47

47

(Micah’s POV)

For two hours I mind-linked with all the patrols, trying to focus on the team checking the path for tonight’s run. The chatter from the other patrols was nonstop. I wondered how the Alpha handled this kind of noise every moment of the day. Word came in that the other pack was lining their border with extra patrols, just in case we were planning an attack. Rumor had it Jaxson wasn’t thrilled when he heard about our annual run around the lake. He was furious that Alpha was doing it on purpose, parading the fact that he’d won access to the land by claiming Kat for himself.

Finally, I put out a mind-link that only the patrol leaders were allowed to contact me. One by one, each checked in all clear. The run path was free of last-minute debris, no hidden traps. The next patrol to report in was the one watching the neighboring pack’s border. They were staying put, but it looked like they’d lined up every warrior they had. Lastly, the patrol watching Kat’s house gave me an update: the couple were inside, sitting on the couch, talking. Meanwhile, the Alpha had pinged them six times for news.

That part made me chuckle. I remembered when I first marked Celia I’d nearly lost my mind every time another guy so much as looked at her. I could only imagine what was running through Alpha’s head, knowing his mate was alone with a man she still cared about. I saw the patrol team that had run the path heading back to the packhouse. Time to debrief them before checking in with Cameron and Alpha.

When the debrief wrapped up, I turned to head inside and nearly ran right into the Alpha. He did not look pleased.

“May I help you with something, Alpha?” I asked.

“You have less than an hour to get your family and Kate here before the run. Don’t you think you should go?” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Of course, Alpha,” I answered. I headed straight for my car, mind-linking Cameron to take over security until I got back. He was glad to handle it probably so Alpha would stay focused on the run instead of Kat and her guest. As I started the car, I linked Celia to be ready when I arrived.

(Kathryn’s POV)

I always enjoyed spending time with Scott, I always have. But tonight felt different. He seemed… off. I knew it had to be because of Tyler. I got the feeling Scott had been hoping we’d find our way back to each other. He went quiet or tense every time I brought Tyler up. I glanced at the clock, a little after five. Tyler would be here any minute to pick me up.

“You keep looking at the clock. Are you expecting someone?” Scott asked.

“The party over at Tyler’s starts at six. He should be here soon,” I said.

Scott looked at the clock, then back at me. “Perfect timing. I need to pick up my load and get the truck back on the road.” He paused, searching my face. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? No wolves, just the road. I’m heading to California. It’d be fun.”

I gave him a gentle smile. “Not this time. Really, Scott, I’m safe and happy here.” He looked so defeated I added, “Maybe next time.”

“I won’t keep trying forever, you know. But I care about you. You know that, right?”

“I know. But promise me, if you meet someone you’re interested in, don’t let what we have get in the way,” I said softly. He didn’t answer, just kissed the top of my head like he always did.

I heard a car in the driveway. I glanced out the window, not Tyler’s truck. It was Micah’s car. Scott and I stepped outside together.

“Where’s Tyler?” I asked Micah, trying to hide the knot in my stomach. Scott didn’t miss it.

“Hey, Kat,” Micah said. “People showed up early, so Tyler had to stay back and play host. I needed to pick up Celia and the twins anyway, so I offered to swing by and get you.” Celia waved at me from the car.

“Give me a second,” I said, turning back to Scott.

“You look nervous. Everything okay?” he asked.

“I was just expecting Tyler. That’s all. Everything’s fine,” I said, but he didn’t buy it.

“You know how to reach me if you need anything… anything,” he said. He kissed the top of my head again and squeezed my hand, holding it just a beat longer than usual. He climbed into his truck, but before he shut the door, he reached out and brushed my cheek with his fingertips. Then he closed the door and drove off. Damn him! He’d left me with a vision on purpose.

I spun to Micah. “Please, you have to help me!”

“What do you need, Luna?” he asked, instantly alert.

“I saw Scott's truck getting forced off the road. Wolves attacking him! We have to help him!”

Micah’s eyes went distant. He was mind-linking. A long, tense minute passed before he spoke. “I needed Alpha’s permission before sending warriors after him. They’re on their way now. If anything happens, they’ll be there. But I’ve been ordered to get you to the packhouse. Now.”

Micah opened the back door and I climbed in. My heart was pounding. No one spoke the whole ride back to the packhouse.