Page 66 of What a Wolf's Heart Decides

Heat rushed through him, as if the sun had risen in his chest.

“I noticed you favor it,” she said.

Favor was an interesting way of putting it. He started to reply, but his voice was still rough.

Courtesy of the wolf. Turning changed everything, including human vocal cords. It could make other things happen, too.

Like the five alarm fire happening under his skin. Arousal was a common side-effect of a challenge. His human half was far more emotionally complex than its animal counterpart. The wolf had a limited range, which meant any kind of strong feeling could lead to . . . inconveniences.

But Haley didn’t know his present struggle. She just thought he was in pain. By asking about it, she’d unknowingly given him an excuse to avoid explaining his wolf’s sudden fixation with her.

He cleared his throat again. “I . . . injured it. A long time ago.” A lifetime ago.

Her lifetime ago.

Yep, that little reminder was enough to rid him of the aftereffects of a challenge.

He put his hand on the door, his face averted once more. “We should go inside. You need to eat something.”

“What about Ben?”

Bard’s wolf lifted its head, menace rolling off it like smoke.

What the . . .? The beast was jealous of Rupert? That was laughable.

The creature sent an impression of hot, thick blood and splintered bone.

“Bard?” This time, Haley’s voice held the slightest note of panic.

Yeah, because he was probably scaring the crap out of her by acting like a madman.

“Yes,” he said without looking at her. “You can check on him, call him.” It was dark outside. She sure as hell wasn’t checking on him in person.

Deep in his mind, the wolf snapped its jaws.

Bard held his breath.

Haley was silent a moment, then she let out a soft sigh. “All right.”

Right.

He released his breath, his gaze going to the steps leading into the house. Between an enraged wolf and a concussed patient, he had more than enough on his plate.

Now he just had to get inside without his leg giving out. Then he could get her settled and go to his office. With his leg in such bad shape, he’d probably have to sleep in there, too.

Quite the Alpha. In a single night, he nearly lost control of his wolf and panted over a female like a fourteen-year-old boy.

Now he was going to hide in his office because he couldn’t handle stairs. Anger and frustration built in his mind. He couldn’t control his own body, let alone his pack. No wonder Glenna thought she could step around him to find a match for her son.

A match she’d brought to Elder Lake without his permission or knowledge.

What else was she planning to do without his knowledge?

Haley spoke again. “Bard?”

His temper snapped. In one movement, he rounded on her, grabbed her chin, and put his face in hers. “I don’t recall giving you leave to use my first name.”

Her eyes widened—then narrowed. She pulled back.

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