I wince, but nod. I’m not sure what answer she’s looking for. Though she probably doesn’t want to hear that I slept with her cousin because I missed her so damn much. She keeps her face unreadable. Panic swallows me. Zeke feels it too. His paws pound on my head as he paces.“Grace went back to her school yesterday. I saw her off myself,” Paige says.Finally, she takes a deep breath and opens her mouth to say something. She mutters unintelligible words before standing up and running out of the room.“What did I do?”“Nothing. She just needs time. You really hurt her, but it’s more than that. Her own behavior has come back to bite her in the ass, plus her dad just died. She’s under a lot of stress,” Paige replies. “She literally just ran from me, Paige. There has to be something I can do.”Paige doesn’t hide her irritation with me. She gives me a scowl before leaving the table. Colin sits there with a dumbstruck look on his face. I can see him struggling with something, but right now,
A bright light pries my eyes open. I blink several times until I can see clearly. Looking around, I realize I’m still sitting on Amber’s porch. A blanket covers the lower half of my body. A warm sliver of hope drifts through me. She knew I was out here, and she cared enough to give me a blanket. Is she not angry? I pick up the soft blanket, it smells like her. Now I know why I slept so well. A loud whistle turns my attention to the open back door. Her long hair is pulled back, the inky strands glittering in the sun. Her pink lips curve into a smile.“Coffee?”“Please.”I follow her through the house, looking at the broken plates on the floor, the boxes stacked everywhere. It’s obvious that she can’t wait to leave. She lifts up on her toes to reach a cabinet full of mugs. Her baggy shirt lifts, show
Alex growls, and I see his claws extend. I know Zeke is pushing forward, and he will tear Jake apart if I don’t do something. Even with Jake’s skills, he’s no match for my angry mate.Ha-ha. You called him your mate. You’re starting to like him again! Vera grins.Not now, mutt. The sounds of breaking glass pull my attention back to the angry wolves fighting in my living room. Alex throws Jake into a wall, creating the biggest hole I’ve ever seen. He might as well have just taken out the wall. Jake lunges at Alex. I jump in front of him, and I knock the breath from Jake’s chest with my fist. His dazed body stumbles back. A kick to his stomach leaves him gasping for air on the floor.Alex looks at me with wonder. I walk to him with my arms outstretched. Ale
I run through the woods, searching for her. Again. Jake and I have checked this area four times, but maybe we missed something. She left her phone so I can’t track her. She blocked Jake out from the mindlink so he can’t find her. Zeke’s attempts to reach Vera have been futile. I don’t pick her scent up anywhere, and that terrifies me. My knees want to buckle beneath the fear, but I keep pushing.“Alex, come back to her house,” Colin mindlinks.“Did you find something?”“No. Just come back.”“No. Not until we’ve found her.”“Just listen to me. I’m getting warriors together, and I need you to lead them.”“Fine.”The sun blinds me as it pours over the horizon. Jake, Colin, and Paige are wait
“I met him when I was sixteen, on my birthday, to be exact. It was the worst birthday of my life.” Amber inhales a large breath. “My friend insisted we go to a club on the human territory. She was screwing the bouncer, so it was pretty easy to sneak in. At first it was fun. Dancing with older guys, getting free drinks, getting hit on. It was the first time I had felt beautiful or loved in so long. It was everything you see in the movies. Until I met him. Back then, that pale asshat was the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen. He was so sweet and attentive. He complimented me, made me feel safe. He gave me what I was looking for. Love. I mean, I had my dad back then, but I wanted that all-consuming love. I wanted what I thought everyone around me had. What I thought my parents had. I know it’s silly considering I’d just met him, but I was so desperate for any type of love back then, I couldn’t stop myself from fallin
“The warriors emptied my kitchen, otherwise, I’d offer you cookies or something.”“It’s fine.” Paige smiles at me from across the table.My stomach churns. I’m so nervous about explaining Lyle to everyone. I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans. I know that I’ll be judged today. That never used to bother me, but now it’s the weight of judgment that is making it hard to breathe. Alex sits next to me, continuously rubbing circles on my back. His touch sets alarms off in my head, but it brings peace to my soul. I’m still torn on the whole second chance mess. He impressed me with how he acted as I told him the story, but there’s a nagging voice demanding I build brick walls between us. I don’t know how I’m ever supposed to get over this. Maybe there’s no way to get over it. The hinges of the door squeak, letting us know Jake has made an appearance. It’s about time. I’m ready to get
I slump into my chair, the adrenaline fading from my veins. Alex gently runs his fingers over my hand before locking them with mine. I’m too tired to ask him for space right now. It’s only lunchtime, but I’m drained.“You, okay?” Paige asks in a whisper.“Yeah, I’m just tired.”“I’m sorry for my part in those rumors. I didn’t start them, but I spread them.”I offer her a small smile. Apologies can’t erase the emotional scars, but I’ll take it. It’s not really her job to erase them, anyway.“I’m starving. The cooks made pizza today. How about I have them bring us all some?” Alex asks.Everyone agrees with a collective eagerness. Twenty minutes later and we’re all devouring greasy slices. I smile at the little moans that
I can’t contain my laughter as I pull my raging mate from her prey. Goddess, this woman is perfect. I carry her screaming body into the kitchen, plopping her onto the counter.“If I knew you could do that much damage, I don’t think I would’ve rejected you.”“But you did. Guess that means you’re due for an ass kicking.” Amber’s eyes are dark, and the smile on her face is terrifying.“You scare me, but I’d let you if it meant that you’d forgive me.”“Well, I just might hold you to that.”“Scout’s honor. When you forgive me, you can kick my ass.”“Were you even a boy scout?”“No, but still.”I hand her some ice wrapped in a rag for her knuckles. She stares at me, switching the ice between her knuckles.“Well, if you weren’t a boy scout. Then, what were you? What did little Alex Dunn want to be when he grew u