Page 138 of The Wolf King's Mate

Throughout her story, Nova and I exchanged looks a few times that said something along the lines of,we need to take care of this girl.

That’s what mine meant, at least.

Nova and I were friends, but I didn’t know her well enough to be sure what our shared looks meant.

Enzo came back in a few minutes later, without any of the other guys.

“There’s no blood on his hands this time, right?” Nova joked, though she really did eye his hands.

“Not this time.” He lifted them, showing her that they were clean. “Clay’s finding Silas a room. He invited the bastard to come back for cake, but he didn’t look convinced.”

Birthday cake?

I looked at Fletcher.

He grunted.

If it was for our birthday, Silas definitely wouldn’t come.

“I’m not understanding the dynamic between you two,” Nova said, gesturing to Fletcher. “Silas gets along with everyone.”

Without another word, Fletcher stood up and left the room.

“We’re meeting up for card games and cake. Some of the enforcers planned it,” Enzo said, though he was grimacing.

“Let me talk to Fletch and make sure he’s feeling up for it.” I flashed him a small smile. “We don’t usually do much for our birthday. We just make cakes for each other and trade small presents.”

Enzo nodded.

I looked at Nova and Sydney. Both of them seemed curious. “It’s a sad family thing. I’ll tell you about it some other time. Why don’t you meet me for cake and cards with the enforcers?”

The women agreed.

Enzo recaptured my hand, and we headed out together.

We followed Fletcher’s scent for a few minutes, and found him already trapped in a group of guys we both knew. They greeted me with their normal grins welcoming Enzo too, as if playing cards with him was a normal occurrence.

He lowered his lips to my ear when everyone else sat down for a game of poker, and murmured, “My brothers need me for the plan. Let me know when you’re done. I’ll send Nova and Sydney your way.”

I nodded.

He brushed a kiss to my cheek, then my shoulder, before he strode away.

I wasn’t sure what he needed to do for the plan, but I didn’t ask. We weren’t quite there yet.

The volume increased tremendously when he was gone. The girls showed up quickly, and were welcomed as if they were part of the pack just like I had been. No one tried to hit on them or anything, which was nice.

We played for half an hour or so before Fletcher slipped away. I think everyone could tell something was up with him, but no one commented on it.

I thanked all of them as I followed Fletcher to the doors leading out of the Lodge. He stopped when they didn’t slide open automatically, and tried to push one.

It didn’t budge.

“Fucking Hunter,” Fletcher grunted.

“I’m sure he’s locking me in, not you.” I put a hand on his arm. “Do you want to talk?”

“No,” he growled, pulling away from me. “I can’t be in this pack while he’s here. He looks too much like Simon. I can’t fucking do it.” His voice cracked.

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