Page 63 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
“Well, ya found me,” Malcolm chuckles. “And I’m glad of it. I hear ya got trouble with Eccles again?”
“Yes, old friend,” I say. “My elders just told me to back off so we don’t upset the treaty, and it’s frustrating as hell not being able to tell them what’s happening.”
“Back off?” Brad asks. “Do you mean, pull back your defensive line?”
“That’s exactly what I mean.”
“Shit!” Brad winces. “I don’t like the idea of Rose Hollow being exposed like that when there are so many warriors from Eccles around.”
“My guys said they found absolutely no trace of them.”
“That’s surprising. I know they’re good at what they do, but I still thought they’d see something.”
“Absolute nada,” I reply.
“It won’t matter for tonight,” Malcolm says. “Wolf’s Shadow are moving in. They put a strike force together, and they’re going to take over the excavation site.”
“What about innocents?” I ask. “Some people in Eccles might be completely unaware of what’s going on.”
“That’s exactly why we’re moving now,” Brad says. “We want to separate the hostiles and protect the innocent. The constant work has really got the top brass on edge. They figure if they break Azarian from the site, he won’t be able to work his power ritual.”
“I hope you’re right,” I answer. “What do you need me to do?”
“Stay put,” Malcolm says. “Protect Rose Hollow, your mate, and that lil’ pup of yours.”
“How did you guys find out about that?”
“Smelled it all over you,” Brad says. “I think everyone else knew it before you did.”
“Har har,” I mock-laugh.
“I’ll be on the first ridge,” Malcolm says. “I’m the relay. My eyes will be on the assault, and I’ll report back to the head office and to you. We’ll get Azarian wrapped up nice and tight, then everyone can breathe easy.”
“I don’t like this,” I mutter, shaking my head. “I should be going with you.”
“No, you can’t,” Brad says. “We really do need you in Rose Hollow. Like I said before, we need a man on the front line with military experience so you can protect the town and act as our second line.”
“Okay,” I sigh. “I understand. I’m not happy about it, though.”
“When are you ever happy?” Brad laughs, and Malcolm joins him.
I’m happy with Scarlett…
I watch the others shift and race into the forest, part of me wanting to go with them, but I know now that my heart lies elsewhere.
Still, I’m going to be worried about my guys all night. I can’t see this operation going smoothly, no matter how good my boys are. Azarian’s got something nasty cooking over there, and it’s bad news for every wolf in the territory.
Chapter 21 - Scarlett
From the second I get in the car, I know something is wrong. Even though Rex smiles and greets me and Jarrod, I can see the tension on his face and a simmering fury in his gold eyes.
I’ve seen him keyed up before, but not like this.
I keep the conversation light as we go home and make dinner. Jarrod doesn’t notice anything different, and it means a lot to me that whatever Rex has going on, he’s still devoting all his time and energy to our son.
After we put Jarrod to bed, I take Rex’s hand and lead him down the hall, down the stairs, and into the kitchen. As soon as we’re alone, Rex’s shoulders sag. His face twists into a mask of frustration and barely restrained fury.
“Oh my God, my love, what is it?” I ask.
