Page 21 of The Alpha and His Enemy Wolf
“Yes, I’m happy to do this, Papa.” She addressed him specifically. Happy wasn’t the best word to describe it, although it was exactly how her wolf reacted inside, prancing with glee at the news that they’d return to Rafe.
Mila wanted them to realize that this was a sacrifice she was making for the benefit of the pack, so they’d appreciate her efforts. “It won’t be easy to spend so much time with those shifters,” she clarified with a distasteful expression, “but I’m willing to do so to get us critical information.”
“Pack comes first,” her father declared.
“Agree.” She nodded. “Pack first.” She glanced around her cabin and exhaled. “I guess I’ll prepare to head over this afternoon.”
He replied with a curt nod. “Good luck, Mila.”
He walked outside her cabin. No hug, no concerned glance, but what did she expect? He never showed affection.
“I’m looking forward to hearing the news when you return,” Lars said and followed her father out.
I bet you will,she thought to herself while holding in a snort. He didn’t even wish her luck. Typical of Lars. One benefit of leaving her pack was that she wouldn’t have to see him for a week.
Later that afternoon,she packed up a small bag of her belongings. She chose the boots and coat that Rafe bought her as they were far more comfortable than her old belongings. She tidied up her one-room cabin. It would be strange not sleeping in her own bed tonight. She did so most nights, unless it was a pleasant night in which her wolf preferred to sleep beneath the stars.
Mila took a deep breath and exhaled and then headed on her journey back to the Franconia territory, attempting to ignore the wild fluttering inside as her wolf pranced in anticipation at reuniting with their mate.
Stay focused,Mila reminded herself.You came up with this mission and it’s up to you to carry it through. Don’t get distracted by anything that will get in the way.
Or anyone.
Rafe
Although Rafe challenged himself with difficult ski runs that morning, even the moguls could only distract him for so long. His insides burned with restlessness, torn up by one question. Would Mila return?
If not, he was an incompetent fool who had ruined a tremendous opportunity by holding the daughter of an alpha captive. He could have used her for leverage had he not set her free.
That afternoon, he gave up on trying to concentrate on work. Fresh air would help do him good and help him clear his head. He put on a black wool coat and beanie and headed outside, walking toward the hiking trails. Yes, he was aware that they were in the direction of the Sacco pack, but no, he wasn’t going that way because of Mila.
His wolf snorted. Rafe groaned. He couldn’t fool himself.
He shoved his hands into his pocket and walked through the snow, and then—something magnificent happened. His wolf stood alert and froze before it began to prance inside.
She’s coming. She’s coming back to us!
Rafe blinked his eyes. Yes, it was Mila walking in his direction, wearing the burgundy coat that they’d shopped for yesterday. His feet burned with the itch to run toward his mate, but he forced himself to remain cool. He was a leader, and he couldn’t lose all self-control because the universe had decided to mess with him by pairing him with the most unlikely of mates.
Tension wound his muscles tight, and he worked out some of the strain from his limbs before he walked over to Mila. He aimed a slow, even pace, so as not to reveal his incredible excitement on seeing her return. Despite his efforts to walk naturally, his arms felt cumbersome and heavy at his sides, like he’d never moved them before. His mouth turned parched.
She spotted him and smiled. The skies seemed brighter. Had he never seen her smile before? Damn, it was glorious, filling his chest with a light sensation that left him jittery.
What the hell was happening to him?
“Mila,” he greeted her, but his voice sounded strangled. He cleared his throat and tried again, “You returned.”
She placed a hand on her chest. “As I said I would.”
He shrugged. “I don’t know if you keep your word.”
Her expression tightened, and she averted his gaze. “Well, now you know I do. I’m here.”
“Uh huh,” he replied with a slow nod. Why did she look cagey?
She glanced around and slid the strap of her shoulder bag higher. “Where do we start?”
“I can take that,” he offered. After he took the bag from her, he said, “We’ll get you a place to stay for the week.”
