Page 22 of Wolf Touched

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“So damn much,” Raffe interjected and took my hand. “This whole situation is appalling because I didnothingwrong. If Dad wants me gone, so be it.” His eyes glowed, and he lifted his head high. “He’s not my alpha anymore. Ican’t be part of a pack that doesn’t support the woman I love.”

A short man in the back who hadn’t spoken gasped, and the other four men grimaced. Aldric’s nose wrinkled.

What’s going on?Whatever he was doing must be huge.

I’ve left Dad’s pack.Raffe winced as if in agony.I’m technically a rogue and can’t link with anyone here anymore.

Rogue. That wasn’t good. Even in nature, wolves preferred to stay in packs.Wait, but we’re still communicating like this.

He squeezed my hand and answered,We’re fated mates.

Well, there was no way in hell I’d abandon him. “That goes for me too. I don’t see King Jovian as my alpha, though in fairness”—I pursed my lips—“I never did.”

“Who would’ve thought you’d grow on me?” Keith snorted. “And if you’re trying to join Raffe’s pack, this is how you do it.” He handed Octavia off to Adam and strolled over to stand in front of Raffe.

“Keith, what are you doing?” his dad growled and clutched his arm.

Keith jerked his arm away while his eyes met Raffe’s. He then averted them to the ground. Just like that, I felt a warm link I was familiar with vanish. It was so strange, and I missed the connection.

“What did you do?” His dad’s voice shook with rage.

“So, I just look at him and then look down?” There had to be more to it.

You have to challenge me, then avert your eyes and submit.

Submit.

I didn’t like the sound of that, but if that was what it took to have Raffe lead our little rogue pack, I’d do it.

I released his hands and shook out my own, preparing tolook away. Not that it would be that hard. Raffe was strong, more so than me. I just wasn’t sure what to expect.

You’re just locking eyes with me, not preparing for a fight.Raffe mashed his lips together, a bit of lightness emanating from him.

The slight reprieve from the hurt was much needed.

Fine.I rubbed my hands, wanting everyone to see that I supported Raffe just as much as he supported me. Then I met his gaze.

My wolf inched forward, embracing the alpha challenge. Raffe’s crystal-blue eyes lit up like the summer sky, gorgeous and pure, exactly like his soul. I told my eyes to look downward, but they didn’t listen. Instead, they remained in place, engaged in the battle.

Shit.

“You need to look down,” Keith spoke slowly, like I hadn’t understood him the first time. He stomped his foot on the concrete, emphasizing his point. “Right here, where your feet touch.”

Adam sighed. “Man, I think she knows what you meant by down.”

Something’s wrong,I linked, not wanting anyone to hear me say it.I can’t. My wolf is refusing to listen to me.

Raffe’s irises brightened.It’s your wolf. Damn, she’s strong. If you don’t want to chance being the alpha, you’ll have to rein her in and force her to listen to you. Her animalistic side is showing.

Great.

Yet again, I had to control something I didn’t understand at all.

“That’s what he gets for splitting off.” The smaller man in the back laughed. “He’s going to have to follow a woman. I knew he wasn’t king material.”

When we’re done here, I’m kicking his ass first.My power jolted in tune with the beating of my heart. The power coursed through me the same way blood filled my veins.

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