Page 83 of Destined Mate

Bodey didn’t release his hold on my waist. His fingers dug into my side, steadying me against him. “That’s kind of you, but I’m in no rush.”

His scent swirled around me, making me dizzy. I should have encouraged him to leave, but I feared if I did, I’d never feel his touch again.

Clearing her throat, Tina extended her hand. “I’m Tina.”

“Bodey,” he replied, using the opportunity to bat Theo’s hand out of mine while reaching over to shake Tina’s hand. His attention landed back on Theo as he asked, “Have any more scouts been around? And have you gotten more information out of your prisoner?”

He’d changed the subject to pack business so Theo couldn’t rush him off without appearing as if he were hiding something.

Still, Theo remained silent, his neck cording.

They were having another pissing contest. I needed to intervene. The other advisers had the right to know everything as well. “Another pack outside of Ontario, Oregon, ran across a scout the other day and chased them off, and as far as I know, the surviving wolf of the three that attacked me hasn’t divulged any more information.”

Bodey turned into a statue as his nostrils flared. “What do you mean, the three that attackedyou?” Anger pulsed off him.

I swallowed hard.

“No, we haven’t gotten any additional information yet,” Theo cut in.

“That’s not what I’m worried about.” Bodey turned to me, his stare pinning me in place. He rasped, “What attack, Callie?”

I’d never seen him mad at me before. We hadn’t known each other long, but the hurt and rage pouring off him made the ground so very interesting. “The one in Halfway.”

“You were attacked?” His jaw clenched hard.

I inhaled. They hadn’t told him that the wolves had targeted me. I glanced at Theo, who had his eyes closed, ready for the explosion.

Bodey pivoted all that anger onto him and spat, “Why didn’t Zeke tell us Callie was attacked?” He cupped my face with his rough, strong hands. “Were you hurt?”

His tenderness had all my resolve slipping away. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be with him until he found his fated. Maybe I’d have a few years of happiness. “I’m better now.”

“Youdidget hurt.” His gaze searched me for signs of injury.

Luckily, the pink scratch on my shoulder was hidden, but his hands fisted at his side the moment he saw the marks on my leg.

I was relieved he hadn’t known because that was the reason he hadn’t called to check on me. I’d thought they’d forgotten about me. They wouldn’t have thought to ask if I’d been attacked since the attack had happened in Halfway. They all knew Zeke didn’t like me leaving the pack neighborhood.

“Did they hurt you anywhere else?” He sounded broken.

I didn’t want to lie to him. He’d know if I did. I also didn’t want to tell him.

He snarled, his eyes glowing as his wolf surged forward.

“We informed you about the issue. When it comes to our pack business, you don’t get to be privy to all the details. They aren’t your concern,” Theo bit out, stepping toward me. He took a stronger hold on my arm and tried to tug me away from Bodey. “She came home to us, and we’ve taken care of her. She’s even staying with my parents now.”

My legs weakened. Theo was foolish to thinkthatwould go over well.

Bodey stepped in front of me, removing Theo’s hand from my arm, then turned his back on him. He brushed a tendril of hair that framed my face and breathed, “You’re fucking living with Zeke?”

I tried to school my expression. If he realized how much I hated living there, this situation could explode. “He wanted to protect me after I was attacked in the woods at Halfway.”

As Theo moved beside us so he could be part of the conversation, my head swirled. Bodey’s touch and scent had my stomach fluttering, and it was as if only the two of us were here, except for Theo’s heavy breathing.

Pretending Theo wasn’t there, Bodey asked, “Why were you in Halfway?”

“That isnoneof your business,” Theo growled. “Now, step away from my date. You’ve had your hands on her way too much, and my patience is gone.”

Footsteps pounded our way, and I heard a few gasps as if someone were running into people. I didn’t have to turn around to know who was coming—Zeke.

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