Page 42 of Mated to the Wolves

He bows. “At your service. You landed a catch, you know?” He wiggles his eyebrows.

“And you?” I lean against the counter.

“I got a sexy wolf who’s due to come into a position of power.” He shrugs. “A wolf could do worse.”

“Did you take a walk or have a personality transplant?” I muse aloud.

Bo laughs. “Jensen’s play the long game. We weigh things out and make sure we wind up on top. You belong to me now, so that includes you.”

“I don’t belong to anyone.”

He laughs. “You don’t still believe that, do you?”

My temper flares. I push off the counter and step into his bubble. “I know so.”

“Hate to break up the party, but it’s my turn.” Cadoc’s voice is as smooth as whiskey. His confidence is attractive as hell.

“Saved by the bell, Princess.” Bo winks. “I look forward to finding those commonalities.”

He walks away and I growl.

“Interesting talk?” Cadoc voice holds a teasing note.

“You could say that.” I face him. In some ways, this is more difficult because I once knew him so well in a different role.

“This is an enormous shift for us, huh?” He gives me a rakish, carefree smile and I giggle. “You think?”

“As far as I’m concerned, we’re both consenting adults. I’ve always been protective of you.” He steps closer and tucks some stray hair behind my ear. “It’s just going to be in a different way now.”

I sigh. “This is fucked up, Cadoc.”

“Only if we let it be.” He palms the side of my neck. “We’ll take it as slow as we can, but we both know the sands in the hourglass are running

I nod.

“I have your back the same way I always did. Trust me?” he asks.

“I want to, but I can’t forget that you took me from the life I wanted.”

“I asked to lead that team to assure your safety,” he admits. “I don’t regret that, but I knew it

would cause problems in our relationship. I accept that. I’m sorry it hurt you, but your safety will always come first.”

“You chose to come get me?” I whisper.

He sniffs. “I didn’t trust anyone else.”

I soften as I remember the aggression and disrespect from other enforcers on the retrieval mission. His instincts were right.

He takes my hand. “Never forget we’re in this together.”

“I won’t.” I’m reassured by his steady presence, despite my misgivings.

“You set the pace, and I’ll follow your lead.” His word has always been trustworthy.

I bite the inside of my cheek and nod.

A throat clears. “It’s getting late and someone needs to be in bed soon.”

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