Page 18 of To Challenge a Wolf

“I’m trying every night, Viv.”

Her stomach tightened despite his casual tone. Her friend wasn’t okay right now, and she was all the way in another state. “Ifyouneed anything, if it’s something I can help with, you’ll let me know?”

“Whatever you decide this week, it’s going to affect the rest of your life. Focus on your wolf.But,” he said when she drew breath to argue, exaggerating the word’s consonants as he always did when emphasizing, “I will call if I need something you can help me with.”

“Good. You’d better. Now go to bed.”

She was rewarded with another low laugh, then, “Good night, Vivian.”

“G’night, Blaine.”

Five

Rhett had never wanted to skip a Saturday cookout before. He was a wolf, so he came anyway, ready to absorb social time with his pack. Wouldn’t socialize with Vivian, though. On principle. Because she shouldn’t be here.

Maybe he should chill. So Vivian met his pack. So what?

No. No chill. He had to maintain his distance. He prowled the perimeter of what counted as the back yard—a massive clearing bordered at the far end by the woods that slowly inclined to foothills. Vivian hadn’t arrived yet. Not that he was looking for her, but he wouldn’t be able to miss the signature of black tea.

He growled. No idea how he’d endure smelling her all day.

Of all the pack, one person predictably approached him despite his hackles. Her steps were light, and she grinned the whole way.

“Hey, Rhett,” Kelsey chirped when she reached him. “How’s your Saturday?”

Stressful. Confusing. “Decent.”

“Oh, good. Mal tells me we’ll be having a guest on your behalf. I can’t wait to meet her.”

He gave a grunt.

Kelsey tilted her head, bird-like. “Oh? I thought y’all were friends going way back.”

“Right.”

“So…platonic friends?”

“Yeah.”

Her blue eyes grew serious. “Was there, like, a falling-out or something?”

“Close enough.”

“Then why’d she come here, if—?”

“Look. Kelsey. I haven’t seen Vivian in ten years. I don’t know why she felt the need to come all the way here. But it doesn’t matter. She lives in Chicago. She’s going home after today.”

“Okay,” Kelsey said slowly as though only half-believing him.

“She is,” he said, then wanted to kick himself. Defensive for no reason.

For a long moment, Kelsey studied him while he gritted his teeth. Then she said, “Well, anyone who cares about you is welcome here, as far as I’m concerned. I hope y’all can mend fences however you need to, before she has to go home.”

He grunted again. She smiled as though he’d just done something endearing, and his fingers curled into his palms.

“You really are riled up over this.”

“No,” he said.

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