Page 108 of Wanted

Chael nods and lays a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Your mate is my family. She is our pack and we protect what belongs to us. If you want me to come with you to New York?—”

I shake my head, cutting him off. “You have to prepare to go back North soon and I’m still not completely sure whether this issue is connected with anyone from the Alliance. I’d rather get these answers for you.”

“I’ll give the Alliance my final decision this time around.”

“Which is?” I question. My brother hasn’t even told me which way he’s leaning regarding becoming a part of the National Shifter Alliance.

He looks me in the eyes when he responds, “I’ll let you know once I’ve decided.”

I nod.

I don’t like that you’re going alone,Chael suddenly says.

I give him an odd look. I’ve always taken these types of recognizance trips alone.

I’ll be fine,I assure him.

But you don’t have to do this alone.

This isn’t the first time he’s said these exact words to me. Any other time I would tell him that it’s not necessary to utilize reinforcements. This time, however, the weight in his words makes me hesitate.

Our eyes meet and my brother wears a serious expression.

You often believe you have to take on tasks on your own.He tells me.

I’m your head beta. I still remind him.

You are my strongest beta. Nearly as strong as me. And not simply in physical strength. But here as well.He taps my temple.

And here. He taps my chest.

This is the role you were born for. And nothing. Nothinghas ever or will ever change that. We all know your commitment to this pack. To all of us. We know the way you put your life on the line when it came to saving all of the members back when Rufus Dalton tried to destroy us. Thank you, brother.

I shake my head.

I never needed a thank you. That is my job.

Yes. And thank you, anyway.

I swallow down the emotion that arises in my throat. I give Chael a nod.

This.He waves a hand between our two chests.…is a two way street. We’re here when and if you need us.

I nod but don’t say anything. My brother knows well that I’m a man of few words. At least, with anyone besides my mate. I seem to open up to Emery in ways I never have or had the desire to with anyone else.

“I’ll have the information you need soon,” I tell him out loud.

He dips his head before stepping back. “I suspect you’re anxious to get back to your mate.” He grins. “We’ll see you tomorrow before you leave for your long drive.”

Though it’ll take days for us to arrive, I’ve chosen to drive from New Mexico to New York with Emery. New wolves often have trouble controlling their shifts. Governing one’s wolf is a learned skill.

It’s the process of the wolf and the human learning to coexist within the same body.

It’s happened a couple of times with Emery in the past few days, and I won’t risk having Emery in the middle of an airport or on a plane while it happens.

The results could be disastrous.

“Ms. Elsie wants to give you something.”

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