No Quarter Read Online Free Page B

are Alpha of this pack. You are my mate. It’s a simple gift I would love to see you wear to dinner tonight.” He stepped closer and ran his hand along her arm. “And that’s nickel, due to your strong aversion to silver.”
    At a loss for words, she bravely stepped in and wrapped her arms around him. She could feel his warm arms wrapping around her ribs, then shoulders, pulling her into him. When at last she finally released him, she saw that familiar smirk in his eyes.
    “I expected the kiss to happen after the jewelry.” He chuckled and tucked his hands in the pockets of his slacks, his eyes pointed at the floor.
    “Seems we’re both full of surprises.” She placed the box on the bureau near her and put the jewelry on. When she was finished, she turned to look in the mirror. The pink garnet looked nice against her dark skin. “Thank you very much.”
     
    * * * *
     
    The ride to the school had, indeed, been more relaxed than the ride home from shopping. They chatted about small things, getting to know each other’s taste in everything from music to adult beverages. It felt nice to her, having someone become familiar. Colin had scooped her hand in his and held it during the ride. His warmth oozed into her, relaxing her tension.
    As they drove down the long lane toward the school Nala felt her eyes bulge. The center of the building looked like a large castle. The East and West wings were large and rectangular in shape, continuing the same stone work as the castle.
    “Wow, that’s huge! I had no idea the school was so grand.” Her eyes darted around, trying to take in every little detail.
    He squeezed her hand. “From what I’ve heard the inside is even more spectacular.” After parking in the rear of the school they were approached my two Centaurs.
    “Hello, you must be Colin and Nala Baker,” one of them said.
    “Yes, and you are?” Nala extended her hand.
    He leaned over and shook her hand. “My name is Prometheus. This is Theron. We are to escort you to Wendy’s door since it’s easy to get lost in the school your first time.” Led by two Centaurs thru the building, they walked into a great hall. Her gaze danced from side hall to stairs, to little Gnomes zipping around in their cars. Each hall had been marked at the entrance with carved numbers and letters.
    “Glad I chose flats,” she whispered.
    Theron looked over his shoulder. “This is the West wing. We will be there in a moment.”
    They turned left down another corridor.
    “This is your sister’s door. We’ll leave you now.” The Centaurs turned and left them standing.
    After a nervous glance at her, Colin knocked.
    “Grace?” The color had drained form Colin’s face as the door opened. “Where’s Wendy?”
    Grace smiled and pulled him in through the door. “Oh, I’m fine. How are you, Colin? It’s good to see you.” She rolled her eyes. “Hello, Nala. How are you?”
    “I’m good, Grace. It’s nice to see you again.” She gave a brief respectful nod to her Queen.
    Roman sat on the sofa, looking as if he were avoiding eye contact with Colin. She picked up on it right away, but thought a distraction would serve them well. “Look at the beautiful jewelry Colin just gave me. Isn’t it nice?”
    Grace admired the jewelry, stepping between Colin and his view of his former Beta, playfully winking at her. The glint in her eye spoke of good news, though Nala couldn’t understand the subterfuge.
    “Wendy will be out in a minute. Dinner is nearly ready. If you’d like to move to the dining room.” A man stood with golden hair and bronzed skin atop bulging muscles which were barely contained in his white shirt. Nala recognized him as Zoltar, the Centaur King.
    “How often do you get a Centaur King cooking for you?” Nala joked, elbowing Colin in the ribs. She had a feeling she knew what was about to take place. Colin’s mood might change for the worse.
    “Scotch?” Grace asked, wagging a decanter in her hand.
    Colin only