Page 112 of Haze

Holding out on the benefit of the doubt is done. There’s no more of it. This is neglect.

Somehow, despite the rage my wolf and I are putting out into the room, The Leviathan doesn’t engage. Cade’s blue eyes stare back at me across the counter. He feels so bad about this that his wolf doesn’t react? He, as a man, owns that this is beyond himself as an Alpha and beyond his wolf, so far that The Leviathan inside won’t rise to meet my wolf.

How can I be mad at him when he’s clearly upset with himself? Compassion for an Alpha doing his best and failing, battles with being an advocate and avenger of my mate.

“The Leviathan says that a fracture in a submissive is reparable, unlike a usual wolf.” Cade runs his hand back through his hair. “He’s been right about everything else. I trust him to a point. He still says some shit that I don’t like, but even if I don’t like it, it doesn’t make it less true.”

Clearly disliking being spoken about, The Leviathan flashes across Cade’s eyes only for a moment. It’s a sharp, cutting glare that puts me on the self-preservation end of the defensive.

I push my anger down. Remember my place before I get my ass kicked. Back home, I was the unbeatable monster. But The Leviathan is nothing like The Hellhound.

I try to help Deacon, but he bats my hands away again.

“I’m sorry,” I address Cade. “I’m trying to remember my place but...”

“She’s your mate, and you’d move mountains to keep her safe and happy,” Cade answers.

Instinctively Cade’s hand reaches for Thalia. The Leviathan retreats as soon as they touch.

I nod my head and lean against the counter, watching Deacon as he cooks my mate breakfast. I want to be doing it, but clearly, this is a thing for him. Hundreds of questions I am no longer ready to ask stew about in my brain: why is she still your Alpha Female if your Luna is so strong? How do I convince her to let me help her? How do I circumnavigate the eejit and Doctor Thorpe? What’s the news with the paparazzi?

“Finn,” Cade calls. “Quit stewing and ask some of those questions.”

I nod. “I’m trying hard to remember my place. But last night...”

“They went with the sheriff, and I’m pressing charges for criminal trespass.” Cade smirks with a devious flash. “Apparently, one of them had a knife that he’d never seen before in his pocket.”

“And here I thought you did things by the book. Getting all wild with knives.” I shake my head. It’s funny.

“We’re electrifying the fence. I have a meeting with Peter and Michael from Corinth Security today. We’re addressing the best way to handle the perimeter. The challenge is how large of a space it is. I’m hoping that taking care of all main access points will discourage any people wanting to cross the property line.” Cade assures me of his plan. He continues without being prompted. “I’m also meeting with campus security and the lab security. They’ve been made aware that even without Lena being on campus, the press may still be looking for her. The apartment building was already in the process of a technology upgrade, and I’ve expedited that this morning.”

“If you call the building’s superintendent, can you please see about availability on the same floor as Lena’s or below?” I frustrate myself asking that.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Cade offers. He sighs. “I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be. Circumstances change. Lena needs her space. I’m willing to bend a little bit until she’s ready to accept my place with her.”

“Awwww,” Thalia croons. “He’s playing the long game.”

“Apartment next to Lena’s is already rented out by the pack, and it’s furnished. You’re welcome to it,” Deacon answers my request.

“Appreciate it.” I nod. Perhaps I didn’t piss off Deacon that much by helping Cade.

Cade furrows his brow at Deacon before shaking his head. “I don’t even know why I’m surprised that we do, and I don’t know about it.”

Deacon starts plating up a dish of food, and I hesitantly ask, “Oh, can I have one for myself too, please?”

“This wasn’t for you?” He furrows his brow, tilting his head.

“Oh, then, might I make one for Lena to take up to her?” I ask gently.

Deacon’s eyes widen, and he looks fearful.

What on earth? “I can make it. I promise.”

“Would you like to keep all your fingers?” Deacon is almost whispering.

“Okay, you could have said no food in the bedrooms or that no one gets to cook in your kitchen.” I raise my hands, trying to appease him.

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