Page 27 of In The Shadow of The Wolf

The Alpha’s intervention was most appreciated. Alpha Lance had brought down Jordan and freed his mate Ronan from the man who had been intent on either abducting him or killing him, whichever he thought appropriate at the time.

Afterward, when all were safe, and the threat of Jordan Randall had been eliminated, he noticed Henry sneaking glances at him. He hoped Henry was pleased with what he saw. He seemed interested, and Terry planned to pursue the young man with all he possessed. Wow, who would have guessed that the cousin of Molly and Ronan James, the Alpha and Beta mates, would be his predestined mate?

He was a confirmed bachelor and definitely not out regarding his sexuality. Was he going to be brought to his knees by this human? Would he be willing to give up everything, including his reputation, to be with Henry? These were thoughts best left till later. For the moment, he was content to take in the nearness and acceptance of his beautiful mate.

Terry walked up close to Henry, who, to his delight, did not step back and peered down into his delicately featured upturned face. He so wanted to cup Henry’s face and take a long sip from those plump pink lips. A more beautiful man did not exist. Henry had raven hair that swept just below his ears and the whitest skin. His eyes were a dark brown, almost mocha color. Everything about this human called to Terry and enticed him to come closer and taste.

Terry finally found his tongue and asked, “I have to report to the Alpha now, but I was wondering if you would have dinner with me this evening?” Jamie had called and told him that Henry knew all about shifters, so he didn’t need to explain the Alpha comment. He also wouldn’t need to explain the mate comment once he decided what he was going to do about it. Henry, being human, would not feel the mate pull the same as a wolf, but he would feel the need. Just as Ronan and Molly had been drawn to their mates, Henry would be drawn to him in time.

Henry considered the request for all of about two seconds before responding with a smile and, “I’d love to.”

“Great, I’ll pick you up at seven if that’s okay?” Terry could resist no longer and reached out and gently cupped the side of Henry’s face and ran his thumb back and forth over his cheekbone. The touch sent a shock from the pad of his thumb right through his body and struck his groin with the most delicious sensation of want.

“Seven is good. Looking forward to it.” Henry knew he was being a little forward, but something about the man just made him do it. Henry sensed by the look in Terry’s eyes and the fact that he had not let him go that Terry wanted to say more. Suddenly, an insistent Alvin interrupted them, who hurriedly began ushering Terry inside.

“Come on, man, Lance is waiting,” Alvin muttered gruffly.

“I’ll see you at seven.” Terry shot back over his shoulder with a wink as he disappeared inside.

...

Henry remained outside on the porch for a while before heading inside. It was still a couple of hours before his dinner date, so he decided to go to his room and rest. On his way to his room, Henry ran into Dean, one of the Pack enforcers, as he was coming out of his bedroom.

“What has you looking so happy?” Dean commented lightly with a grin.

“Terry asked me out to dinner tonight. I haven’t been on a date in ages.” He answered, his excitement evident.

“Terry?” Dean looked perplexed. “Terry Moore, tall blond police officer?” He pressed for clarity.

Henry nodded but didn’t comment. They stared at each other for a long moment before Dean reached out and patted him sympathetically on the shoulder.

“Don’t be surprised if it turns out he was just kidding with you about a date. It’s very likely he will not show up.”

“What do you mean?” Henry looked around them nervously, suddenly feeling ridiculous. Did Terry lie to him? Was this all just a bad joke?

“Terry has a reputation for being a real asshole, and sometimes what he believes are jokes aren’t very funny.” Dean tried to gently explain.

“You’re saying that Terry was lying to me when he asked me out to dinner?” Henry was really thrown by this turn of events. Terry seemed sincere and truly interested in him.

Dean studied his face for several moments before adding. “Even if he wasn’t lying, I would advise you not to go with him.”

“Why?” He whispered. Henry didn’t want to know, but he needed to know.

“For starters, he isn’t gay. I’ve never known him to date men, and he’s barely tolerant of those who do.” Dean decided he wasn’t getting through, so he had to be frank and totally honest. “He also despises humans, considers them weak and useless. Ask Ronan and Molly about how he nearly ran them off due to his dislike of humans. With that said, do you still believe his offer was genuine?” Dean stared at Henry as he stared back with his mouth slightly gaping.

“He isn’t gay, and he hates humans?” Henry reached for understanding.

Dean nodded in the affirmative.

“That’s a lot to consider,” Henry spoke slowly, and his eyes never left Dean’s.

Again, Dean nodded and added, “Be careful.” He patted him on the shoulder and then headed out, leaving Henry questioning.

CHAPTER TWO

Terry busied himself at the office while waiting for the end of his shift. He looked forward to dinner with Henry but was also fearful that he might be seen by friends or co-workers. How would he explain a male mate when he had always professed to be straight? Would he be accepted, or would he be ostracized? The Alpha was gay, so the Pack could not go against him if he came out. That was a positive for sure. But his friends were a different story.

He decided he’d take Henry to the Evergreen restaurant for dinner. It was located on the edge of town, and his friends never ate there. They didn’t like the fact that it was owned and operated by a gay couple who were also human. Terry was fairly certain he would not be bothered, and he could get to know Henry in that safe environment.

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