Page 48 of Fated Wolf's Destiny

The words hit me like a slap, and I flinch despite myself. The anger drains from his face, replaced by something raw and vulnerable.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he says quietly, his voice softer now. “But I need you to understand the threat is very real.”

“I know it’s dangerous,” I say, my voice trembling. “But I can’t stop now. Not when I’m this close.”

His gaze lingers on mine, searching, and I feel the pull between us again, something neither of us seems willing to name.

“I know, but from here on out you stay at the lodge. You stay with me, and you go nowhere without my approval and a proper escort.”

“You don’t just get to order me around,” I say.

“Want to bet?”

“Fine, but Blue is coming with me.”

Ryder nods.

I wrap my hand around the flash drive. It feels like a secret burning in my pocket. I’m not sure if I can trust Ryder with this—not yet. For now, it’s mine to figure out.

Ryder turns away, calling the sheriff and barking more orders into his phone as he leads me out to his truck. Arthur’s secrets didn’t die with him. I’m going to track down the truth, no matter where it leads me.

CHAPTER 18

ISABELLA

The grand hall of the Nightshade Pack’s lodge feels impossibly vast as I step inside, the quiet grandeur of the place seeming almost out of place here in the Cascade Mountains. The polished wooden floors gleam in the soft glow of the overhead lights, and the scent of cedar and something faintly wild lingers in the air. Ryder strides ahead of me, his broad shoulders tense, every movement radiating command and control. Lucas has joined us, his usual easy demeanor laced with something sharper, though he hides it well.

“This isn’t necessary,” I say, my voice cutting through the silence. “I can find a place to stay in town.”

Ryder glances back at me, his amber eyes catching the light. “Do you remember the state of your clinic when you got back from town? And that was broad daylight. No way you’re staying at the clinic—or anywhere else for that matter—by yourself.”

My hands ball into fists at my sides, but I force myself to hold his gaze. “I didn’t ask for your protection.”

“No,” he says, his tone even, “but you’ve got it anyway.”

“You can’t just order me around,” I say, feeling kind of foolish, as it’s obvious he can.

“I hate to tell you this,” says Lucas in a stage whisper. “But he’s alpha. He can pretty much do whatever he wants to do.”

“He’s not wrong,” says Ryder, and I can’t tell whether or not he’s joking. “Put her things in my suite. Lucas, you’re in charge of Blue.”

“What’s wrong with the guest room on this floor?” asks Lucas innocently, although I suspect he is goading his brother.

“Lucas,” Ryder snarls, shooting his brother a sharp look.

Lucas clears his throat behind us, his lips twitching into a grin. “You two should really learn how to discuss things and reach some kind of agreement. It’s a lot less exhausting than all this bickering, although not nearly as entertaining for the rest of us.”

“Enough Lucas,” growls Ryder.

“Ryder, knock it off,” I say, not sure whether I’m more aroused or angry—could be both.

Lucas raises his hands in mock surrender. “I’ll leave you to it, then. Try not to murder each other.” He winks at me before taking Blue and disappearing down a side hall, leaving me to face Ryder alone in front of a small group of his pack.

Great.

Ryder turns back to me, his gaze narrowing. “Come on,” he says, jerking his head toward the staircase. “You’re not staying in the room at the end of the hall. You’ll be upstairs with me.”

“Excuse me?” I stop in my tracks, crossing my arms. “I’m sure the guest room is fine.”

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