Page 46 of Protected By Her Wolves

Amara gasped.My family will never go for it.

They won’t have a choice,Luc answered as shadows darkened his eyes.

Drasko dragged a hand through his hair.Fuck.

“Who wants to eat?” Arvid called to them.

Hakon stood, his smile appearing plastered to his face as he adjusted Hrod in his arms. “I hope you made a double batch of moose burgers.”

“A triple batch,” Arvid said with a wink.

Drasko and his brothers howled with joy. They wouldn’t let the threat from the Russians spoil this one night. They were home. They were safe. They would take this small win, and if ever their enemies threatened them again, they would be ready to fight for their family.

* * *

Luc

After their parentstook their sister and Annie back to their house, Luc was feeling restless, like always, so he stepped outside to clear his thoughts. He zipped up his coat when he was hit with a cold blast. The temperature had dropped, and he scented moisture in the air. A snowstorm was coming. He went to his truck where he could check his cellphone in peace. No messages from Agent Johnson. Damn.

He sat on the tailgate and fogged the air with a slow breath while rubbing his hands together for warmth. He regretted forgetting his gloves, but he couldn’t go back inside. He worried what intel would find on those computers. How much did the Russians know about the Amaroki and would their future missions be compromised? The Amaroki trackers had an outstanding record of over fifty years with no deaths. If the Russians knew they were shifters, they risked not only death, but capture and torture.

He tensed when he heard the front door shut and gravel crunching behind him. He didn’t need to turn around to know it was his mate, for he knew the sound of her steps and recognized her scent.

“Luc,” she whispered as she stood in front of him, the tension in her voice palpable.

His eyes bulged when he saw she wore only a thin robe, pajamas, and slippers. “What are you doing out here? You should be inside.”

She crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. “I’m not a fragile egg, Luc.”

Why was she being so defensive? “I didn’t say you were.”

“If you want me to go, I will,” she said with a pout before turning away.

He slipped off the tailgate, grabbing her arm. “Wait.”

His heart plummeted when she turned back toward him, a look of pain flashing in her eyes. What was wrong? Was she angry with him for going outside? He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “I’ve missed you.”

Her eyes widened, then narrowed. “Really?”

“Of course.” He jerked back as if she’d slapped him. “Why wouldn’t I?”

She hung her head, unable to look him in the eyes. “You’re always gone, Luc.”

Damn. That’s what this was about? He rubbed warmth into her shoulders. “And I miss you every second I’m away.”

Her eyes flared with anger as she pulled away. “You’re gone more than any other beta.”

“I know.” He tried to infuse a note of humor into his voice. “That’s what I get for being the best tracker and the son of the tribal chieftains.”

“Does it always have to be you?” Her voice rose and splintered like broken glass before she looked away.

He felt like the worst mate in the world. He’d no idea his leaving affected her so much when she still had Drasko and Rone at home.

“Everything I do for the Army is to keep my family safe, but you’re right.” He released a slow breath before reaching for her again, relieved when she didn’t pull away. He cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “There are other trackers who can take my place. I will demand more time off.” Though he was proud of his military service, nothing was more important to him than his family. He only wished it hadn’t taken almost losing them to realize it.

She visibly swallowed. “Thank you,” she breathed, before burying her face against his neck.

He wrapped his arms around her, a pang of guilt slicing through his chest. He’d no idea she’d missed him this much. He didn’t know why he thought his other brothers would’ve been enough to keep her happy. The realization both shattered and warmed his heart. Squeezing her tighter, he pressed his lips to her forehead, speaking to her through thought.The fear I felt when I heard your helicopter had gone down.He blew out a shaky breath.That was the longest day of my life. I never want to feel that again. Every beat of my heart, every breath I take is for you.He placed his palm on her belly, looking into her silver/blue eyes.And for our child.

---