Page 32 of Rejected By the Alpha King

Jax had gone rock hard under me as Finn stared at him. “Saul,” Finn repeated.

Shit. What were the chances that Finn knew Jax? One word, and our charade would be over. Marsh would know that Jax was not only an alpha but the one who killed Dirk.

“Finn,” Jax said quietly and held out his hand. After a tense moment, the young man shook it.

Marsh looked vaguely disappointed, although I couldn’t figure out why. “Finn is a well-traveled young man. The best messenger wolf I’ve ever had.”

“And what do you need a messenger for in Wisteria Woods? I was under the impression that the wolves here liked their solitude,” Jax said with mild interest.

“Oh, this and that. You never know. Finn, I assume you’re here about the report?”

Marsh had wolves reporting to him? Was he organizing the wolves here?

I thought back to what he said about a group of wolves entering his territory. A pack here in Wisteria Woods would be dangerously unstable. Were the witches allowing this? What the hell was going on?

“There were a half a dozen wolves who entered. The perimeter guards took care of it, but their radios were damaged in the process, so they couldn't check in. They believe there were two groups, so they’ll be on patrol for the next thirty-six to forty-eight hours. Green says he’ll send a message if they find anything.”

Marsh nodded. “So Jax is sending someone to the witches. I suspected he would.

What happened to the first group?”

Saul. Bridget. The others.

Finn stared at us. “They never made it pass the borders. There were no survivors.”

15

Jax

The lies had slipped so easily out of her mouth, but while Marsh invited Finn to stay for dinner, Anna started to shake. I knew what she was thinking. My wolves hadn’t made it back.

Interesting that she would worry for them so.

I knew that my wolves were fine. I would feel if they were dead. Finn had lied. I couldn’t tell Anna that. I also didn’t know why.

We spent the next two hours as guests while Marsh happily relayed stories of little Anna that set my teeth on edge and tested me in every way possible.

Anna, meanwhile, never blinked an eye.

Afterward, I quickly shut down Marsh’s suggestion that we sleep in the cabin. When he mentioned we could all shift and sleep together, I felt the first sign of Anna’s fear and panic.

“Anna’s wolf does not come out unless we’re home,” I said, playing the role of the controlling mate.

Marsh was clearly frustrated, but I didn’t budge. It was obvious he wanted Anna. Did he really think I would share her?

Had someone else shared her?

It was impossible to tell what Anna was thinking. She’d slipped into such a quiet and submissive role that it was difficult to read her.

Most mates could communicate non-verbally with each other, but then, most mates actually liked each other.

Anna and I would never be like that. The realization was a hollow one. What the fuck did I care? She was a killer.

We settled on a tent in the back of the cabin. It wasn’t a great solution. It was hardly a barrier to threats, and when Marsh spoke as Anna ducked inside, I knew we were not going to sleep well.

“She doesn’t smell like you.”

Fuck.

---