Page 40 of Winning the Wolf

I went to him, reaching for his shaking frame. He ripped away and stormed from the room, slamming the door so hard, it fell off one of its hinges.

And just like that... we knew the truth.

Chapter Eleven

The twinkling lights drew me towards them, romanticising the water beyond them. The darkness shrouded the trees that lined the lake at the bottom corner of the headquarter’s grounds.

The fairy lights were strung between poles that had been erected along the lake that lapped the lawn.

Looking over my shoulder, I looked back at the house, just to make sure no one followed me. The lights were switching on in most windows as the werewolves were awoken from their sleep.

I'd needed to take a breather before Killick held his meeting. He had sent a pack wide text alert, ordering everyone to meet on the back patio.

He was obviously going to tell them what had happened to the alpha and Miranda.

My heart squeezed as pain cracked it. The memory of my own loss was resurrected, lancing through my chest.

"What are you doing here?" His rumbling voice sent a shiver over me.

Killick's shadow was barely discernible where he sat on a bench beside the water's edge. His scent enveloped me, making my wolf spirit whimper for him.

Clearing my throat, I folded my arms and stared out over the lake. "I just needed a minute to think. I..." A sting pricked my heart as I realised that Killick was sitting on my brother’s memorial bench. "...thought you'd be preparing for the meeting."

Raising up swiftly, he stepped closer, his huge frame towering over me. The light brushed over his face as he turned to look at the huge mansion. His cheeks were damp, evidence of his grief still lingering. My thighs clamped together as soft tingles spread from between my legs and over my stomach. I wanted to lay him down on the grass and soothe his pain with my body.

Instead, I caught my bottom lip in my teeth and waited for him to reply.

He brought his gaze back to me, his eyes narrowing on my mouth. Heat flared between us as he sucked in a shaky breath. As inappropriate as it was, there was nothing as sexy as a wounded alpha male. Every part of my feminine instincts made me want to lick away his tears, healing that hurt that vibrated beneath the surface.

"I also needed a minute. We'll ask the pack what we should do about your sister." His face hardened a fraction as he reached out and ran a finger over the inside of my wrist. "I have to let them decide. I can't be seen to be biased."

A shudder shook me as I took a step back. I wasn't sure if it was the effect of his touch or the pinch of apprehension in his voice.

"I understand. You told me that Miranda was hard on you, always pushing you. Do you think it was something to do with Jeremy?"

Anyone else wouldn't have noticed his slight flinch, but our connection was strong, pulling us together. I could feel the sorrow that dragged in his chest as well as the burning embers that would ignite with just a touch. It was dangerous what vulnerability could do to a partially mated couple.

"She once said that I'd never be as good as him. I assumed she meant my father and agreed." Running his hand over his hair, he looked out over the lake. "Where the fuck is your brother when I need him?"

Smiling, I shook my head and dropped my gaze to the grass. My brother had always had a way with words, often too smart for his own good. My father had been proud of his intelligence, especially when it looked like he would make a good right hand man to Killick, the future alpha.

My father.

Killick's finger appeared in my line of sight, coming to my chin and gently nudging me up to look at him.

I raised my gaze and blinked slowly in an attempt to stifle the desire that stirred in my soul.

"Losing my best friend was hard enough," he pushed through his teeth, "but losing family... It hurts like fucking hell." Sucking in a breath, he swallowed as he stared into my eyes. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when your brother committed suicide."

My eyes snapped shut as years of pain exploded in my chest, burning my insides and making it impossible to breathe.

His cheek rested against mine and his hand came to the back of my head, clasping my neck as he brought his mouth close to my ear. "I'll protect you from now on. That's a promise."

My lips opened in a sigh as the hard bite of his tone contradicted his soft words. The alpha wanted to protect me as much as I wanted to appease him. The mating bond was well and truly evoked.

The cold air rushed over my cheek as he moved away, leaving me standing alone at the side of the lake.

A whistle from further up the garden drew my attention. Caleb stood just off the patio, waiting for the top man as he strode towards the pack.

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