Page 31 of Marked

“Perfect,” Marcus murmured, his wolf purring with satisfaction. Watching Kai’s natural kindness, his gentle way with the children, made something protective and tender unfurl in his chest. Their sweet little mate, so nurturing without even realizing it.

The sight of Kai surrounded by children made something possessive and primal stir in Marcus’ chest. The mother’s approving smile as she passed, Kai’s natural ease with the children—it painted a picture of possibilities that made his wolf howl with want.

Movement caught his eye. A sleek black SUV cruising past the square, moving too slowly to be casual. Though Cedar Grove was neutral territory—had been since the first shifter packs established their territories in the Pacific Northwest centuries ago—Marcus could sense the predatory intent radiating from behind those tinted windows. Their gazes weren’t just observing;they were targeting Kai specifically, assessing his mate like prey in broad daylight.

The growl that ripped from Marcus’ throat echoed off the wooden panels, making the antique desk lamp rattle. Pack laws were clear: towns were neutral ground, places where different packs could coexist without bloodshed. But there was a vast difference between passing through and deliberately stalking another pack’s mate. His eyes flashed crimson as he snatched his phone, nearly crushing it in his grip as he punched Derek’s number.

“What?” Derek’s gruff voice answered on the first ring, already alert at the alpha tone in Marcus’ growl.

“We have visitors.” Marcus’ voice was pure alpha, cold with barely contained rage. “Near the square. Targeting him.”

A low growl rumbled through the phone, matched by the sound of something metallic being set down with force. “They’re breaking treaty?”

“Black SUV, tinted windows. New model, Washington plates but not local. They’re not even trying to be subtle.” Marcus watched the vehicle make another pass, his free hand leaving claw marks in his desk. “They’re deliberately stalking our mate in neutral territory, Derek. Making a show of it.”

“Right in front of the Stone Building?” Derek’s voice dropped lower, dangerous. “They’re either stupid or trying to provoke a territory dispute.”

“Either way, they need to understand the difference between passing through town and hunting a mate.” Marcus’ eyes tracked the SUV as it slowed again near Kai. “Once they leave the neutral zone, remind them why the Stone pack’s territory is off-limits.”

“With pleasure.” The anticipation in Derek’s voice promised violence. “Want me to send a formal challenge to their alpha?”

“No need for pack politics yet,” Marcus reminded him, though his wolf howled for blood. “Just make sure theyunderstand the rules. And Derek?” He paused, watching Kai attempt to eat dry ramen like some kind of snack. The sight made his wolf whine in distress. “Make it memorable.”

“Always do, brother.” The line went dead with a click that sounded like a promise.

Marcus turned back to the window, watching Kai pick at his meager lunch. Fury built in his chest with each tiny bite. Their mate was too thin, too delicate. Those wrists could probably be circled by his thumb and finger. The oversized clothes couldn’t hide how desperately he needed caring for.

This wouldn’t do. This wouldn’t do at all.

His eyes narrowed as he formulated a plan. A seemingly chance encounter. An excuse to feed him properly. To keep him close and protected while they dealt with these circling wolves who dared to eye what was theirs.

Marcus smiled, letting his wolf’s satisfaction rumble through his chest. Time to arrange a little accident with some coffee.

After all, what kind of alpha would he be if he didn’t take care of his mate?

And if the timing happened to coincide with Derek reminding those wolves why stalking another pack’s mate was a dangerous game… well. Marcus had always been good at multitasking.

Marcus returned to his office, Kai’s scent still clinging to his clothes, to his skin, to the very air around him. He shrugged off his suit jacket, bringing it to his nose before draping it over his chair. Honey and rain andmate, now mixed with traces of coffee and that damnable anxiety that seemed to follow Kai everywhere.

The grandfather clock in the corner struck four, its steady rhythm doing nothing to calm Marcus’ wolf. Not after having Kai so close. Not after watching those expressive eyes shift from defiance to vulnerability and back again. Not after feeling how perfectly their little mate fit beside him in the car, even as he tried so hard to maintain his distance.

Gods, that sharp tongue of his. Marcus smiled, remembering Kai’s commentary about the Mercedes. So different from the timid boy he’d been at thirteen. This Kai wielded wit like a weapon, all clever comebacks and quick observations. Caleb had tried to warn him, but nothing could have prepared Marcus for the reality of that snarky personality wrapped in such a delicate package.

“‘Felt up by a vehicle,’” Marcus quoted softly, his laugh echoing in the empty office. Nine years of watching from afar hadn’t shown them this side of Kai—this brilliant, defiant, utterly enchanting creature who could make even Marcus Stone lose his carefully crafted composure.

He moved to the window, his usual vantage point, but Kai’s car was already gone from the street below. Still, Marcus could picture him perfectly: those delicate hands gripping the steering wheel too tight, probably muttering to himself about cryptic CEOs and their ridiculous cars. The thought made his wolf rumble with satisfaction.

The meeting at Morrison’s office played through his mind. How small Kai had looked in that leather chair, drowning in that oversized sweater that did nothing to hide how badly he needed caring for. The way his scent had spiked with anxiety over the lawyer’s fees, his immediate instinct to take care of himself because he wasn’t used to having anyone else do it.

That would change. They would change that.

Marcus’ fingers traced the cool glass, remembering how Kai had leaned away from his touch even as his body swayedunconsciously closer. The constant battle between his instincts and his learned wariness. The way his eyes had flashed almost gold when Marcus said his name, their mate bond resonating even through Sarah’s dampening charm.

“Welcome home,” Marcus murmured, echoing his earlier words to Kai. His wolf paced restlessly, remembering how their mate had fled to his car afterward, heart racing, scar probably pulsing with recognition. Running away even as everything in him yearned to stay.

Soon he wouldn’t run. Soon he would understand that everything—the cottage clause, the bookstore position, even that “chance” meeting over spilled coffee—was leading him exactly where he belonged. Where he had always belonged.

His phone buzzed. Derek.

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