Page 19 of Fated Wolf's Destiny

“No. Do you?”

Lucas shakes his head.

“She’s too damn curious for her own good,” I say, raking my hand through my hair.

Lucas studies me for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “So, how about if we come up with a newrealisticplan that doesn’t get you carted off to prison? I think we can agree that the current plan of you lurking around all broody and angsty isn’t getting the job done.”

“I keep telling myself she doesn’t belong here, but I know better. I owe it to Arthur to keep her safe, and I’m not sure I can that.”

“You’re wrong. If nothing else, you will keep her safe. This is her ancestral home, and some part of her genetic memory knows it,” Lucas counters, his voice calm but firm. “She’s connected to Arthur, the clinic, the people in town. Hell, half the locals already like her more than they like us. She’s not just some outsider anymore, Ryder. And pushing her away isn’t going to help the pack or you. It’s only going to make things worse.”

I hate that he’s right. Bella’s presence isn’t just a complication anymore; it’s a fuse waiting to ignite a wildfire that could burn out of control.

Lucas keeps going, his tone softening. “Look, I get it,” he says. “She’s a risk. But she’s also got connections to humans, maybe even to law enforcement. She’s a veterinarian—she knows all that medical science shit. That could be useful. But you’re going to need to mend your ways, big brother. You’re not going to win her over by acting like the world’s biggest asshole.”

“I know you’re right…”

“Oh my God, you finally admitted it.”

I glare at him. Sometimes younger brothers are a pain in the ass regardless of their age.

He continues. “I don’t see the trouble with you answering her questions about her grandmother. Who knows, maybe there’s something in her altered DNA that would help with the birthrates, and besides, the prophecy…”

I groan. “God, you don’t really believe in that fairytale, do you?”

“I’m not sure what I believe, but what if the prophecy is right? And what if your mate is the key to the whole damn thing?”

I shoot him a dark look and growl.

“What? I wasn’t supposed to have figured out that she is your mate? Regardless of whether she, or the two of you together, can stem the tide, so to speak, you have a right to be happy. And I think Bella could make you happy.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Lots of reasons, but the primary ones are she isn’t afraid of you, she won’t put up with your shit, and nobody is going to make her back down.”

I shoot him a look, but he just grins, unfazed. He isn’t wrong.

“Let me handle it,” he says, standing. “I’ll build some trust with her, see if I can steer her in the right direction. Keep her focused on figuring out not just what happened to Arthur, but what he was up to.”

“You want to tell her everything…”

“Don’t you?”

Ignoring his question, I ask, “You think she’s just going to trust you?” My voice is laced with skepticism.

Lucas shrugs. “Of course she is; I’m the charming brother, remember?”

CHAPTER 7

ISABELLA

The next day I’m sitting on the worn wooden steps of the porch, a steaming cup of coffee in my hands. The woods feel close, alive, almost too present. I can imagine Arthur sitting here in this same spot scribbling in his notebooks, muttering about the mysteries of the forest and whatever is out there. Now it’s just me, trying to make sense of the chaos he left behind.

The sharp crunch of boots on gravel pulls me from my thoughts, and I glance up to see Lucas strolling toward me, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. His easy, relaxed demeanor is such a contrast to Ryder’s brooding intensity that it catches me off guard.

“Hey,” he says, stopping a few feet away. “Mind if I join you?”

I shrug, gesturing to the empty step beside me. “Not at all. You’re welcome on my porch anytime.”

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