Page 128 of Wolf's Mark

Riker nodded. “I’ll do what I can. You know it won’t be easy.” He turned to go.

“Just be careful, brother. I don’t want to lose you.”

He tipped his head, his normal grin returning. “Not a chance, Jax. I intend on remaining on this earth to bug the shit out of you.”

“I’m going to make a couple phone calls in my office,” Chase said before Riker walked out. “I have a few buddies that might be able to shed some light on the Chicago office of the FBI. Did Sedona happen to mention the agent’s name who was placed in charge?”

“Agent Janie Drummand.” The pillow talk I’d had with Sedona had included her retelling of everything that had occurred around the FBI coming to her.

“I’ll let you know what I find.”

When Parker and I were alone, I slumped into my chair. I was aware he was slowly walking toward me. “What, Parker? I don’t have all the answers. I wish I did.”

“You have more than I do.”

“Maybe, but I don’t like what I’m hearing. I never wanted to be some supreme leader. I had no clue I was being forced into an arranged marriage. The entire situation is utterly barbaric.”

He planted his hands on the desk. “You know what I find interesting?”

“Why don’t you tell me?” I knew I had an exasperated tone in my voice.

“Any time you talk about Sedona, including regarding the danger the Wolfen are in, you light up like some damn firecracker on the Fourth of July.”

I sat back, crossing my arms. “Meaning what?”

“You are one of the smartest men I know. You’re also one of the dumbest. You’re in love with her, my friend. If there is any truth regarding kismet or basic Wolfen chemistry, you are mates, including being soulmates. You love her.”

“I don’t know if I buy that.”

“There you go, shoving every single person of the opposite sex you get even remotely close to away. You can’t do that this time. You’ve told me very little about your Wolfen politics or what these werewolves are planning, but I’m smart enough to know whatever mating means, you need to do that. If for no other reason than the survival of your… species. “

“I won’t force her.”

“Then don’t. Woo her. Romance her. Treat her like an equal. Hell, toss her down onto the floor and profess your love. Whatever it takes. If you want the Wolfen to continue on into the future, that’s what you need to do.”

I drummed my fingers on the desk. “You’re a smart man for an asshole.”

He grinned. “That’s why you keep me around. I have a few regular business items to discuss. I know the corporation is last on your agenda right now, but we need to keep on keeping on, as my father would say.”

He was right and I nodded.

Even if my mind was on other things.

Including Sedona.

I hadn’t realized how much time had passed until Chase bounded into the office again. I glanced at my watch. It was almost one in the afternoon.

“You found something,” I stated. Not asked. I sensed he was as anxious as I’d seen him in a long time.

“Yeah. Somehow, it would appear the FBI are completely aware of the extended tests Sedona is doing. They also know she has no intention of sharing the results with them. From what my friend told me, they’re going to raid her office, and arrest her for treason of all godforsaken charges.”

“When?” Parker asked.

“Any time.”

I jerked to my feet. “That can’t and won’t happen.” My wolf was far too close to the surface, my eyes already starting to change.

Parker exhaled. “Calm down, Jax. I can handle this. You pay me to be your attorney. Let me do my job.”

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