Page 14 of Wulf's Pack
“Nora works here.” I hesitate, then add, “She’s co-director.”
Skylar’s eyes widen. “The director? She’s in charge of the whole agency?”
I chuckle. “Very reluctantly. Several of our clan members work here too. Oliver’s a deputy director, along with our other clan brother, Parker. And then there’s Ren. He’s a receptionist. Enzo works on call as the Agency’s healer.”
“Oh,” she says quietly. Her voice is small, as if she’s intimidated by the thought. I don’t know what to say to comfort her. She’ll feel better once she meets everyone and realizes that they aren’t that scary. At least, they aren’t if they don’t have to be. When pushed, they can be quite terrifying. We’re a small clan, but some of the strongest underworlders in the city.
I quickly usher her past the angry mob. Barricades have been set up to keep people from blocking the entrance of the building, and several security guards are there to keep people from getting inside. I’m easily recognized when we make our way past the crowd. The human admirers call out to me like fans at a rock concert, while the reporters take pictures and videos, begging for interviews. And the protesters wave their signs and shout insults, threats, and profanity at us.
I tuck Skylar into my side and hurry her past everyone, but she still trembles. “Is it always like this?”
I sigh. “Since the outing? Yeah. Pretty much. This is a little worse than normal, though. Must be some sort of protest rally. But don’t worry, they won’t try to harm us. The security team is made up of a group of powerful underworlders, and since the National Guard steps in every time they get violent, most of the time now it’s peaceful protests. They’re vocal, but they won’t hurt you.”
She clings to me, chewing on her thumbnail, and her eyes stay glued to the crowd.
We’re met by a security guard at the front door. He’s one I know well. A burly bear shifter named Carl. Outwardly, he’s intimidating as hell, but he’s a total softie on the inside. “Anything getting out of hand?” I ask, eyeing the crowd as he unlocks the door to let us in.
He scans the protesters. “Not so far, but it’s been escalating fast. You picked a hell of a day to stop by.”
I glance at my mate and can’t help agreeing with Carl. Skylar looks terrified. She’s clearly a gentle soul. She shouldn’t have to be exposed to all of this. Especially not when I’ve just promised her safety. Unfortunately, being a member of the most famous underworld clan has some serious disadvantages. Like being unable to hide in plain sight. Everyone in the world knows who and what we are.
Carl looks at the woman next to me and raises his eyebrows. “Who’ve we got here?”
For a split second, I don’t know how to introduce Skylar. Will she want me telling people the truth? Do I want people to know? Is it safe? I quickly dismiss the idea of keeping her relation to me a secret. She’s my mate. I won’t be able to hide that. Especially not with my wolf being so possessive and protective. “This is Skylar.” I pause and quietly add, “My mate.”
Carl’s mouth falls open. “No shit.” He gapes at us a moment longer, then grins. “Congratulations!” He smiles so big at Skylar that her face turns bright red. “Pleasure to meet you, Skylar. I don’t know how you managed to tie this guy down, but you’ve landed yourself one of the best.”
Skylar’s face is so red it looks painful, but her lips lift a millimeter at the corners. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too.”
Carl’s face softens at the shyness, and he holds the door open for us. “Get her inside where it’s safe,” he tells me.
I nod. “If this crowd gets any more out of control, call it in. Don’t wait until it’s dangerous.”
“Will do.”
I usher Skylar to the lobby elevators. She’s staring out at the crowd with wide eyes. “Skylar.”
She turns back to me, fear etched on her expressive face. I hate that this is our life. Hate that I will be taking away her anonymity and with it a certain degree of safety. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. As part of our clan, you won’t be able to hide, but I swear to you, we can keep you safe.”
Her eyes drift back toward the crowd, and she gulps. For a moment, I worry that she’ll reject me. That she’ll run before she’s outed as my mate and I change her life forever. My wolf begins pacing in my mind, sharing my fear. I wait, holding my breath while she silently debates her next move. She takes a deepbreath. Her eyes flutter shut, and she nods slowly. “Okay,” she says.
My wolf howls in relief. “Okay?”
She gathers her courage, forcing her chin up and her shoulders back. When she looks at me, she’s doing her best to hold my gaze. “You’re my mate,” she says. “If this is your life, then I suppose it’s mine now too.”
It’s not the most romantic declaration, but her acceptance has me letting out a breath. Pride blooms in my chest. She’s timid and frightened, but she’s got an inner strength that’s admirable. She’s so beautiful I can only stare at her for a long moment.
She blushes beneath my gaze and points at the open elevator. “Are we going to go up?”
I shake myself from my daze, embarrassed to be caught staring like a lovesick fool. I’m surprised at myself. I’ve never been so easily taken in by a female. Attracted, sure, but captivated? Maybe this mate thing won’t be so bad. “Sorry. You’re a very distracting woman. Too beautiful for your own good.” I smile and wink at her.
Her eyes widen, but she follows me into the elevator and blushes all the way up to the fourth floor.
We exit the elevator into a nice lobby with big windows, a couple of couches, a table with a small coffee station, a water cooler, and a few potted plants. Very doctor’s office looking.
Sitting at the large reception desk is my clan brother, Ren. Ren is as good-looking as Charlie. Nora calls him beautiful. He’s of Asian descent and has clean-cut looks, but with a dangerous vibe. Not surprising, for an incubus. The man oozes sex appeal. Like Charlie, he’s a little more popular with the humans, but he brings out a different crowd than the lovable cupid. Ren’s fans are into the kinky shit. It’s annoying as hell. Almost as annoying as he is. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good guy and I like him, buthe’s as gay as a man can get, and considering he’s a sex demon, he can’t help constantly hitting on and flirting with every man in sight. That includes his clan brothers.
His face brightens when he sees me. “Well, hello, handsome. What brings you in today?”
