Page 35 of Rogue Wolf

“Go,” he instructed.

Kodiak carried the carpet cleaners inside, marveling at the fact that Tamaska had managed to get them in the car by herself. She was strong and independent, qualities worthy of a place in the pack. If only she could work on her obedience.

Was it that hard for her to submit to him?

He left the carpet cleaners in the foyer. There wasn’t anything else to do in the clubhouse. It was time to go.

Kodiak went through each room to ensure the windows were locked and secured. He noted the new security cameras in each room. Channing had done his job well.

“We’re going now,” he said to Jaha, one of the pack's younger males who was cleaning up in the kitchen.

The place looked almost back to normal, yet the scent of blood remained heavy on Kodiak's senses.

“You want me to drive?” asked Jaha, his expression full of hope.

“Go with Fern, she might let you drive,” Kodiak said biting down a smile.

Jaha sighed, hope fleeing from his eyes. “Sure thing, boss.”

“If not, you make sure she’s awake and alert. Otherwise, you can tell her I ordered you to drive.”

“Really?” Hope burst back into life.

“Yes, if you can stand up to her should the need arise.” It was a test for both Jaha and Fern.

Kodiak trusted Fern to drive, but why not give Jaha a chance to drive for a change, remind him that he has a purpose in the pack?

“Thanks! I’ll go find her now.” Jaha rushed past Kodiak.

Kodiak used the pack connection to find Fern.

“She's changing the plates,” Kodiak said as he pointed Jaha toward the back door. Hope pulsed through the young pup at the chance to drive to the hut, alleviating some of the stress Kodiak carried.

To be young again…with no responsibilities.

Kodiak felt as if he’d aged at least a decade in the last few days, now that the responsibility of being alpha rested firmly on his shoulders.

He locked the back door, then headed for his room instructing everyone he passed along the way to meet out front. Once everyone gathered, they could form a convoy to the hut.

Tamaska sat on Kodiak's queen-sized bed, wearing clean clothes that she'd borrowed from one of the pack's females. The scent told Kodiak that the jeans and top belonged to Ash. Her bag sat untouched, like she was too shamed to open it.

Tamaska’s eyes lit up as soon as they locked on his. He wanted to scoop her into his arms to hold her tight, but there wasn’t time, and he had to be careful going forward, until things were sorted one way or the other.

“Are you all right?” he asked, standing in front of her. His temperature spiked from the proximity.

“I’m fine. I haven’t caused any problems.” Her eyes flashed with a defiance that simultaneously got under his skin and turned him on.

“She’s concussed. She'll need a night watch.” Roan packed up his first-aid kit.

“No, that’s not necessary,” said Tamaska. “I’ll be fine. I’m ready to help out.”

Roan shook his head, snapping his bag shut. “Concussions are serious. You need to be careful, like I told you. This isn’t something you can just brush off.”

That wasn’t the news Kodiak wanted to hear. He didn’t have time to watch Tamaska, not with the upcoming funeral and the Alpha ceremony. And he wanted her safe. Under his watch, his care.

“Are you good to go?” he asked Tamaska.

“Yes.” She stood up quickly, swayed, and started to fall to the side.

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