Page 16 of Betrayed Wolf Mate

“In the case of demons, that typically means weakening them significantly,” Tannen said. “Not necessarily killing them. But as Rand pointed out, it’s nearly impossible to learn their Names.”

“But it’s worth a shot,” Jameson said. “I don’t think we should discount it just because it’s difficult.”

“I’ll see what I can dig up,” Tannen said. “Rand’s not the only one with contacts when it comes to information on demons. The internet’s a beautiful thing.”

“Good.” Jameson nodded. “In the meantime, we can round up some iron. Sam, how is Stella settling in?”

“Fine, as far as I can tell,” I said. I didn’t want to add that I was still fairly certain she didn’t trust me. “I think she’s a bit stir-crazy, but I was going to offer to go on a hunt with her. I don’t think her going out into the woods by herself is safe.”

“Sounds like a fun time.” Mark scratched his chin and glanced in my direction. “Mind if I tag along?”

My head shot toward him, and every inch of my body tensed. My wolf growled, angry that this other shifter would dare consider joining us. He wanted it to just be Stella and myself.

Personally, I agreed. The thought of Mark being there, changing the dynamic entirely, was not an appealing one. And I tried to come up with a plausible reason why it wouldn’t work.

“Nah, man,” Rand said, clapping Mark on the back. “She’s been through enough lately. She doesn’t need you breathing down her neck, too.” Rand looked over at me and shot me a wink when no one was looking. Sometimes, I forgot how perceptive Rand was. For such a big guy, you wouldn’t expect his level of intelligence.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Mark agreed, glancing outside.

In my mind, though, I was wondering whether a hunt was a good idea at all. I knew Stella didn’t trust me, and she had every right not to. Regaining her trust wouldn’t happen overnight, if it happened at all.

It would have been easier not to worry about it with any other shifter. But Stella was different. Ever since she’d come back into my life, she was all I could think about. I wanted nothing more than to be by her side. Even now, when I knew she was hanging out with the girls and probably having a great time and was perfectly safe, I wanted to be next to her. I hadn’t realized how much of a hold someone could have on me until she came along. Her claws were buried deep inside me, and she didn’t even realize it.

The night I left her with that pack was a night I’d never forget, and it was one of my deepest regrets. I couldn’t turn back the clock, but maybe I could change things this time.

***

When I came back in, Stella was sitting at the kitchen table, reading a book.

“Hey,” I said.

“Hey, yourself.”

“Have you been reading all day?” I asked, trying to get her to engage in conversation.

For a moment, I thought she was going to ignore me. But just as I was about to walk away, she said, “No. The girls came over for a bit, actually.” She glanced up, her almond-shaped eyes meeting mine. “Hope that was all right.”

“Yeah, of course. Did you have fun?” Honestly, I was glad she was getting the chance to spend time with people in town.

She nodded. “They’re hilarious, actually. They mesh well together as a group, and they’re really friendly.”

I tilted my head, catching something in her tone. “Why does that bother you?”

She put her book down and rested her head on laced fingers. “Why do you think it bothers me?”

“Because you have that tone in your voice that you only ever get when you’re annoyed.” I mimicked it in emphasis. “Like this.”

She snorted. “You think you still know me that well?”

My smile fell. “No,” I admitted. “But I want to.”

Color flooded her cheeks, and she looked away.

“It’s good to see you again, Stella,” I said. “Really. Even if I wish the circumstances were different.”

“It’s good to see you, too,” she muttered. “Better than I thought it would be.”

My brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”