Page 35 of My Pucking Family

I would be at risk of turning feral, I have no doubt. It's rare, but it's possible. If someone becomes so lost in anger, their wolf can take over control of their bodies, and sometimes they never give it back. Luckily, it's about as rare as second-chance mates.

We'll get Leera all caught up on everything we've learned as soon as I get to show her a few surprises we put together for her. Just the thought of the happiness on her face forces a wide smile on my own.

The smile only lasts a moment, though; it fades once I remember that my mate was kidnapped. She was kidnapped and drugged and might have been murdered had we not arrived in time. And it was all orchestrated by my father. My own flesh and fucking blood.

What could be so fucking important that he would take my mate from me? Again?

Nothing. That's all there is to it. There is nothing in this world or any other world worth the life of my mate.

Now we have to find out why. We have to figure out how to stop him. We have to figure out how he's masking his scent.

All the thoughts crashing around my brain bring my wolf just under my skin. He wants to growl, but I can feel that he knows it will put Leera even further on edge.

27

By the time the plane lands, there is palpable tension in the air. All of the six men who I know have been so on edge the entire flight that it made it hard to concentrate. Not knowing what is causing this kind of tension is even more frustrating; I want to know what they aren’t telling me.

While the rest of the men are visibly amped up for the game, the starting six look like they'd rather go to war. With the majority of the team whooping and hollering, the seven of us descend the steps of the plane in terse silence. I want to push them to tell me what's going on, but again, I know it's not the time or place.

Luckily, we've arrived the day before the game and have a couple hours before the team wants to get some ice time in laterthis evening.

The ride to the hotel is, again, silent to the point that I'm becoming uncomfortable. I spend that time sitting in the front seat while Roman drives, trying to keep my anxiety from rising.

What if it has to do with me?

Did I do something wrong?

Why won't they tell me what's going on?

I can feel the swirl of panic slowly taking up all the space inside my body. Just as I feel the threatening burn of tears, I'm only vaguely aware of Roman leaving the vehicle.

Weren't we driving down the road?

I try to focus on my surroundings, but all I can hear is the angry pounding of my blood. My surroundings are now a blur from the water collecting in my eyes.

All of a sudden, I'm being pulled from the car, lightning zapping up my arm, and then I'm wrapped in a solid embrace.

Roman,my soul seems to whisper.

“I'm so fucking sorry, Leera,” he says into my hair.

“W-wait, why are you s-sorry?” I whisper, trying to sound strong, but it comes out all nasally.

“Leera, baby, you're having a panic attack. What do you mean, why am I sorry? This is my fault. Fuck! Are you okay?”

I continue to just stare at him, my brain refusing to connect the dots; instead, all any part of my body can focus on is him.

“I didn't mean to not talk to you about this; I was waiting until we got somewhere that it felt safe for us to discuss what came up,” he continues.

All I can do is nod my head while the haze of the anxiety is slowly chased away by the cherry and leather protection of my mate.

He continues kissing the top of my head as he rubs circles on my back.

When I've finally calmed down, I realize we're literally sitting on the side of the road, the SUV idling next to us with the other five of our group.

“I-I'm sorry. I didn't even notice it setting in until it was too late. I knew something bothered you guys on the plane. I was trying to patiently wait for information, but my mind started spinning.”

“Shhh, you never have to apologize to me for this. I've got you.” He takes a deep breath. “I'm the one that's sorry. Things like this will be easier once we're mated and you can be in on our conversations,” he finishes with an ornery smirk on his handsome face.

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