Page 56 of Broken Chains

I shrugged again. “About what you’d expect. We don’t have land to run, so we rarely get to let our wolves out. Peyton wants me and the boys to go for a run with her tonight. I honestly can’t remember the last time I did that, and never without fear.”

“Fear?”

“Well, yeah. The closest land for us to run is in Collier Pack,” I admitted. “On the one hand it’s safe from exposure. But then there’s the constant fear you’ll catch us. Sometimes a few of the boys will go down to one of the parks. They aren’t so big, but at night it’ll work, yet, it makes you constantly look over your shoulder, wondering if you’re going to be caught. So most of us just don’t shift anymore.”

“Not shift—but that’s dangerous,” Thomas said.

I nodded. “I know. It causes heightened levels of aggression amongst the pack. Many turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to relax and keep their wolves in check. Doesn’t take long for the younger ones to realize they can make money off the drugs, too. And it’s not just that,” I admitted. “Most of us drive motorcycles, and we ride them fast and reckless, because the adrenaline boost it gives helps combat the side effects of not shifting regularly. It’s no wonder the local humans dub us as a dangerous biker gang. There’s a little truth to it.”

“That makes sense. I’d never really thought of it before,” Thomas said. “Tell me there’s enough good men left to make this work.”

“Yes. I do believe there are. State your rules as you see fit. They can take it or leave it, their choice. Some will be vocally against it, but when the news breaks about the plant closing, most will just be grateful to have legit work.”

“Of course I’ll have to discuss this all with Luke first, but if it does work out, will you agree to be my supervisor of this group? You know, watch out for them and keep them all in check?”

I thought about it for a minute. “No, but I will co-lead the position.”

“You have someone in mind?”

“Cruz is the head foreman over at the plant. They’d be his men and would transition best under his leadership. He and I haven’t always seen eye to eye about things, but I know he genuinely cares about his guys and would not only lead them well, but also that loyalty he’s already established with them would carry over.”

“Okay, I’ll take that into consideration, and I’ll talk to Luke. In the meantime, do we have a deal? You okay with working in Collier?”

“Yes. Though in honesty I hope it’s not forever.”

“The woodworking shop? Peyton told me. I’ve seen your work. Don’t find a lot of craftsmen like that these days. You have a gift, Oliver. I won’t be at all surprised or disappointed if you’re up and running full-time within the year.”

“Thanks,” I said, unsure how to process his high praise.

With the job settled, all I wanted to do was get home and settle things with Peyton next.

Peyton

Chapter 19

My feet were aching, and I was exhausted as I stumbled in late from work. The night had been more brutal than I'd expected. All I wanted was a hot shower and bed. Blissful sleep was just what I needed.

Oliver was waiting up when I walked in.

"Hey," I said, walking over to kiss him.

"Hey yourself. You look exhausted."

"I am. I think I'm going to jump in the shower then crash."

"Oh, okay."

I could tell he wanted to talk, and it felt serious, but I was so sleepy I didn’t know if I could handle it. I ignored the need telling me to care for my mate first, and walked upstairs, turned on the water, stripped out of my clothes, and stepped into the steaming shower.

I let the hot water soothe my sore muscles and sighed in relief.

The curtain fluttered and strong calloused hands rubbed my shoulders. I didn’t have to open my eyes or turn around to know it was my mate. I could feel his presence most of the time now. I moaned and relaxed into his touch.

As he bent me forward my hands flattened against the cold tile just in time to keep from face-planting into the shower wall. I started to protest, but his strong hands began to massage lower down my back. It felt so amazing I couldn’t move. Oliver’s hands were pure magic as he continued to massage my tense body.

When he was done with his ministrations, he soaped up a wash cloth and began washing me. I’d never had anyone do that before, but I reveled in his touch and how it soothed me. When he pulled me back to stand and began rubbing shampoo into my hair, massaging my scalp in the process, I couldn’t help the moan of pleasure that escaped me.

He was naked behind me and had bumped into me enough times for me to know exactly how turned on this was making him, yet he made no move towards anything but addressing my needs.

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