Page 20 of Unsanctioned
A shaky breath escaped Audor. “Now who’s the tease?”
A rustle came from the nearby brush. Waylon immediately went on defense. He crouched over Audor, staring at the tree line. A low growl vibrated from the back of his throat. A large red wolf eased his way out, crawling on his stomach and obviously showing he meant no harm.
Waylon turned human.
The red wolf did too. It was Yuri. He looked like hell. His eyes were red-rimmed. He looked much younger than Audor expected. In his rage, he had seemed older and more jaded. Audor realized now he was more likely the Were equivalent of a teenager.
“You okay?”
Audor forced himself not to smile. He knew the kid wouldn’t appreciate the gesture and Audor wasn’t laughing at him. He was just so damn proud of his mate. Every day, he proved why he deserved his position. He had a strength in kindness that was undervalued in their world.
Yuri looked defeated. He didn’t meet anyone’s gaze. “I’m sorry about yesterday.”
Waylon’s mind was a mess of sympathy and fatherly love. He hadn’t wanted Yuri to run away to begin with. Dealing with youthful rage was a minefield. “I know what happened to your family. No doubt this is a hard transition for you.”
What happened to his family?
His father was northeast alpha. The pack tore him and his mate to pieces before banishing Yuri. He’s very young.
Waylon kept talking to Yuri, hiding their private conversation. “But this is a peaceful town. We want you here, but we also want to keep the amazing sense of community we’ve built.”
The moment Waylon said he wanted Yuri, Yuri’s gaze moved to hold Waylon’s stare and didn’t budge.
Waylon kept going. “I know you’re not your father and you deserve the same respect, affection, and opportunity as every other Were in this town, but you have to give the same courtesy to everyone else. Do you think you can do that?”
What did his father do?
He claimed first rights with the children.
Audor flinched. That was an old rite that had died centuries ago. The alpha got the first shot at each Were in their pack before they mated with anyone else. It was supposedly about keeping the bloodline strong. Truthfully, it was just the sick mind of a sick leader.
Yuri swallowed. “Yes, sir.”
Waylon kept his voice kind but firm. “Do you swear fealty to me and promise to do no harm?”
“Yes, sir.”
Goddess, he sounded so young and vulnerable.
Waylon gave him a sharp nod. “Okay. The pack will know, and they are the most accepting animals in the world. Go enjoy the run. It sounds like everyone is still having fun. I know they’ll be happy to have you.”
In an instant, Yuri was a wolf again. He was off like a rocket, leaving them alone.
Audor swiped his fingers through Waylon’s hair. He couldn’t be prouder of his other half. “You’re a good man. I’m lucky to have you.”
Sad eyes turned Audor’s way. “I hope he doesn’t make me regret it. And I’m the lucky one here.” Waylon lowered his head and swiped his lips across Audor’s. “Where were we?”
Leaves shook again, interrupting them.
Frost ran past them, laughing.
A snow leopard was playfully on his heels, very obviously holding back his speed.
Waylon chuckled and stole another kiss. “No one can say Frost doesn’t fit in here.”
“For several reasons,” Audor agreed. He couldn’t stop running his fingers through Waylon’s soft hair. It felt exactly like his fur. Audor was unhealthily attached to touching him.
“I think it’s inevitable we’ll have an audience tonight unless you want to call it a night.”
