Page 20 of Wolf Touched

Three hours later,we were swerving up the twisty roads of Cougar Mountain, and my ass was sore—a little fact I hadn’t expected. All I was doing was sitting on the back of a comfortable bike made for long rides, but my butt was numb and aching.

I’d expected to dread pulling into the long driveway that led to Raffe’s pack home, but I was practically panting. I was ready to get off this bike, even if that meant King Jovian glaring at me.

I shifted and groaned.I thought you said this was a cruiser bike.

You hurting?Raffe turned the bike onto the road.

Let’s just say there’s no way we’re having sex like I’d hoped.I dreaded getting off the bike.

Raffe wiggled.You should’ve told me. I felt your discomfort, but I thought it was from coming here. It increased the closer we got.

I’ve only felt like this one other time when I went horseback riding, and it wasn’t even half this bad.I’d been sore fordays, and I didn’t want to think about how long it would take to recover from this.

I’ll rub you down when we get to our room.

I guess that will do.Desire knotted in my stomach, making me reconsider my stance on sex.

The huge mansion towered ahead, thick woods of maple, cedar, and hemlock behind it. Stones framed each window with tan siding everywhere else.

Octavia, Keith, Josie, Lucy, Dave, and Adam stood on the stone path in front of the six stairs leading up to the gigantic wooden front door.

Aldric stood across from his daughter, looking every inch Marcel Gerard fromThe Originals.I still couldn’t get over how uncanny his resemblance was to the vampire on that show. He stood in front of five other men, all giving off strong alpha vibes. But one key person was missing.

King Jovian.

Instead of slowing down, Raffe sped up and parked the bike between his black BMW and a white Porsche. Tension radiated from him, and the spot in my chest where we were connected shrank, giving off dread.

What’s wrong?I linked, removing my helmet. As soon as I did, I regretted it, feeling how my wet hair had dried underneath it. I must look like a train wreck.

Lovely.

Raffe replied, bringing Lucy, Josie, Keith, and Adam into the connection,I’m not sure, but I’d like to know what’s going on as well.

The king isn’t here, and Dad and the advisors want to talk to Raffe.Josie glanced at us, biting her bottom lip.

I noticed how close she and Dave were standing, their arms just brushing. Clearly, Aldric had noticed the same thing because his scowl flicked betweenthem and us.

And you guys didn’t think to inform me before we got here?Raffe replied, his jaw clenching. He took my hand and led me toward them, making it clear we were together.

Somehow, that made me fall more in love with him.

My ass ached with every step, but I stood tall, keeping my strides confident, even if I looked straight out of a horror flick.

Raffe stood tall and radiated alpha wolf power, which was stronger than any of theirs. He seemed more powerful than before, but maybe that was because I was a wolf shifter and could finally notice it.

“What’s going on here?” Raffe asked, his voice deep and commanding. “Where’s Dad?”

Puffing out his chest, Aldric sneered. “Why are you here?” He acted as if Raffe hadn’t asked a question.

I swallowed. Something was off.

“Why am I here at myhome?” he rasped.

“It’s not your home anymore.” Aldric pointed at Raffe. “You need to leave.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

My mate released a ruthless snarl I’d never heard before, and I feared what it meant.

---