Page 32 of Wolf Bitten

My entire body went rigid, and I shook my head. Exhaustion, healing from my injuries, and being drugged for days were catching up to me. I needed some real sleep and fast.

“Be careful how you speak to my mate,” Raffe rasped, the muscles in his back tensing.ThatI’d definitely heard.

Butterflies took flight in my stomach. He’d claimed me inallways now, and I couldn’t fight the stupid smile stretching across my face.

Marcel seemed anything but amused. His jaw clenched. “A fact you failed to mention to your father. Does Josie know?”

Josie. Why would he—?

“That’s a question for you to ask your daughter directly,” Raffe retorted. “Not that it matters. My relationship status is none of your business.”

I blinked. “You’re Josie’s father?” This man was best friends with the wolf-shifter king? Now that he mentioned it, I could see the resemblance between him and Josie.

He sighed and nodded. “I’m Aldric Spencer.”

So … not Marcel. Just a lookalike. That made much more sense, but I didn’t want to be rude, so I responded, “Skylar Greene.”

“I’m well aware.” He adjusted the black tie around his neck.

Realizing a movie star wasn’t at my door, I took in Aldric’s suit. Who dressed so formally at three in the morning? Someone who didn’t plan on sleeping anytime soon.

“And yourrelationship statusis my business.” Aldric’s nostrils flared. “You’re the prince and futureking. All your decisions impact our species, something you’ve forgotten.” His attention turned to me. “Skylar, I need you to talk sense into him. Ever since you arrived on campus, he’s lost sight of what’s important. The king needs to talk to his son, so release whatever hold you have on him.”

Ah. That must be why Raffe had wanted me to stay in my room. He’d known that Aldric would insult me. I snorted. If Aldric thought I had influence over Raffe, he was sorely mistaken.

“Not happening,” Raffe said and crossed his arms while sidestepping to block me partially from Aldric’s view. “She only got back a few minutes ago after beingkidnappedfor days. She needs to heal and rest, and I’m not leaving her side. I’ll link with Dad and tell him I’m not coming back. You don’t have to be the messenger.”

Aldric sniffed and looked down his nose at Raffe. “Her injuries didn’t stop you two from having sex. Besides, she can sleep here. Lucy is on her way back with the pack and can watch her. You’re needed at home.”

My face heated from the fact that he was well aware of what we’d been doing minutes ago.

I didn’t want to come between him and his father. “If your dad needs you—”

“He doesn’t.” Raffe straightened, standing as tall as possible. He had at least two inches on the older man. “He’s not happy that I had so many wolf shifters searching for you, and there’s nothing to discuss about that.” He glared at Aldric. “It’s done, and there’s no way I’m going anywhere withouther.”

“The king is on a jet flying back to Seattle and has something important to discuss with you,PrinceRaffe. Time is of the essence.” Aldric’s dark eyes glowed. “I’m not here asking. I will tell him to alpha-will you if it comes to that.”

A snarl vibrated from Raffe, and he stepped closer to Aldric.

I didn’t know how in the hell this problem would be resolved, and I wasn’t certain what alpha-willing meant, but if they didn’t quiet down, the neighbors would come out to see what was going on. I needed to calm the situation down.

I blinked, trying to find the right words. “If your dad needs you, then go. You heard Mr. Spencer. Lucy will be back, and I’m sure Adam can stay with us.”

Raffe’s head snapped toward me, and a patch of fur appeared on his arms. His jaw set as he growled, “No man butmewill be staying here with you.”

Shoving past Raffe, Aldric entered the apartment and shut the door behind him.

“Raffe, I may love you like a son, but you’re about to go too far.” Aldric pointed to the front door and shook his head. “You’re being careless, and you’re losing your cool when humans could be listening. You’re also disobeying your father’s wishes, all for a human girl.”

My mouth went dry. I wasn’t sure what to do or say, but my presence wasn’t helping. Even though Raffe was my everything, it did seem like I wasn’t the right fit for him.

“Imagine if your mate had been taken from you, drugged, and harmed for days, and you couldn’t find her.” Raffe’s breathing quickened. “Ijustgot her back, and you think I’m going to be rational when you’re trying to get me to leave her? What the fuck did you and Dad think would happen? I’m not acting this way because she’shumanbut because my wolf needs to be with hismate. I’m not leaving her side. I’m not sure how much more fucking clear I can be. Dad can come here if it’s that important.”

“He can’t.” Aldric closed his eyes as if to regain control of himself. “There are things going on, and he needs to ensure that only certain people hear. You have to come with me.”

I rubbed my arms. I could think of only one real solution, though neither of them would like the suggestion. But if Raffe didn’t compromise, I suspected he would be forced to go home, causing more issues between him and his father. “What if I come with you?”

Aldric shook his head. “The king needs to talk to himalone.”

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