Page 30 of Wolf Trapped
“How is that going? Has anyone seen the rogue since Jacob was murdered?” She asks softly. It’s been almost a week since then. No one has seen any signs of the wolf or any more signs of humans in our territory.
“No. He’s really good at hiding, or he’s gone, but I’m not convinced he’s not still out there waiting to pounce.” I grumble. I don’t want this to start yet another argument.
“He may be terrorizing Grayson’s pack now.” She chews her lip, and there is real fear in her eyes. Her family is in that pack, and she is worried about them.
“I warned Grayson that the wolf was in his territory and that it’s dangerous. I’m sure your parents are fine.” Her gaze snaps to mine at my words, and I curse myself for opening my big mouth.
“How did you get in touch with Grayson?” she glares at me.
“He has a landline in his office for emergencies only.” I fake disinterest, my mask firmly in place as I take another bite of steak. “Even if I called him asking for your mother, he would laugh and hang up on me.”
“You won’t even try?” her shoulders slump, and she picks up her fork again, eating in silence.
This just turned into a shit show.
“No. I won’t try because every time I think about talking to that jackass, I contemplate murder.” I say with a growl.
“Fine. When you catch the damn wolf, we can go visit them, right?” she stares at me with so much hope. I sigh, knowing I have to shut her down.
“No. We are not leaving pack lands anytime soon.” I clench my fist around the fork so hard the metal bends.
“Why? Why can’t I see my family and tell them I am okay? You know this is bullshit, Archer. They are my parents, and you know this is your fault. I might be better off if you had allowed me to at least say goodbye to them before you threw me over your shoulder like a damn caveman and ran back here.”
“Enough.” I bellow. “You know why you can’t go back there. Stop being a brat.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, but that is precisely what she’s being, and I am sick of it.
“A brat? Maybe I’m being a brat, but it’s difficult to be anything else when I’m a fucking prisoner here. I haven’t shifted in a week. My wolf is antsy, and you basically just told me I can never see my family again, so excuse the fuck out of me if I’m pissed off.” She folds her arms over her chest, leaning back in her chair.
I push away from the table, ready to hit the fucking wall. Facing the door, I fume, taking heaving breaths as I try and fail to calm my temper.
“Maybe you won’t ever see your parents again,” I say as I storm from the room, locking it behind me and stomping down the steps. So much for a nice lunch and chat with my mate. It’s like all she wants to do is fight me on everything.
A frustrated scream from the other side of the door has me cringing. I wanted her to stop ignoring me. I wondered if I had broken her spirit, and I guess I got my answer. Jara is very much still my fiery mate. Now I just need to make her safe so I can make her happy too.
“What did you do?” Angela catches up to me as I storm to the woods.
I want to see who is on patrol. I’m sure people have been ducking out or missing patrols on purpose even after Jacob’s murder.
“I gave her the package and ate with her and we had an argument,” I grunt, staring straight ahead.
“What was the argument about?” Angela sighs. “I swear you two are stubborn as all hell. What the fuck is wrong with you both?”
“She was worried about her parents in the other pack with the rogue being spotted there last. I told her I warned Greyson, so they will be fine.”
“And she got upset because you were able to call Greyson to warn him, but she can’t let her parents know she’s okay.” Angela guesses.
I nod. It’s stupid. She knows what Grayson will say, yet she still wants me to try. Asking the alpha for a favor is something I have no intention of ever doing, even for my mate.
How can we work together when she is constantly challenging my decisions?
“Where is John?”I ask as we catch up with the shifters who are patrolling.
“He didn’t show up, Alpha.” Alex offers calmly, but his eyes are angry that his fellow pack mates aren’t taking this seriously. Just like he wasn’t only a week ago, Jacob’s death must have hit him harder than expected.
“This is stopping right now.” I roar, spinning on my heels and marching to the village. “Gather everyone to the center of town so they can see the consequences of defying me.” I spit out to Angela as Alex runs up alongside us.
“I’ll help, Alpha.” Alex surprises me by offering without expecting anything in return.
“Thank you, Alex, that is surprisingly helpful.” I nod to the man, and he and Angela split up to gather the pack. I’m fucking over this, and John will be the example of what happens when my pack defies my orders.
