Page 64 of Chosen Destiny

I agree with Callie—Theo needs to be handled,Bodey replied as we paused at the threshold to the living room, staring Theo down.

Staying out of striking distance, I straightened my shoulders. “What do you want?”

Stevie and Jack came up behind us, and the four of us huddled together, facing our enemy.

“Are you serious?” Theo lifted his hands. “After what Lynerd did today, you don’t answer my calls, then you askthat?” He glared at me like he didn’t know me.

There it was. What I’d feared.

Maybe that was what happened when you stopped viewing someone as your alpha and were no longer forced to regard them with respect. “My phone is dead. I didn’t know you were trying to call me. You could’ve called Stevie.”

“Talking to her wouldn’t resolve a damn thing.” Theo ran his hands through his hair as the cool March breeze swirled past him and into the house.

Even though my shifter body kept me warm, I shivered. I forced myself to believe it was from the wind and not what was going down between me and my oldest friend.

Stevie huffed as if she’d been hit, and Jack snarled.

“What the fuck does that mean, douchebag?” Jack stepped forward.

Bodey moved in front of Jack, preventing him from walking past us. I didn’t have to turn around to know how angry Jack was, especially with Bodey’s intervention. His anger was palpable, but I appreciated the way he stood up for my sister.

“Look, I didn’t mean it like that.” Theo glanced over his shoulder as if expecting someone to pull up. “Can I come in?”

I leaned back on my heels and waved toward the couch.

Samuel’s mouth dropped.You’ve got to be kidding me. He needs to go. There’s no telling what he’s planning or what information he’s gathering for Lynerd.

This is Callie’s call,Bodey replied, tensing beside me.And I agree with her. If we don’t hear him out, he’ll hang around and keep trying. If we want him to go away, we need to listen. Unfortunately, I learned that when he kept sniffing around Callie while she was staying here the first time.

My chest expanded. I didn’t know what had changed, but I was so happy we were on the same page and together.

Although Bodey and I hadn’t known each other long, it felt like years. So much shit had happened in such a short time that it all blended together.

Nostrils flaring, Samuel stood rigidly by the door while Theo rushed inside as if we might change our minds. The fact he’d come alone gave me pause. I would have expected him to bring Charles, or at leastsomeoneelse, to see us.

Jaw twitching, Samuel shut the door but remained next to it, tightly coiled and ready to spring.

How’s everything out there?I linked with the man who was part of Bodey’s pack. If things ever settled and I somehow remained in charge, I’d need to spend more time with Bodey’s pack and all the wolves in the entire territory. I didn’t want others to think Bodey’s pack was getting preferential treatment because he was the alpha.

Another problem for another day.

The man replied,Nothing out of the ordinary. A few more wolves have joined us since the strange visitor arrived.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Bodey smirking as if he liked that description of Theo.

Pacing between the couch and the windows, Theo wrung his hands.

His anxiety was making me more nervous. I wanted to snap at him, but instead, I took a deep breath. I didn’t want him to know he was getting to me. I asked, “Theo, why are you here?”

He stilled and dropped his hands. “Is Jasmine all right?”

For a moment, I’d forgotten about their connection, but now I understood why Jasmine had been more of a mess when she’d learned that Russell and his wolves were heading back home. She’d probably realized she and Theo were enemies now.

My heart hurt. I’d assumed her anxiety was only due to her friend leaving her behind. I’d bet she felt alone. I understood that sentiment all too well.

“Jasmine is none—” Bodey started, his anger and resentment over Theo’s and my complicated past taking control.

“She’s fine.” Maybe I shouldn’t have given Theo that, but if Bodey and I had been in the same situation, I’d want someone to let me know. “Now, I need you to answer my question.”

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