Page 11 of Big Top Bear Raid
“Not in the least,” Zion assured, slipping his arm around Wraith’s waist.He needed to feel his mate, safe and sound, in his arms, while holding the enforcer’s gaze.“He’s a little”—lifting his forefinger to his temple, he clicked his tongue—“touched in the head, ain’t he?”
During his time being held by the witches, Zion had seen it happen to other shifters.There was something in their eyes that gave it away.The shifter was no longer right in the head, their mind destroyed by the witch’s spells and what they were forced to do.
Zion was damn grateful it had never happened to any of his brethren.
Death is so much kinder.
Zion had no idea what had sent this shifter round the bend, but he knew that there was something wrong with Stephan.
“Yes, alpha,” Wraith stated.“I’ll let Enforcer Manon know you’d like a call.”
“Thank ye, Wraith.”Zion could hear Alpha Declan’s voice come through the line.“And ye have an enjoyable evenin’ with yer mate.I’ll make certain ye aren’t disturbed again.”His tone held a measure of warmth as he added, “Congratulations again.Findin’ yer mate is truly a gift.”
“Thank you, Alpha.”To Zion’s pleasure, Wraith smiled up at him as he added, “It truly is.”
The alpha disconnected the call, and Wraith lowered the phone without looking away from him.Taking that as an invitation, and seeing no reason to deny himself, Zion dipped his head and pressed a slow, sipping kiss to Wraith’s full, inviting lips.He licked at his wolf’s lower lip, enjoying his flavor, before lifting his head.
Zion grinned at Wraith before turning his focus to Manon, who still gripped a glowering, naked, Stephan’s nape.
“I heard the alpha,” Enforcer Manon told them, his Cajun accent easing as he calmed down.“I’ll do one better.Instead of calling him, I’ll take this one”—he used his hold on Stephan’s neck to shake him a little—“back to the pack house and put him in the basement.”
While Zion had never seen it, he’d heard that there was a holding cell in the alpha’s basement—a room with a comfortable bed, but no windows.
“Thank you, Enforcer Manon.”Wraith glanced around, then noticed something that Zion had missed.“Uh, I don’t see yourJeep.You both run here?”
Manon sighed deeply.“Oui.”He scowled at Stephan.“Fucker’s fast on two legs.”
Pulling hisCherokee’s keys from his pocket, Wraith held them out.“Want to take mine?”
“Thanks.”Manon took the keys and started toward the garage.A small smile kicked up the corners of his lips as he sniffed and winked.“Sorry for the interruption.Enjoy your night, guys, and congrats.”
Zion smirked, realizing that Manon had caught the scent of their spilled seed in their crotches.Seed that was now dry and becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
“Thanks, Manon,” Wraith replied, his cheeks taking on a hint of pink, and Zion could scent his mate’s slight embarrassment.
Needing that gone, Zion called after the enforcer, who was stuffing a clearly angry Stephan into the passenger seat.“Hey, Manon?”
The enforcer paused after closing the door, waiting with an arched brow.
“Eurik wants to do a crawfish boil.I bet you know a couple of great recipes.”
Manon grinned widely.“That I do.”He rounded the back of theCherokeeand opened the driver’s door, calling, “We’ll set somethin’ up.Hope your friend likes the heat.”
Zion laughed.“Hell, yeah.”As Manon drove out of the garage and down the driveway, he tipped his head and whispered into his mate’s ear, “Come on, my mate.Let’s pick up where we left off.”Zion nipped Wraith’s ear for good measure before adding huskily, “Show me your bedroom.”
Just that fast, the hint of Wraith’s embarrassment disappeared to be replaced by a renewed scent of arousal.
Perfect.
Chapter Five
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EVEN AS WRAITH LEDthe way into his house, his mind reeled over Stephan’s actions.He felt a mixture of annoyance and pity for his fellow wolf.Wraith realized he never should’ve gotten involved with the other shifter in the first place.
Except, how was I to know about his tendencies?
“Hey.”Zion rested his hand on Wraith’s shoulder and squeezed lightly, gaining Wraith’s attention.His big bear mate smiled at him, his deep brown eyes full of warmth.“You’re beating yourself up over something you can’t control.”With a shake of his head, Zion added, “There’s nothing to gain by doing that.”
