Page 33 of Wolf Touched

My power jolted, matching the way my blood pulsed through my body. I hated when people used age and experience as a reason to show someone respect. Respect had to be earned and not given just because of some set requirements. “Tell me why King Jovian still deserves respect fromhis son and my pack members. He didn’t listen to his son, he dishonored the sacred bond Raffe shares with me, and then he attempted to alpha-will his son into marrying someone else. He also tried to have me killed,thentried to bully this entire pack by not allowing them to enter their own home if I was part of the deal. What sort of leader does that to his pack members, let alone his only son?”

Can I say I like her logic now that we’re on the same team?Keith linked, and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the corners of his mouth tipped upward.

“The king has sacrificed so much for his people and is doing what’s best for everyone, not a select few.” Aldric lifted his chin, but some of the light in his irises dimmed. “And not all of those decisions came directly from the king. That’s why we’re here.”

Raffe tilted his head. “And which ones were those?”

“Not allowing you inside the mansion and casting you out.” Aldric fisted his hands. “King Jovian was concerned when your pack link vanished, and he commanded me to bring you home. That’s why we’re here.”

There had to be a catch.

“We’ve already had this conversation.” Raffe kissed my cheek and tugged me tighter to his side. “I’m not going anywhere without Skylar, and I won’t be part of a pack that disrespects my mate.”

Shaking his head, Valor leaned against the doorframe. “Oh, he’s aware. Unfortunately, he’s willing to take yourmate. You all just need to rejoin the pack.”

“So everyone can disrespect her?” Raffe’s jaw clenched. “I’ll pass. It’s not just about the pack tolerating Skylar—they must treat her like a fucking equal, and it’s clear none of you standing here will do that.”

Babe, I’m used to being an outcast.This way, Raffeand the others could have their family and pack back. Besides, everyone staying in this house already treated me as an equal, so I’d have that.If we don’t go back, we won’t have access to any money.

We’re wolves. We can live in the woods. Our wolf form is made for that.

“We can’t turn our backs on a sacred law. Humans are forbidden. There isn’t a caveat about what to do if one could be turned.” Finley dropped his hands to his sides. “Adam will at least understand that.”

“She’s never been a regularhuman.” Adam crossed his arms. “Her turning proves that. You’re being narrow-minded—the same thing you all accuse the Eastern packs of being.”

“Raffe, your father never wanted me to turn you away.” Aldric lifted his hands, his expression strained. “I did that without his support. Your issue is with me, not him.”

Good ol’ Jovian must have ripped Aldric a new butthole,Keith linked.He’s pretty much groveling, which tells you how pissed your dad is.

We’re not going back, are we?Josie asked, her words muted even via the link.They won’t let Dave come, and definitely not Octavia.

Fair point. There was more at risk than me being the black sheep of the pack. “You do realize if we came back, we would bring Dave and Octavia with us?” I asked.

Valor sneered. “Absolutely not. They aren’t pack.”

“And neither are we!” Raffe bellowed, his deep voice raspy as his rage flamed into my chest. “That’s why you’re here. Remember?”

“We have to draw a line somewhere.” Aldric karate-chopped the air. “Let them free or kill them. I don’t care.”

“It’s time for you to go.” Raffe gestured for them to move away from the door.

Moving so he was partially blocking the door, Aldric lifted a hand. “Don’t be foolish. You have no money, and you can’t live outside in the cold and rain with a human. You’ll have to deal with her anyway, so you might as well be comfortable at home. We want our kids back. The way it should be.”

“Not like this.” Keith motioned between us and them. “Nothing is resolved, which means nothing has changed. The king doesn’t want the Eastern wolves to know that not only did he lose control of his son but also the children of the men he trusts most. Our coming back won’t resolve anything.”

“And I don’t trust that you won’t try to kill my mate again.” Raffe lifted a brow. “Can all three of you promise that you will ensure my mate remains safe, no matter the cost?”

Aldric flinched while Finley and Valor glanced at each other, their noses wrinkled in disgust.

“That’s what I thought. You need to leave.” Raffe edged in front of me and added, “Now.”

“Not without my daughter.” Aldric stood tall. “She doesn’t need to be part of this mess. The same goes for Lucy, Keith, and Adam. Release them.”

My power rose close to a hum. Did he think we were holding them hostage? Raffe hadn’t made them leave their pack. They’d left of their own free will.

Keith crossed his arms. “We’re not going anywhere.”

“And neither am I, Daddy.” Josie stepped up the stairs. “If you don’t accept Skylar, you won’t accept my fated mate either.”

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