Page 56 of Grace of a Wolf 1
"Humans are unable to form a fated connection," Reggie agrees with a scowl. "Brax tried to claim that human bitch as his fated mate to justify her kidnapping, but in the end it was proven fake, wasn't it?"
"Technically, the Council of Alphas agreed it was impossible to form a consensus," Jack-Eye says, his eyes never leaving mine. "And Fenris has a clear draw toward the human girl. He's been protecting her this entire time."
The room descends into chaos as my Lycans argue among themselves, their growls and voices setting my teeth on edge.
"Fated bonds are between wolf souls," Dylan says, pointing in the general direction of the human girl's room. "She has no wolf. Humans can't be a fated mate!"
Fenris growls, and the burn of my tattoos intensifies. A dull ache spreads across my chest.
"High Alpha." Reggie's voice cuts through the noise. The others fall silent as he steps forward, chin raised in challenge. "We need an answer. Is the human girl truly your fated mate?"
Tell them,Fenris demands.I've already accepted her as ours. Why can't you?
Scowling, I hold Reggie's stare, letting out a flare of alpha dominance. It's enough to take the wind out of his sails, and his chin lowers. "My choice of mate isn't up for debate."
You're avoiding the question again.
"Any delegates who come to protest will be informed that the rightful successor of Blue Mountain Pack remains alive and in power." The words come out from between gritted teeth as I picture that blond pup—tall, muscular, with perfect features. His scent lingers in my memory, wrapped around her like a claim. "The Lycans haven't seized control, so there should be no issue."
"And the human?" Dylan asks.
"There are questions that need answers regarding Brax's decision to harbor a human in his pack. Her role remains… unclear. Until we determine the full scope of this situation, she stays under our protection."
Liar.
Reggie's face contorts. "It's a disgrace for Lycans to guard a human."
Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room, the sound grating against my nerves like sandpaper. I felt the same just two days ago, but the memory of her injured wrist has my jaw locking tight enough to crack teeth. The girl needs protection. More than that, she needs to stay locked in her room. For her own safety.
"We've already assigned Blue Mountain Pack members as her guards so we could all be here," Jack-Eye points out. "They've been thoroughly warned about keeping their hands to themselves. We'll just continue this way."
The thought of those wolves—any wolves not under my direct control—near her sets my blood boiling. But my subordinates' shoulders relax, their faces showing relief at this solution. Sighing, I wave my hand at Jack-Eye. "Do that, then."
Chapter twenty-nine
Ava: Did I Offend Him?
My stomach is gnawing itself to death.
I press a hand against it, willing it to calm down as I resume pacing the perimeter of my room. Seven steps along the wall. Turn. Five steps across. Turn. Seven steps back. Turn. Five steps to the door.
I crack it open for the fifth time in twenty minutes.
The Blue Mountain shifter stands at attention, back rigid as a plank. He doesn't even twitch as I peer around the edge ofthe door. His eyes remain fixed forward, as if I'm nothing but a breeze passing through the hallway.
I close the door with a sigh and press my forehead against the cool wood. My stomach clenches painfully. The mountain of breakfast from earlier features in my regrets; I should have stuffed my face while I had the chance. Or at least taken some with me.
Another cramp twists my insides. Decision made.
I yank open the door, determination straightening my spine.
"Hey! I need—"
My words die as I nearly collide with a broad chest. Not the Blue Mountain guard. The Lycan King himself stands before me, his hand raised mid-knock, a tray balanced perfectly in his other palm. The scent of lasagna and garlic bread makes my mouth water in the most unbecoming way.
His eyebrow arches, storm-gray eyes assessing as they rove over me. I take an instinctive step back, which is apparently Lycan forcome on inbecause that's precisely what he does.
Rude.
