Page 134 of Wolf's Mark

Riker’s calls had indicated the group had found nothing. I was more than antsy. I was also prepared to go on a hunt of my own.

Sedona had her arms folded when she walked back behind the island. “I need to do this. It’s not just because of who you are and how important the work truly is, but I’m a scientist and as you noted before, I’m required to solve mysteries.”

“By whom?”

“Me. This is important work. While everything is still a blur in my mind, if I can help provide a cure then it’s also my job as a scientist.”

“You’re not going to risk your life. I won’t have it,” I told her, my voice dipping to a much lower level.

“I can protect myself. You already forced one of the men in your pack to drive me there and back. Another four guard the place like Fort Knox.”

“You’re completely aware that Jeremiah could send his creatures to capture and eliminate the one person who could make his entire plan coming to a crumbling halt.” I was trying to choose my words carefully.

“Mama. Can I go play in my room?” Britney asked.

“After you finish your milk, wipe the peanut butter off your little mouth, and bring me your things.”

Britney giggled.

I issued a low-slung growl.

Sedona gave me another harsh glare over her shoulder.

She turned toward me, her expression remaining. “You mean your queen? Are you trying to tell me that if I get taken out then the gas won’t matter?”

“I… don’t know for certain. But I am going to find out.” But I did. I’d confronted my mother the day before, forcing her to tell me what she knew about Sedona’s father and whatever the hell the special honor was. It had been another best-kept secret required by the council members. Not even the other Elders knew the deal that been struck almost immediately after I’d been born.

Our mating was to somehow alleviate some curse placed on the Wolfen. Even she wasn’t certain of the validity, blaming my father for the entire situation. Maybe that’s why she’d left, whether because of her hatred of him or by the council’s requirement.

That was a dirty sin I’d get into later after the werewolf mess was sorted out.

“Well, in the meantime, neither one of us can sit here waiting. You know that. Although you do need to stay with Britney because you’re the only person I trust.”

She shifted to putting a smile on her face to try to get my mind off the danger. But I wasn’t having it. “You’re not going.”

“Or I could just take her to Mattie’s place.”

“No.”

“Don’t do this, Jax. Please. We’ll run this test and I’ll leave. That’s all I want to do. The others won’t come back until tomorrow. Then we can make a nice dinner together. Okay?”

She wasn’t going to budge and I wasn’t able to go with her. I’d committed to keeping Britney safe and that would happen. The woman had grit, I would give her that, but her determination continued to trouble me. My wolf would soon refuse to back off.

“One hour. That’s all you get. Do you understand me?”

“You drive a hard bargain, buster.”

Britney interrupted us again, bringing her dishes as required, Sedona taking them immediately. Then she stood with her hands on her hips, studying me the same way her mother did. “I think you’re a keeper.”

As she flew out of the room, Sedona placed her hand on my chest. “I’ll be fine. I don’t think I’m queen material. No matter what your mother insists. But I can take care of myself. We’re in a very secure building. You made certain of that yourself.”

Arguing with her wasn’t going to accomplish anything. “One hour. I will come and get you with Britney in the backseat if necessary.”

“No, you won’t. You care about her.”

“And I care about you, Sedona. More than you can know.”

“Then why don’t you tell me just how much?”

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