Page 32 of Marked

“It’s done,” his brother’s voice was rough with satisfaction. “Just some young pups trying to make a name for themselves. Thought they could impress their alpha by scouting our territory.”

“Injuries?”

“Nothing fatal. Just… memorable.” Derek chuckled darkly. “They’ll crawl back to their alpha with their tails between their legs. Might get some pushback from their pack later, but nothing we can’t handle.”

There was a pause, then he asked, “How is he?”

Marcus smiled at the barely contained eagerness in Derek’s voice. Of all of them, Derek had struggled the most with keeping his distance these past years. “Missing your mate, brother?”

A warning growl rumbled through the phone. “You did something today. I can feel it. Your wolf’s practically strutting.”

Of course Derek would sense it. Their pack bond had always been strongest between the three of them.

“He walked into me,” Marcus said, though they both knew nothing in Cedar Grove happened by accident anymore. “My coffee might have… conveniently spilled on both of us.”

“Marcus.” The way Derek said it was half exasperation, half admiration.

“Lunch was… illuminating.” Marcus remembered Kai’s sharp retorts, those clever eyes catching every nuance. “Caleb wasn’t exaggerating about his personality.”

“That good?”

“Better.” Marcus’ wolf preened at the memory. “Took him to Morrison’s after. The cottage clause is in place. Six months minimum residency before he can sell.”

Derek’s laugh was knowing. “And I bet you just happened to mention the property value.”

“Several times.” Marcus smiled, remembering Kai’s internal struggle playing across his expressive face. “He’s considering the bookstore position.”

“Good. That’s… good.” Derek paused again. “I need to see him, Marcus. My wolf’s going crazy with just his scent around town.”

“Tomorrow morning,” Marcus reminded him, lips curving at his brother’s eagerness. “The ‘maintenance schedule’ is already set up. Our little mate will have a surprise wake-up call.”

A pleased rumble came through the phone. “Lawn maintenance at seven in the morning?”

“He’s too new to town to know any better.” Marcus’ wolf preened at their planning. “And you’ve seen the cottage grounds. They could use some… attention.”

“Attention. Right.” Derek’s voice held a predatory edge. “And if I happen to need to check the exterior walls while I’m there? Make sure everything’s secure?”

“Just remember—”

“I know, I know. Let him think it’s his choice.” But there was anticipation in Derek’s growl now. “At least I’ll finally get to see him up close. Smell him properly.”

“Try not to frighten him too badly,” Marcus said, though they both knew Derek’s intensity would affect their mate whether he meant it to or not. “We need him comfortable here.”

“I’ll be gentle.” The words held both promise and threat. “As gentle as you were with your coffee accident today.”

Marcus smiled, remembering Kai’s flustered apologies, that delicious blush. “Touché, brother.”

After ending the call, Marcus stood at the window a moment longer, watching the afternoon light paint Cedar Grove in soft golds. Somewhere out there, their mate was probably pacing that cottage, trying to plan his escape even as his body yearned to nest, to settle, to come home.

Tomorrow, Derek would get his first close look at their mate. Their enforcer brother, who’d argued the hardest against letting Kai leave nine years ago, who’d tracked down every alpha who’d dared show interest in their mate over the years. Who still carried that fierce protectiveness from the night they’d been forced to pre-mark Kai, when everything had gone so wrong.

Let him try to maintain his control tomorrow, Marcus thought with a knowing smile. Their little mate’s sharp tongue and delicate beauty would test even Derek’s iron discipline.

They’d waited nine years to bring their mate back where he belonged. The pieces were falling into place: the cottage clause, the bookstore position, Derek’s visit tomorrow. Soon, very soon, Kai would understand that everything in Cedar Grove was leading him exactly where he needed to be.

But not too quickly, Marcus reminded his wolf as it growled in agreement. Their mate needed time to feel safe, to understand that he belonged here—with them.

And Kai, with his sharp wit and soft heart, his defiant mind and gentle soul, was absolutely perfect for them.

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