Addicted To Her The Alpha'S Irresistible Contract Mate novel Chapter 36

36 Chapter 36 Meeting the family

Naomi’s pov:

I let out a heavy sigh as the SUV rumbled down the driveway, the mansion shrinking in the rearview mirror like a bad dream I couldn’t escape.

There went my one shot at freedom, Elias leaving me behind while he dealt with his family drama. I’d imagined it all morning: sneaking out, maybe contacting Darius or just running until the bond snapped like a brittle chain.

But no,

he’d dragged me along. Now I was stuck in this leather–scented cage on wheels, heading to the pack with the man who both owned and despised me.

Lucy had taken her own car, zipping ahead with a cheerful honk, leaving me alone with

him.

The city faded quickly, replaced by towering pines that clawed at the sky, their branches forming a green canopy overhead. The elders kept the pack lands traditional with no concrete jungles or buzzing neon for them. They shunned city life, calling it a poison that weakened the wolf spirit.

Cabins, lodges, communal hunts that were their world, rooted in the earth like the ancient trees surrounding us. As we drove deeper, a familiar ache bloomed in my chest. We were passing the remnants of my old pack territory now overgrown ruins peeking through the underbrush, vines choking what was left of the cabins. My throat tightened, eyes glued to the window.

Memories flooded in unbidden. My mother, with her soft brown hair and warm hugs vanished when I was ten. One morning she was there singing me lullabies and the next, she was gone without a trace.

Dad had raised me after that with his harsh, demanding, teaching me survival in a world of alphas and betrayals. But he never explained why she left,

“Some things are better forgotten,” he’d grunt, changing the subject.

It still hurts, a sharp pang in my chest like a claw digging in. Why did she abandon me? Was I not enough? I pressed a hand to my sternum, rubbing absently.

My life had been nothing but survival since then, scraping by in foster packs, then the bar, enduring leers and grabs just to eat. No real joy, no laughter that wasn’t forced.

11:14

<

36 Chapter 36 Meeting the family

And now, with Elias as my mate? The bond that twisted hate into heat, possession into

pain?

There was no chance for happiness. He’d cage me forever, punishing me for running away from him while the bond forced me to crave him. Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them back.

Elias’s voice cut through the quiet. “What are you thinking about?”

I turned to meet his golden eyes which were intense and unreadable. Silence was my answer. What’s the point of telling him? He didn’t care; I was just his prisoner, his dirty secret. The bond ached faintly, but I ignored it.

He shifted in his seat, glancing at the road before back at me. “When we get there, don’t tell anyone that you’re my mate. Not a soul.”

The words stung more than they should. I frowned, searching his face. “Why? Are you ashamed of me?”

He looked at me, his gaze holding mine for what felt like an eternity. My heart skipped a beat, thudding erratically against my ribs.

Those eyes, molten and fierce, made heat creep up my neck despite myself. He shook his head slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Shouldn’t I be? How can I show my face to my family if they find out my mate ran away the second she realized we were bonded? Hide in a dive bar, letting alphas paw at her for tips?” His voice dipped lower, teasing but edged with something darker. “Or do you want me to let everyone know? Announce it to the whole pack?”

I blushed furiously, heat flooding my cheeks as I looked away, staring at the blurring

trees.

“No, I don’t.”

His chuckle was soft and satisfied, but I didn’t dare meet his eyes again. The bond hummed with his amusement, making my skin tingle.

Damn him.

We arrived as the sun dipped low, painting the pack lands in golden hues. It was as beautiful as I remembered from childhood visits with Father, vast clearings ringed by ancient forests, wooden lodges with thatched roofs, smoke rising lazily from chimneys. Wildflowers dotted the paths, and the air smelled of pine and earth, pure and

11:14

1005

36 Chapter 36 Meeting the family

untamed.

This was where I’d first met Elias, back when I was ten and he was thirteen. Father had brought me for an alliance meeting, and Elias had been there, tall for his age, already exuding that scary alpha aura. I’d hidden behind my Father’s legs, peeking out at the boy who bossed the other pups around. He terrified me then with his sharp eyes and commanding voice.

Little did I know fate would bind us like this.

Omega caretakers greeted us at the main lodge, their smiles warm and deferential.

“Welcome back, Alpha Elias,” an older woman said, bowing slightly. “And guests.” Her eyes flicked to me curiously, but she said nothing.

Inside, the great hall buzzed with family members. His Uncles and aunts clustered around, smiling broadly. Elias told me about his uncle and Aunts.

Uncle Thorne was with salt–and–pepper beard, and Aunt Mira was in a floral dress. Lucy’s parents were there too, her mom pulling her into a hug.

“We’re all here for Grandpa,” Aunt Mira explained, gesturing to the head of the table where the old man sat. “He called everyone, said he was sick. Stubborn wolf probably just wants company.”

Grandpa looked frail but alert with his white hair.

“So,” Uncle Thorne boomed, clapping him on the shoulder. “How’s the work going? That fancy company of yours still standing?”

Elias stayed silent. The room grew awkward, eyes darting uncomfortably.

Lucy jumped in with her voice bright. “It’s fine! There were some leaks, but Elias is on it and beefed up security and all.”

Offended murmurs rippled through the group. Aunt Mira frowned. “Leaks? And you didn’t tell us? The company’s pack legacy, Ellas. We should be involved.”

The tension thickened, but then eyes shifted to me, standing quietly behind Elias like a shadow. Uncle Thorne’s brow furrowed. “Hold on, who’s this girl hovering behind you? Finally tied the knot, eh? About time you settled down!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify