Page 70 of Marked

The Stone brothers retreated to Marcus’ study after ensuring their mate was safely tucked away in the guest suite. The moon hung full and heavy outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shadows across the dark wood paneling and leather-bound books that lined the walls. The room, like its owner, managed to be both imposing and elegant.

Ancient artifacts of the Stone pack’s legacy decorated the space with careful precision. The original 1667 pack charter, its parchment protected behind UV-resistant glass, hung above the stone fireplace. Beside it, yellowed maps marked the evolution of their territory from that first settlement. Display cases held ceremonial daggers used in past claiming ceremonies, their silver blades still gleaming after centuries. In one corner, a locked glass cabinet protected the family grimoires—knowledge collected since before they fled England.

The usual crystal decanter of scotch sat ignored on the antique sideboard while Jorge’s coffee machine worked its magic. The rich aroma of his special blend filled the study—a closely guarded recipe from his mother’s family in Madrid, specifically roasted for supernatural senses. The beans, sourcedfrom a small, secret plantation in the mountains outside Valencia, were treated with an ancient process that made them perfect for wolf shifters’ enhanced senses.

Jorge himself appeared with a fresh carafe and a plate of late-night pastries, his normally stern expression softened by the late hour. “For the occasion,” he said, setting down the treats.

“Knox scouts were spotted near the north border again this evening,” Derek reported once Jorge left, his military bearing at odds with the way he kept glancing toward the wing where their mate slept. Even from here, they could sense Kai’s presence, a warm pulse at the edge of their awareness that made their wolves pace restlessly. “Two of them. Dealt with.”

“They’re getting bolder,” Caleb observed from his sprawl in one of the leather armchairs, coffee cup balanced on his knee. His wolf was closest to the surface, drawn by the full moon and their mate’s proximity. “Testing our borders more frequently since Kai arrived.”

Marcus’ jaw tightened as he inhaled the rich coffee aroma. “They sense his potential. Even diluted, his bloodline calls to them.”

“The Blackwoods will be worse,” Derek growled, pacing like his wolf. “They’ve always been more… strategic in their approach.”

“Liam Blackwood was seen in Seattle last week,” Caleb confirmed, reaching for one of Maria’s pastries.

“Keep tabs on him,” Marcus ordered, his own wolf stirring at the thought of rivals near their mate. “The Blackwoods are too clever to make obvious moves. They’ll try to get close to Kai through legitimate means first.”

“Speaking of sneaky approaches…” Caleb’s grin was teasing. “…like that convenient bookstore job we arranged for our mate?”

“That’s different,” Marcus said stiffly. “We have prior claim on him. The Blackwoods are interfering where they don’t belong.”

A distant whimper drew their attention. Through their growing bond, they sensed Kai stirring in his sleep, caught in what felt like an uneasy dream.

“Tell that to our wolves,” Derek muttered, his body instinctively turning toward where Kai slept. “They don’t give a damn about doing things properly. All they want is to claim him now.”

The three alphas felt their wolves surge forward at the word ‘claim,’ sensing their mate so tantalizingly close yet untouched. The urge to protect, to possess, to mark thrummed through their blood like a fever.

“We wait,” Marcus said firmly, though his knuckles were white around his coffee cup. “He’s not ready. We need to give him time to adjust, to feel safe here first.” His wolf growled in protest, but Marcus knew rushing this would only hurt their mate.

“He doesn’t even know what he is yet,” Caleb added softly. “Let alone what we are to him.”

Derek nodded reluctantly. “The Knox pack and the Blackwoods are just minor annoyances. Our priority is making sure Kai feels secure and comfortable with us first.”

Jorge returned with fresh coffee, Maria trailing behind him with more pastries.

“Ay Dios mío!” Maria exclaimed, seeing their tense expressions. “You boys will wear holes in the carpet with all this pacing. The pequeño is safe here.”

“We’re just concerned about—” Marcus began.

“Bah!” Maria waved her hand. “I know that look. You’re plotting.”

“Strategic planning,” Derek corrected.

“Tonterías!” (Nonsense!) She turned to Jorge. “Tell them.”

Jorge simply raised an eyebrow, years of experience evident in his expression. “The pack has waited this long. A few more days won’t kill you.”

After a few more minutes of motherly scolding, Maria finally herded Jorge out, leaving the brothers to their brooding. The night deepened, broken only by the distant sound of wolves howling in the forest. Each brother was acutely aware of Kai’s presence in their den, their wolves practically purring with territorial satisfaction.

Hours later, Derek stood abruptly. “I should do one last perimeter check.”

“Seventh time’s the charm?” Caleb smirked.

“It’s called being thorough.”

They made it halfway down the hall before Maria materialized in front of them like an avenging angel.

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