Page 5 of Royal Protector

When I finally arrive after hours on the road, I park my dust-covered Jeep in the little clearing just outside of the village where my pack’s village is. The dirt and gravel road winds back and forth through the Bayou like a swamp snake. I am grateful that my Jeep is strong enough to take on the boggy terrain.

The other cars in the clearing must all belong to other Rougarous, and a shock of sad awareness hits me like cold water when I realize there aren’t as many vehicles as there used to be.

I grab my blue duffle bag from the backseat and head towards the next clearing, where the bulk of the pack buildings are. I can grab the rest of my stuff later, but right now, I just want to find where Jack is going to have me live so I can get some much-needed rest.

Giant bald cypress trees rise from the swamp, surrounding me like guardians of the bayou, blocking out direct sunlight. Each gargantuan tree is dressed in Spanish moss that curls down its trunk like a carpet. Scattered amongst the tree giants are broad black tupelo trees. The filtered daylight from above the tree canopy leaves gleaming specks on the flat, shiny leaves.

It smells like home, but it sure doesn’t feel like home.

The clearing that holds our village buildings is just up ahead, but already, I can see the damage from last week’s battle. Cyprus trees have streaks of ashy smoke and charred wood striped across their trunks.

Tire marks cover the muddy ground where trucks have been brought in for construction, rain water pooling in the depression. The muggy air still smells of smoke, even days later, a stench at odds with the usual thick smell of the marsh.

Piles of random construction supplies are spread out on a drier part of the silty ground; cypress lumber from a section of the swamp that we carefully harvest and replace.

There is also some heavy machinery, which I’m itching to get my hands on as soon as possible. Of course, doesn’t mean I’ll be any good at it, but what can I say? I’m a guy, and guys just want to play with big tools sometimes.

“Is that my second in command?” hoots a loud voice with a Cajun accent as thick as a jambalaya. Jack, my best friend and now, my Alpha, comes toward me, a pretty dark-haired woman jogging behind him.

His accent jars me; I’ve been in California so long that the slurred consonants almost sound foreign to me now. He runs toward me, clapping me on the back as he gives me a big, spine-cracking hug.

“It’s me,” I answer gruffly, awkwardly patting him on the shoulder. I’m not much of a hugger.

Jack pushes back sweat-damp hair and tucks it under his backwards ball cap before pulling the unknown woman between us. She is beautiful, with long dark hair pulled back in a messy bun, a slim frame, and a big, bright smile. Like Jack, she’s covered in sweat and wearing work gloves and a helmet.

“This is my Mate, Anna. Anna, this is Antoine Landry. He’s been my best friend since we were kids.”

“Ma’am,” I say with a head nod.

“So polite,” she says, removing a muddy work glove and shaking my hand. “So different from Jack.”

“Hush,cher,” he says, and she blows him a sassy kiss. I stare at the two of them, trying to reconcile the serious Jack I’m used to with this . . . mushy guy.

The last time I saw Jack, he was scowling at a group of young Rougarous playing with a piñata at a birthday party. Classic Jack. This guy looks like a contestant on one of those match-making shows, complete with heart-eyes. If he starts singingCan You Feel the Love Tonight, I’m driving right back to Los Angeles.

“Sorry that we’re all gross,” says Jack, leading me further into the center of the village. “We’ve been doing demo work all day.”

I glance around at all the buildings, noticing which ones are in disrepair. “How much is there to do still?”

Jack flinches at my question and glances sideways at Anna. “More than we thought. A lot of the older foundations were damaged, and we have to start from scratch. But, it is bringing the pack together after tragedy, and everyone feels more unified while building something new.”

He clears his throat, a shine of emotion in his eyes. As light-hearted as he is acting, the death of his father and his new Alpha responsibilities must be weighing heavily on him.

“Do you have somewhere for me to stay?” I ask, changing the subject away from the tragedy. “I have a tent in the car if needed.”

“No, we’re not that bad off yet,” Jack laughs softly. “I’ve got an older cabin you can use. It hasn’t been used for a while, and the stove’s a little finicky, but you’ll be all right with it. It’s toward the back of the village, and it’s all yours—no roommates. Besides, you can keep a watch on that side of the village. Anna and I live on the northern side, and I’ve got two enforcers living on the other two sides.”

“Smart.” Before I can question him further on his security set-up, the worst part of the village damage comes into view.

What buildings are left have smoke stains splashed across the outside like scars. The earth has scorch marks around the raised foundations. Several of our most vital buildings are gone. “They got the armory and the clinic?”

Anna pats me on the shoulder reassuringly. “It’s not as bad as it looks. We were able to save the supplies inside, but the buildings were goners. More demo work for me to do.” She curls her bicep and mean mugs us before sticking out her tongue and laughing. “I’ll let you two talk and catch up. I’ll go check on your mother, Jack.”

She kisses Jack on his cheek, and I look away, both out of respect for privacy and my own uncomfortability. Mates have never been something I’ve been interested in. I know there is probably one out there, but I really have no desire to find them.

Anna walks away from us, and Jack turns to me, his face more serious now that his Mate has gone. “I really am grateful that you are taking this role. I know you didn’t want to come back.” I open my mouth for a half-hearted protest, but he holds up a hand to stop me. “Don’t argue with me, you hear?”

“Yes, Alpha.” The title comes out so easily, so solemnly, which feels weird, considering I’ve seen this guy drunk as a skunk off bad Bayou moonshine.

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