Page 40 of Alpha Bond

“Is that it?” Sierra whispers beside me when we’ve put enough distance between us and Titer for her words to go unnoticed.

I give a barely perceptible nod. “Mostly. Though there’s still room for objection when the ceremony is announced.”

I feel her step falter. “Would anyone actually do that?”

“Doubt it.” I shrug. “There’s no reason to. Unless one of your ‘suitors’ feels he has a claim on you. And that’s unlikely.”

She releases a breath. “Okay. We’re going to be okay.”

“We are, Sierra. Just let things flow naturally.” I see her nod when I glance at her, though her lips are pressed into a white line. Not soft and plump like I’m used to. The memory of how they felt suddenly rushes at me, and I suck in a breath.

Not now, Law!

We’ve reached the entrance to the barracks, and Titer marches briskly to Callum Carter’s door. He opens it without knocking, and my team leader looks up in surprise.

“Sir—” he begins, but Titer cuts him off.

“Jagger Law and the newcomer Sierra Barr have announced their intention to mate,” he says briskly. “Arrange a transfer to the family units and change his patrol schedule.”

“What the hell…?” Callum’s mouth is opening and closing in surprise. “When…?”

“Wait. I can remain on patrol,” I interrupt. “I don’t want to be moved from where I’m useful.”

“That’s not necessary, Law.” Titer shakes his head. “You know the drill. Mated pairs remain within Steel Lakes.”

“You decided to choose a mate?” Callum looks astounded.

“Yes,” I say firmly. “It came as a surprise to us too, but we’ve had plenty of time together, and the connection became clear,” I repeat the line Sierra used on Titer earlier. I’m going to get a lot more of this, so I might as well brace myself for it. What I’m battling to brace against is the idea of being pulled off patrol.

I’ve spent years honing my skills, learning the intricacies of the territory, mapping out every hidden nook and cranny where danger might lurk. The region around us is my domain, and I’ve come to know its secrets better than anyone else in the pack. To be confined within the walls of Steel Lakes feels like a betrayal of everything I hold dear. “I still think that I should be able to keep my position on the team. The threat—”

“For God’s sake! Are you still on about that? I told you that there’s nothing to worry about, Jagger!” Titer snaps. His sudden aggression surprises me; I’m not used to seeing him lose his cool. I clench my fists, telling myself that now is not the time to fight this battle. But I notice that Callum is frowning at him. Is he aware of a change in our alpha, too? Before I can mull over this, the door swings open.

“Excuse me, sir.” Casey nods at Titer and then Callum. “I’ve been looking for Jagger, and when I heard him in here…” She stops speaking, probably realizing she’s walked into something. “What’s going on?”

“Jagger and Sierra are planning a mating,” Callum replies.

Her mouth drops open. “What?”

Oh boy…

“It is their intention to formalize their mate bond. We are discussing new quarters.” Titer looks at me. “And new duties.”

“But… But… What?” Casey’s voice has become more strident. “You can’t be serious, Jagger!”

Sierra shifts at my side, pressing closer.

“We’re perfectly serious, Stone.” I stand firm. If anyone is going to fight this, it’s my long-standing partner. She hates change, and despite our open-door policy to outcast wolves, she doesn’t like strangers. Probably because it was a rogue attack that drove her here as a kid.

“But what about your vow?” Her eyes have narrowed on me.

“This is more important,” I lie. Because nothing is more important than the promises I made. But I’m starting to wonder if it’s the way my mother would have wanted me to honor her. She died for her belief in love.

Love? Where did that come from?

Casey is still shaking her head when Titer takes over. “No sense in dragging this out with unnecessary explanations.” He turns to Callum. “Do what is necessary. Allocate a family unit to them and rearrange the patrol roster as I told you.” His next words are aimed at me and Sierra. “Once you’ve settled into your new quarters, we’ll have the ceremony before the others.”

With a curt nod at all of us, he turns on his heel and stalks out. As much as Greyson Titer has shown acceptance for our announcement, I get the feeling that he doesn’t like it.

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