Mate Not Wanted Read Online Free Page A

dismissively. “I’m a lioness. We don’t do tigers.”
    She took another sip of her milkshake, feigning disinterest, but her lioness snorted and paced as she snuck another peek at Pierce’s visage. Even from a computer screen, he devastated her defenses. Pierce McKinney was dangerous with a capital D, no doubt about it. To make matters worse, her father was becoming his best friend and doing everything he could to set them up together. He’d even insisted on going to the opening match of the new para-football league, much to her mother’s annoyance. Neither Madison nor her mother could stop him from going, but they had made sure to call ahead and have the kitchens prepare something healthy for him to eat. The last thing they wanted was another attack.
    “Does a bear shit in the woods?” Alec laughed. “Of course he’s your type, honey, or you wouldn’t be fighting as hard as you are. Miss Independent, my ass. You want him to tie you down and spank your ass. You dream of saying, ‘Yes, Daddy, I’ve been so bad, spank me harder.’”
    The world became blurry as Madison choked on milkshake. Breathing became difficult. Her lungs burned for air as she coughed up what had gone down the wrong pipe. She blinked back tears as Alec pounded and rubbed her back.
    “Never say that again. Ever,” she rasped out.
    Alec chuckled. “OK, maybe the Daddy thing was pushing it. But you know you want him to do the other stuff, including spankings.”
    Madison’s ass warmed at the thought and her vaginal walls fluttered, but she refused to give him an answer. Instead, she focused on Lea. “You’re going to drag me to that event, aren’t you?”
    Lea grinned. “Of course, babe. And if you’re good we may even buy you a hunk so you can get laid.”
    Alec brought his hand to his chest. “Can you buy me a hunk? I won’t even promise to be good.”
    Madison coughed again. “Traitors, the both of you. You don’t love me.”
    Lea squeezed her shoulder. “Of course we love you. Enough to want to get you laid, even if it can’t be with Mr. Rugged himself.”
    Madison burst out laughing. “You both are dorks. I’ll make a donation but I won’t bid. Besides, I don’t need to get laid. I have Bob to keep me company. Who needs a man?”
    Lea and Alec shrugged. “Well, we’ll get you one anyway,” Alec said.
    “I hate you both. Now are you going to finish those fries or can I have some?” She pointed to the plate in front of Alec, hoping the change in subject would work.
    It didn’t. The focus was just shifted to Alec.
    “OK, why exactly do we need to bring you to the bachelor auction?” Lea said. “You’re a gorgeous and charming man, you own your own home, you’re a professor, and did I mention you’re gorgeous?”
    “Anyway, enough stoking your ego,” Madison said in another attempt to change the subject. “How’s your mom? I’ve been meaning to stop by and see her.”
    Alec raised a hand and signaled for another round of pints. He slid his empty stein back and forth between his hands, with his eyes downcast and his lips a thin line.
    “Alec?” Madison reached over, placed a hand over his, and gave it a small squeeze. “What’s wrong?”
    He looked up, brown eyes filled with a sadness so deep and strong it made Madison’s heart ache. Worry for him drove away any thoughts of the auction or Pierce.
    “Alec, you can tell us.” Madison looked over at Lea, hoping her friend would say something, but Lea just looked away. What was going on? Did they know something she didn’t? Why weren’t they telling her?
    Alec took in a shuddering breath. “It’s my Mam. She’s sick. Really sick. We’re doing everything we can for her but still…She was the first person to accept me when I came out.”
    The sound of Alec’s voice tore at Madison’s insides as her heart picked up speed. She gripped his wrist and gave it a squeeze. “I don’t know what to say but I won’t patronize you by saying it’s going to be