Page 28 of Alpha Bond

I can’t believe what he’s saying. But I’m starting to understand why things have been slipping. Titer is convinced we’re untouchable. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my frustration. “I just don’t think we should let our guard down. In fact, we should be ramping up patrols, doing more.”

“Why would I waste good resources on that?”

“Waste resources? With all due respect,sir…” I leave the word dangling long enough to make it clear that I’m hanging onto that respect by a thin thread. “I think it’s foolish to be dismissive of this. We should be going out there. Tracking them down. Finding out where they came from.”

“Foolish?” Titer’s eyes narrow slightly. “Are you implying that you know how to run things better than I do?”

I quickly shake my head, though I’m more certain than ever that I do. “No, sir. I’m just saying that we need to be proactive in protecting Steel Lakes and finding out the intentions of these outsiders. What if they’re after our females? Planning to harm our pups?” An aggressive alpha could easily target youngsters to wipe out rival bloodlines. It’s not unheard of.

“I’m telling you that there is nothing to worry about. A few males prowling about hardly represents a major issue. There are always strays out there.”

“Not just strays. Packs, sir. We’ve always known about them. Rogues who threaten us.”

“The formalized packs in our region have struck alliances with us, Jagger. We’re not at war with anyone. I’ve been careful to maintain peace. I did that…me!”

Shit, now we have ego involved.

“Of course you did, sir. And we are all grateful to you. But we can’t ignore the rogues who band together. What if they become more organized? They could pose real risks.”

“Rogues rarely get organized.” He’s dismissive. “They’re loose cannons. And you, of all people, should know that many of them are just looking for a place to call home. Who knows, perhaps these are males seeking sanctuary like you did.”

“Sanctuary?” I scoff. “Are you saying we’d take in those who attack unwilling females?” I’m growing frustrated. When I feel the sharp edges of my nails biting into my palms, I realize how close my wolf is. And if I can feel claws, it’s very likely that my eyes will soon begin to glow.

Fuck.

I grit my teeth and force myself to calm down. “At least let me go out to take a look at what we’re dealing with. I can take a couple of days to track them and see if there are more of them.”

“Why would there be more, Jagger? I’m telling you, it’s just a few youngsters causing a bit of shit. Probably out troubling one of the human settlements as we speak.” He scowls. We hate it when our kind draws attention to themselves. It always leads to rumors and wild stories. Truth be told, that’s often where our biggest concerns lie – curious humans looking for monsters or something equally ridiculous. And though I don’t want to admit it, leading them off track has made up the lion’s share of my work in the field. Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared for the worst.

“Maybe they’re just youngsters…and maybe not. It won’t hurt for me to go out and take a look.”

“Yes, it will – because I’ve already given you a task, and that’s to keep an eye on Sierra Barr. Now we’ve discussed this enough.” He closes the subject, and my head wants to explode at how short-sighted he’s become. “I will decide on the best course of action to take. Your job is to follow your orders.”

“But—!”

“I said it’s enough, Law!” Titer leans forward, rests his elbows on his desk, and interlinks his fingers. Outwardly, he looks calm. But I sense tension within him. “Let me worry about pack security. You focus on the female.” He gives a benevolent smile as if to take the edge off his words. “Look at it this way: you could have far worse assignments than taking care of a beautiful she-wolf.”

I give a sharp snort. “You know that’s not important to me.”

“Yes, I do. Though I’m sure you’re aware that’s why your role here will always be limited to the one you have now.” Titer’s stare is level, and despite the smile, the message is clear. I’m no threat to him as long as I remain in the single quarters. Unattached.

As if to place emphasis on his words, he reaches for a framed photo on his desk and traces the edge with a fingertip. It’s an image of his mate, his three children, and his children’s children. One of whom is now grown and expecting Titer’s first great-grandchild. He’s created a legacy.

I don’t care about the message he’s sending. Greyson Titer has gone soft, blind to the dangers around us. Steel Lakes can’t afford that.

“I’m happy with my role,” I say through gritted teeth. “And I’ll keep an eye on the woman, as instructed.”

“Of course you will.” The benevolent smile is back. “You’re a good man, Jagger.”

I dip my head in acknowledgment of the compliment, even though it burns. I’m a good man who will never be a good leader. And I’m destined to spend my days watching men like Titer drag our pack down because he’s grown too comfortable.

I have to do something about it. I just wish I knew what.

Chapter 12

Jagger

I settle back in the simple chair that’s set at the table I use as a desk and roll my shoulders.

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