Page 73 of Destined Mate

“Hi.” I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “Sorry for dropping in.” I felt as if we were interrupting something. I took in the pictures of the coast hanging on the walls.

Sighing, Lynerd walked to the center of the room and stood in front of the couch next to the wooden coffee table. “It’s fine. We’re planning for my absence tomorrow since Sybil and I are leaving to attend the dinner and coronation.”

“Do you need some ofmywolves to help protect your pack while you’re gone?” Theo stood tall and lifted his chin. “We just took out three of Queen Kel’s scouts.”

I wanted to laugh.Ihad taken out the three scouts by myself, but he was making it sound as if he’d had a hand in it. I wanted to correct him, but instead, I focused on what mattered the most. “Were you guys also attacked?” At Bodey’s, I’d been kept abreast of the happenings in the territory, but not once since I’d returned to my childhood pack.

“Yes, just yesterday.” Lynerd’s neck corded as he turned to Theo. “And no, we don’t need your pack’s help. My beta is well equipped to handle the pack in my absence, and both youandZeke will be gone from yours. You’ll need your people there. You know she’ll attack while our strongest are all in one place tomorrow night.”

My limbs grew heavy. He was right, and I hadn’t even thought of that. It would be the perfect time to attack, but if we postponed the coronation and the surrounding festivities, we’d show Queen Kel that her antics were impacting us. Either way, she’d win.

“I suggest you encourage your packs to utilize their witches.” Lynerd lifted a brow, a faint grin ghosting over his mouth. He knew our pack’s stance on witches. “It’ll be the best way to protect the pack until we return.”

“Yes, we’ve already instructed all our packs which have local witches.” Theo crossed his arms. “It’s too bad you couldn’t capture the scouts to get more answers.”

“Because your pack has ascertained suchvaluableinformation.” The beta snorted from his spot on the couch.

I wrung my hands as I absorbed the information. “Was anyone harmed?”

Lynerd’s eyes softened as he observed me. “None of my people who chased after them were injured.”

So far, I was the only person who’d been attacked, likely because they’d seen me as an easy target—alone and female. That was how shifters thought, despite a queen calling the shots. “Good. There’s already been too much turmoil.”

“Very true.” Sybil nodded. “So much has been hidden from us as it is.”

Theo rolled his shoulders and cleared his throat. “If you’re making plans for your absence, Callie and I shouldn’t interrupt. However, if you change your mind about needing more backup, just link.”

We’d already imposed on Lynerd enough, and it wouldn’t take much to end the civility. Hell, these people hadn’t even introduced themselves—a sure sign that they didn’t want us here.

“Oh, thank you.” The beta chuckled sarcastically. “We appreciate your concern.”

“Of course.” Theo rubbed his knuckles on his shirt, ignoring the jab. “It’s of the utmost importance that the coronation goes off without a hitch.”

Lynerd scowled. “You don’t have to tell us. Weallknow that.”

If Theo’s point had been to check in and assert dominance, he’d succeeded, but at what cost? If anything, he’d fueled Lynerd’s resentment, and the only reason Lynerd hadn’t challenged Zeke for the adviser role was out of respect for the late king. That respect meant he would help to ensure the coronation was a success despite our unwelcome visit.

Before Theo could open his mouth again, I took his hand and smiled. “Thank you all for letting us stretch our legs. Your neighborhood and house are lovely.”

“Do you need anything before you head out?” Lynerd’s gaze settled on me again. “Like water?”

This pack was considerate, like Bodey’s. Zeke would never ask someone that. I was even more clueless about why King Richard had put Zeke in charge. “No, thank you.”

“We’refine.” Theo tensed, interlocking his fingers with mine. “And we’re leaving. Let us know if you need assistance.”

Sybil cocked her head farther though her gaze remained on me.

The beta mashed his lips together, trying not to laugh, and I couldn’t blame him.

However, Lynerd handled the repeated offer well. “Thanks, but we’ve got it.”

“Well, thanks again,” I said, tugging Theo away. I was eager to go because Sybil’s attention made my skin crawl.

Theo and I strolled to the door with Lynerd on our heels.

Outside, Lynerd touched my shoulder. “Be careful,” he murmured, then bit his bottom lip. He appeared concerned, and strangely, that concern was directed at me.

“We can handle ourselves,” Theo replied and tugged me toward the truck.

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