being alpha ain’t easy, and neither is life. I need a strong pack and you need a strong mate. This isn’t up for negotiation, kid. I’ve seen the way Brandon looks at you. Same way your mother looked at me.” Emotion clouded his eyes.
    Kelly reached out to her father, palm up. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thanks. Not easy loving an alpha. But she was as strong as they come. Sexy too.” He barked out a laugh. “OK, let’s talk about Brandon. Boy’s done well for himself. Stable income. Nice houses. Good to his family. I like him… So what’s the hold up? Why didn’t you make a move when you had the chance? Don’t tell me lil’ Reenie is putting up a fuss?”
    “I heard that, and I’m not little!” Reenie called from beyond the door.
    “Yes you are. Now hush,” Martin shouted back.
    Kelly groaned but couldn’t hold back a smile. Her father wasn’t one to hold back. Reenie never got any work done when there was the possibility of eavesdropping.
    “No, she’s not putting up a fuss,” Kelly admitted. “She’s encouraging it, actually. I just… He’s one of my best friends. I don’t want to lose him if things go south.” The fib just rolled off her tongue. She almost believed it herself.
    Her father rolled his eyes. “Nope. Not good