Page 45 of Resisting Nature

“Anything else you need from us, boss?”

“No, Derek. I think we’re all on the same page with this. Carter is gone again, so I don’t have his eyes or ears in town, but Cutler has promised to stay up-to-date with me.” Mason rubs at the back of his neck. While I’ve been worrying over Alexa, he’s been focused on the pack.

Thank God I’m not alpha.

We’d be screwed.

All of us snort. Though a werewolf like the rest of us, Wyatt Cutler once felt he was better than most of society. When most people think of werewolves, they think blue-collar guys like us who are just simple people making a living like everyone else, aside from the fact the moon compels us to shift. The Bighorn pack is different. They all have fancy titles and white-collar jobs. Wyatt Cutlerwasthe CEO of a local bank, and over the past few months, he’s had a change of heart.

“I’m going to head back into town and check on Alexa. Ry said she ended up going to work, and she should be getting homesoon. If I sense something, I’ll let y’all know.” I’m barely a step closer to my Jeep when Mason calls out.

“You remember his scent?”

“Yes. Aside from my girl’s, it’s one I won’t forget until this is dealt with.” I look at each of the men I grew up with and share the same look. Until this lone is dealt with, our lands aren’t safe, and neither are our families.

The wind whips around me as I eat dirt until I reach the pavement. It’s an unspoken code among werewolves that even lones know when you get to a new territory, you’re supposed to introduce yourself and state your purpose for being there, even if it’s just to pass through.

Whoever this guy is, he doesn’t follow the rules.

It pisses me off. I may not be the alpha, but it still causes worry for my friends and family, especially my mate, who I hope to get through to when I reach her. Getting to her house, I’m relieved to see her car in the one-lane driveway. I still have the key Rylie gave me, something I refuse to return, and see myself in without giving it much thought.

The glee I have to get to my mate is cut off as I skid to a stop on her pathway to the front porch as a familiar scent hits my nose.

He’s been here.

Why the fuck?

Snarling, my head whips around as my defenses amp up. A mother walks down the opposite side of the street pushing a stroller while another woman walks beside her. Other than that, there’s no one in sight.

“Miles?”

Twisting back to face the house, I find Alexa standing half-hidden behind the front door. Her blond hair cascades down around her one exposed shoulder. She isn’t dressed like she would be for work. There’s no suit, only a pair of sweats that hide the glory of her stunning legs from me and an oversized, off-the-shoulder sweater. There isn’t an ounce of makeup on her, allowing me to see how red and puffy her eyes are.

Fuck.

Comfort her.

On it.

“Has someone been here recently?” Closing the distance between us, I’m careful not to look too pissed. It isn’t her I’m angry with. It’s whoever this lone is that is getting on my bad side.

“No, not since Rylie left with me this morning.” She wraps her arms around herself as she backs into the house to let me in.

I don’t waste a moment. The door is locked behind me when the scent of something delicious hits my nose. And no, it isn’t the sweet apple scent wafting off my girl. “Did you cook us dinner?” Looking around her, I find the small kitchen set for two.

She’s licking her lips when I look back down at her. I can’t help it when my eyes flash. “Yes, I thought we could … you know … talk?”

“I’d love that, baby.” Wrapping my arms around her, I pull Alexa in. Unlike last night, there isn’t a barrier of blankets between us. She fits perfectly against me. I crave so much from this woman. “I’ll do all the listening.” Grinning down at her, I back us to the table.

“Good.” Nodding, she pushes away from me and takes a seat. When I’m in mine, she doesn’t waste any time. “I was born and raised in West Virginia. My parents are Teague and Jewel Hart, and I haven’t been home in almost eight years. I grew up never questioning how much my parents loved me. I was popular and had boyfriends, but that all changed when I met Grant Cole.”

The wordboyfriendshas me nearly snapping my fork in two. There’s something about the name Grant Cole, though, that has my blood simmering and my hackles rising.

“I thought he loved me, and I meant the world to him until he took everything from me.” She continues as if I’m not already struggling with this.

Fuck.

“It started off with comments and random things, and I didn’t think much of it before it escalated to verbal and physical abuse. He raped me, and then I found out I was pregnant.” Her voice wavers.

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