Page 30 of Smoke and Lure

“I’m positive she does.Or Rieka would’ve cared less about ensuring you were gaining skills to fight Minsi eventually,” Rudie chimed in as she walked over to the living room table to gather her things.

He shook his head.He could agree with Rudie’s statement about his mother's intentions.“Anyone think about clearing her training through herAlphamate?Morlie has only been changed a few days and could have been seriously injured, even unintentionally.”

At least both the women had the good sense to blush and appear chastised.

Chanin dragged a hand through his hair and sighed.“At least as a wolf-shifter, your bruises should be gone by this evening.I don’t want to think about the confrontation if we arrived at the Drahk territory and you appeared to be being mistreated living with my Pack.”

“Sorry, mate.”She moved closer but didn’t touch him.“It all happened so fast.But I promise to be careful next time.”

Next time.He knew there would be a next time.Just as he knew and his mother stated, Minsi would come for Morlie, and he wanted his mate to be more than prepared to defend herself and put Minsi in her place.

He reached for her, sliding his fingers along her neck as he cupped her cheek.“No, little rabbit.I don’t want you holding back.However, I will plan your training for the foreseeable future.I’ve already spoken to Bleddyn.Lovel will start training with you tomorrow.”

Morlie’s smile lit up her face.

The beating muscle that was his heart tightened briefly.

“Alpha.”

He pulled his gaze away from his mate and glanced at his assistant.

“I’m not the best fighter, but I’d like to help Morlie however I can.”

Taking Morlie’s hand, he walked her deeper into the living room.“Strength isn’t your skill, runt, but speed is.Talk to Wolcott after the lunar run for assistance.”

“Um...okay.I-I will.”Rudie stumbled over her words.

Chanin didn’t miss the increase of color in Rudie’s cheeks at the mention of the rabbit breeder.Wolcott and Rudie were mutually attracted to each other.However, they were both so shy when it came to interacting with the opposite sex that they wouldn’t talk unless forced together.

He winked at his assistant.

Rudie cleared her throat and pretended to study her ever-present clipboard.

“What’s the plan for tonight?”Morlie tugged her hand from his hand.“With Kai and the dragons?”

“We’ll need to leave in the next couple of hours to travel there without rushing.”He kept his gaze on her, trying to ensure she was doing well.“How are you feeling, mate?”

Rudie used the moment to walk into the kitchen.

He kept his eyes on his mate.

Morlie shrugged and walked away.She reached up and clutched the ring hanging from the leather strap as she paced a small circle across from the couch.“Honestly, I’m not sure how I should be feeling.Finding out that my sister and I have some mystery relative...who’s dead now.”She shook her head.“And how long did Kai know that, and why wouldn’t she tell me?”

Chanin moved and stepped before her to stop her nervous walking.“I know you have a lot of questions.Rightfully so.I’m sure you’ll get all the answers you need tonight.”

She bit into her bottom lip and nodded.“I know.I-I just...”

When her voice faded away, he placed his hand on her waist.He could feel the tension in her body as he drew her toward him.If he couldn’t tell by the slight crease between her brow, her mind was a riot of thoughts.He didn’t try to pick them apart.He preferred she share with him.“What else is going on in that lovely head of yours?”

Morlie exhaled.“I’m different.”

“In more ways than one.”He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, then the side of her neck.

She released a small moan but then said, “But what’s Kai going to think?”

Now, he understood Morlie’s worry clearly.A lump formed in his gut as he wondered if Morlie regretted coming with him.Regretted accepting his wolf’s bite.

“Do you wish you had stayed among your sister...the Drahks?”He did everything to keep himself steady and his voice neutral while waiting for her answer.Now that they were mates, there was no way he could let her go if she had a change of mind because his wolf would have him track her down over and over again.

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