Page 22 of Wanted By the Wolves

He plays keep-away, stealing it back until he ushers her outside. The sun has already set, and the stars are out. It smells like snow is coming. The air is crisp with pine and that chaotic sense that sizzles on the wind before a storm.

She goes on an exploratory mission with Dex following on her tail. When she smells chickens and cows, she goes nuts, scratching at the barn door.

“No, you don’t.” Dex laughs. “Not in this form.”

My wolf whines but gets distracted again by the greenhouse—or, more accurately, by Gage’s scent by the greenhouse. Dexopens the greenhouse door for her, and she trots in, racing ahead of him in her hunt for her wayward mate.

Oh shit.

I push back against that thought, but she ignores me, zigzagging between rows until she finds the alpha. He’s buried his head in a book, a small light hanging above him and crystals spread to the side. Herbs, too, litter the work surface.

She nudges his thigh. Thankfully, the way he’s tucked into the counter makes a crotch greeting impossible. No doubt she would be three for three.

Gage takes one look at her and frowns. Then he goes back to ignoring her. That pisses her off, and she nips his elbow.

“What did I say about biting, wild child?” Gage catches her nose between two of his spread fingers, locking her in place.

It doesn’t hurt, but it’s uncomfortable. She thrashes and tries to back up. A pulse of electricity zips along her nose. Again, it isn’t painful. It just feels strange.

“You need to learn some manners and boundaries.” Gage’s silver eyes glow, and it feels as though he’s speaking directly to me, not my wolf.

The message is clear: He doesn’t want me here. I don’t know why that hurts as much as it does. I don’t know him, even if my wolf thinks he is her mate.

Clearly, he doesn’t agree.

My stubborn wolf doesn’t back down. I can feel the way she challenges him, and then she does something neither of us expects…

She purrs.

Gage’s eyes widen before he looks away, releasing his hold. His scent turns sour. “Go. Back to the house.”

Dex growls something to Gage, and he responds with heat. I’m too floored by my purring to notice much of anything aboutwhy they’re arguing.

A wolf’s purr is infused with our magic. It’s a form of protection, like a little spelled cocoon that creates a sense of home and safety—or pleasure. To purr for someone is more intimate than going to bed with them and is usually only done with mates or pups.

Purring for Briggs was the first time my wolf had ever done it. He was in pain, and my wolf wanted to comfort and help him rest. That makes sense. After all, it’s my fault he’s in pain. It’s the least I could do.

But Gage? Seriously?

It’s embarrassing how much my wolf wants him to like her. He kicks us out, and she purrs?Not cool.

She ignores my rant, curling up at his feet. The purr keeps filling the space between us.

Eventually, Dex bends and gives me a head pat, whispering in my ear, “I’m going to check in on Briggs. The idiot is probably out trying to build traps. When you’re sick of this asshole’s company, we’ll be waiting at the cabin.”

“I heard that,” Gage grumbles.

“Good.” Dex gives a final scratch behind my ears and heads out.

Gage ignores me, going back to his project. My wolf doesn’t seem offended, keeping up the soft sound.

Despite my embarrassment, it’s nice out here. The greenhouse is warm, and all the plants make the air lush.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re stubborn?” Gage asks eventually.

My wolf’s purr is the only answer.

Chapter 13

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