Page 19 of In The Shadow of The Wolf

…

The rest of the day was spent touring the Pack lands. Ronan realized that the Pack owned most of the area, including the entire valley. The people were kind and accepting of him when Lance started introducing him as the Alpha Mate. That title seemed to pack a punch of authority for which Ronan was not completely ready.

A few people looked at him suspiciously but would alter their expression immediately with a sudden growl from Lance. That growl always followed any look or word that was not considered respectful. The offender would then quickly bow their head and apologize to them both. Lance never asked for more, and the mood would lighten immediately following the proper contriteness.

Ronan found that he was proud to be linked with this man. He was a good leader; it was obvious in everything he did and in the way his people loved and respected him, even those who weren’t entirely sure about Ronan. Ronan couldn’t blame them either, for he wasn’t really sure of himself. Lance threw around the Alpha Mate title and handled him like a precious friend and lover but in the end, what would it mean? He never actually made the future clear.

Ronan had a life back in Michigan. He had school to finish an internship that was supposed to have started yesterday and a home. Did he intend for Ronan to move here, or was this just until Jordan was taken care of and the threat to him and Molly was resolved? Ronan didn’t want to ask these questions for fear they would appear presumptuous and forward. If he were only here temporarily, then he didn’t want to make his stay uncomfortable with assumptions.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Jordan Randall arrived in Billings by plane and rented a car to take him the rest of the way to Lonepine. He’d explained to his superiors that it was best if he came for Ronan personally since they had been friends, and he was certain he could keep him calm and return him safely to Traverse City for questioning.

He implored that Ronan was a good kid and he wanted only the best for him. He also implied that he would not be pressing charges as it seemed the only things taken from his office were a few personal items and nothing belonging to the state or tied to any cases open or closed. He told them that Ronan has been experiencing a growing obsession with him over the years, and this was simply a cry for attention on Ronan’s part. All the boy needed was some guidance and understanding. As far as Molly, she was just protecting her brother, and he would not pursue her any further as long as she stayed out of the state of Michigan.

He had the authorities convinced that he had the kid’s best interests in mind and thought he was being very generous in regard to the sister. Everything he wanted seemed to be coming straight to his fingertips. Ronan would be under his control with the constant threat he could make against Molly. If Ronan ever tried to leave him, he would make Molly pay. She would stay away due to the threat against Ronan if she returned. He laughed lightly, very pleased with the outcome.

…

Lance was overjoyed by Ronan’s acceptance of his wolf and the Pack. Now all he needed to do was convince him that he needed to make Lonepine and the Lonepine Pack of Shifters his home and his people. As the Alpha Mate, Ronan would have considerable responsibility. It would be his place to organize Pack functions. He would be the first line of contact in regard to common concerns of Pack members.

Ronan would care for the Pack’s needs much like a minister cares for his flock. Ronan, at nineteen, had seen enough to allow him to be sympathetic to those with issues, needs, and concerns. Lance was very proud of the mate that Fate chose for him and couldn’t wait to have the opportunity to get him settled as a part of the Pack.

The only thing still to deal with was Jordan Randall, and according to his deputies, the man himself should be arriving sometime tomorrow afternoon. Getting Randall out of the way and off the mind of his beautiful mate was now his number one priority. Ronan hadn’t spoken of the incident since that first day in the police station, but Lance could sense the hesitance and the anxiety Ronan was feeling. The assault made him feel weak. Lance hoped to give him back his confidence when they finally dealt with Jordan Randall. He would make sure Randall never bothered him again. He couldn’t kill Randall because he was a high-profile citizen in Michigan, and to do so would bring too much scrutiny down on his community. But he could certainly scare the holy hell out of him.

…

The following day they had lunch in town at the same coffee shop where Ronan and Molly had waited while Aaron checked out their car. The waitress was the same, but she made no mention of the situation he’d been a part of a couple days ago.

While they were eating, Officer Jamie McCormick came to their table and asked to speak with Lance privately. Lance went outside with him and didn’t return for a good fifteen minutes. Ronan began to wonder if it had anything to do with Jordan Randall and the warrant. He was pretty sure it did; otherwise, they would have spoken more openly. Lance made no mention of the subject once he returned to the table, and Ronan did not feel it was his place to ask. It might have been town business or Pack business. Maybe it had nothing to do with him.

“How’s your lunch?” Lance asked as he seated himself back at the table.

“Good. Thank you.” Ronan watched as Lance surveyed the room as if looking for trouble and then quickly returned his gaze to Ronan and smiled. Ronan wanted to ask if everything was okay, but it obviously wasn’t, so why bother.

“I’m going to take you back to the Manor when we finish. I have something I need to attend to. It won’t take more than a couple hours, and then maybe we can take a tour of the Manor grounds before dinner.” He suggested and then added. “Many Pack members own homes on the grounds, and I would like you to become familiar with who they are since you will be seeing them on a daily basis.” He forced a smile and then went back to his lunch.

Ronan nodded. “Sure, maybe Molly’s car is ready, and I can drive myself back to the Manor and save you the trouble.” The sudden cloak and dagger routine was making him uncomfortable in a way that signaled real trouble.

Ronan always trusted his instincts, and his instincts were telling him to leave. If he had the car, then that option would be open to him. Lance stopped mid-bite and stared at him for a moment before answering.

“I’d rather take you.” His voice was firm and brooked no argument. Again, Ronan simply nodded but noted the change in demeanor and the less than lighthearted approach to lunch that suddenly permeated the air. “I’m responsible for your safety Roe so please let me accompany you back to the Manor.” He attempted to soften his original response, but it fell a bit short.

Ronan continued to nod for lack of anything to say. The car was out of the question. Without Lance’s okay, he was sure that the auto shop would not release the car to him. It probably wasn’t ready anyway, with Aaron off on a vacation of the heart with Molly. He would figure this out, and he would leave if need be with or without a car.

Lance’s mind was obviously elsewhere as they finished eating and left the restaurant. He held onto Ronan’s arm tightly as he directed him to the vehicle. There seemed to be an urgency or unease attached to the way he held him, which further fueled Ronan’s imagination. The drive back to the Manor was silent and tense. Ronan wanted to ask questions but decided against it. He knew he wasn’t going to get answers.

Lance told Ronan he would be back before four and gave him a deep heated kiss, and then left. Ronan stood on the porch of the Manor and watched the large black SUV kick up gravel as it sped back to the main road.

“Hey Ronan, how’s it going?”

Ronan turned to see Dean coming out of the house. He would never get used to the size of all the men that resided in this household. He came up to stand next to Ronan with his arms crossed on his massive chest, and he seemed to be surveying the area much, in the same manner Lance had at the restaurant and during the drive home.

“Is there something wrong, Dean?” Ronan knew there was without asking, but he was just curious if Dean would actually say anything about it.

“Not really, just been notified that someone is on pack lands that haven’t gotten permission to be here, is all.” Dean glanced over at him but still seemed acutely aware of the surroundings. “Lance asked me to keep an eye on you; I hope you don’t mind.”

Ronan shook his head because how could he mind, and if he did, what could he do about it. Suddenly it occurred to him that his life was once again spiraling further out of his control. These men, all of them, had an agenda that he was not privy to. A tightening in his chest signaled an impending panic attack, and he didn’t want Dean to witness it.

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