Page 29 of Grace of a Wolf 2
I'm fucking Elizabeth, what else would I be doing?The impatience in his voice is tangible.You've been inspecting every nook and cranny of this place for hours, and I needed to keep her out of the way.
The mental image accompanying his words is unwelcome and explicit.
Of course, had I not been distracted and thought about Jack-Eye's disappearance even for a second, it would be obvious what his intentions were the moment he said he was looking for Elizabeth.
The man's a beast, even for a Lycan.
My lip curls, and I can feel Fenris rumbling his disapproval as well.Remember who you're speaking to.
Of course, High Alpha.My beta's words drip with sarcasm, but there's a note of contrition beneath it.I'll collect the pup. Just give me a few minutes to... finish up.
Fine.
Chapter thirteen
Caine: Banquet (I)
CAINE
The van rumbles beneath us, carrying our mismatched party through Fiddleback territory. My fingers drum steadily against my knee.
"High Alpha, we're approaching the venue now," Elizabeth announces, cool and collected once again. "Alpha Halloway wanted to do justice to the Lycan King's presence. This is our community's premier venue. We host all major affairs there—celebrations, council meetings… mate ceremonies."
She turns her head slightly toward Jack-Eye at the last bit.
My beta shifts in the passenger seat. "It's a beautiful place," he says, perfectly noncommittal.
Fenris snorts from his position in the captain's chair beside me. He's perched on it like it's his throne, and even I have to admit the visual is rather amusing.He's about to collect another mating proposal. How many is that now?
Twenty, maybe? I have no idea why his mere presence seems to addle their brains, but women are always desperate to attach themselves to the man.
And I know what he'll say when teased about it."It's not my fault the local females have taste."I've heard it more than once, when other Lycans have ribbed him over his casual conquests.
Behind me, Thom and Andrew sit silent—Thom fidgeting with his glasses, and the Blue Mountain pup staring stonily out the window. The extended van feels overcrowded despite the empty seats of even more rows.
My phone buzzes, and I check it briefly. Another photo. Grace is still asleep. Lyre's still reading,notresponding to my text. Thankfully, once I bring my mate home, her contact with the rainbow-haired woman will be close to severed. She's a bad influence.
Are you trying to run her off again?
Fenris snaps at the air between us, his teeth gleaming in the dim light of twilight, and I frown at his absurd question.
She will return with us.It's no longer an option. A wolf doesn't leave his mate behind. She might fuss a little, but she'll understand in the end. Grace is a smart girl.
He heaves a sigh, his ears pressed tight against his head as he stares at me.You're an idiot. Again. I take back everything I said about you becoming smarter after you accepted Grace. You're stupider than before.
My teeth bare at his accusations.Are you suggesting we leave her with someone who can't be trusted to keep us informed of her health?
No, you imbecile. I'm saying don't force Grace to do something against her will.
Oh.
My shoulders relax.
If that's your worry, we have no problem. Grace will return with us.
I settle back into my seat, an edge of satisfaction spreading through me. The certainty of Grace's connection to me is undeniable. It seems a little silly to have been so resistant against this clear tether between us, this tug in my chest. Even now, I can feel her as a soft, warm presence anchored beneath my ribs.
She felt it, too. I saw it in her eyes. Felt it in her body's response.
