Page 36 of Rogue Wolf

Automatically, Kodiak caught her, wrapping his arms tight around her. Kodiak felt her sigh into his embrace, as if giving herself over to him. But then she stiffened, sensing his distance.

He couldn’t help it. There was too much for him to juggle right now, and she was just another ball. That wasn’t fair. Or true. But right now he had to think of her like that, no matter how much he just wanted to hold and soothe her.

“Tamaska—”

“Don’t I deserve you pulling away, I know that.” She pushed his hands away from her.

He half reached out then let his hands drop. “It’s not like that.”

“It is. We both know it. It has to be.” Her voice was a little broken and it killed him.

He missed holding her, and wished he could given her more reassurance. But she was right. couldn't right now, not so quickly after she’d defied him. Things needed to be done a certain way.

“I’ll lock up. Go with Roan, and meet me out front,” he said.

Sadness clouded her eyes. She lifted her chin, and he braced for an argument.

“Fine,” She said tightly. “I’m here. Obeying.”

Fucking Tamaska, and a part of him wanted to smile even as it irked her. Defiant in her obedience. What else would she do but that? She got it, but not deep down. Not in the soul of things.

Not yet.

But…she tried.

She stalked out of his bedroom. He punched the air and growled softly. Time wasn’t on his side. He had to get moving. He quickly but systematically moved through the living quarters, ensuring all the windows and doors were locked.

Camera lights winked red at him as he walked from room to room. The security system was working better than ever.

Satisfied that everything was locked up, Kodiak went to the front of the clubhouse, where the others waited.

They all looked at him as he approached the pack. Tamaska stood to the side of the group with her arms folded over her chest, lines of exhaustion circling her eyes. It didn’t bode well that she wasn’t mingling with any of the pack.

“Ready?” asked Kodiak.

A few nodded. Some met his gaze, their eyes full of grief. A reverent silence lay heavy in the early night air.

Kodiak scanned the group, taking note of their number and planning who would travel with whom in the few vehicles they had available. Fern looked grumpy, even more so every time Jaha inched closer to her. She wouldn't like it if Jaha had to drive.

Ash leaned against Onai's car, which was equipped with its new plates. She held her laptop in one hand while typing with the other.

“Ash, you’re with me, Tamaska, and Roan,” announced Kodiak. He trusted those two the most with Tamaska right now. Plus, he hoped Ash might’ve found something important in her research. A few hours of driving together in the car would be the perfect time to debrief.

Ash looked up and nodded, snapping the laptop shut, and walked over to Kodiak's car.

“The rest of you, follow behind. And Fern—” He paused until she turned and looked at him. “You listen to Jaha.”

The look of pride on Jaha’s face made Kodiak's comment worthwhile.

Kodiak grinned, then strode to his car. At least driving would help to ease the tension he carried.

“I’m riding shotgun.” Roan got into the front passenger-side seat.

Kodiak didn’t correct Roan. Tamaska got in the backseat with Ash.

“Sorry,” added Roan as he put on his seat belt. “I get carsick easily. Best for everyone if I’m in the front.”

“Fine with me,” Tamaska said. Kodiak detected an edge in her voice. He sensed she wanted to be with him, alone, but once more the pack's needs were placed above their relationship.

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