The entire pack knows that she hit me and tried to get away from me. Part of me is delighted because I can feel their admiration for her strength and courage; the other part of me wants to sulk at the fact that she denied me. It’s embarrassing at the very least, and alarming at the worst. There’s so much she doesn’t know, but the wolf of a denied mate can’t lead a pack. She doesn’t realize how much control she has and how much is at stake.
So, striking me … it’s a precedent that can’t be set. Lev got to see it firsthand and I still feel ashamed for making her want to run from me. His presence reminds me that I need to talk to her about why she bolted the moment I left her. And more importantly, how it can’t happen again. No matter the circumstance.
“You consider this early to be morning?” she asks Lev like he can’t be serious. My lips kick up into a smirk at her response. She’s confident and relaxed. She fits right in as the Alpha mate.
It was shocking when I found out my mate was human. When I felt her, when I was drawn to her. Having to leave without her at last year’s offering was … excruciating. The pain is inhumane. We’re the strongest pack on this side of the country. I thought having a human mate would make me weak and waiting for her certainly held its challenges, but I can already feel the power she’s giving me through our bond. I’m honored to be her mate even if she’s younger and has so much to learn. I hope one day she’ll feel the same way.
Lev smiles at her response after taking a swig from the jug of orange juice. “Well, it’s the morning shift.” He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. Lev is … Lev. A fucking animal. “I’ve got to go do my laps and get shit in order before Jude checks out.”
Grace tilts her head in confusion, her brunette hair slipping from her shoulder and falling behind her. The curve of her neck is … tempting.
“We have to do rounds to ensure the estate is secure,” he explains to Grace and her expression falls just slightly, a flicker of uncertainty present. As she swallows, her fingers grip the edge of the counter slightly.
“You think … you think someone would try to come for us?” she questions and Lev keeps his laugh to himself, although I hear it.
“She doesn’t need to know yet,” I warn Lev and although he doesn’t respond to me, he tells her, “No, it’s just a good habit for a wolf to be in.” We share a glance and Grace’s shoulders lose some of their tension. She offers him a tight smile.
“Already lying to her?”
“I’ll tell her soon,” I answer Lev but then doubt myself and my decision. Never in the years since we’ve formed a pack have I doubted so much. She brings questions and unease, but it feels right and just.
My pack’s on high alert now that the old Alpha has threatened to return. I should’ve killed him rather than shown mercy. I shake my head and silently tell Lev to shut the fuck up. She doesn’t need to know about all that shit. Not after the day she’s had.
Grace yawns although it’s obvious she tried to hold it back, and then says, “Well, I call this bedtime.” Her shirt rises up as she stretches her arms above her head. The hem tickles her upper thighs, and with the small movement and realization she’s only in a top, her eyes widen with a hint of embarrassment. She grabs the fabric and pulls it down as a rosy blush of embarrassment brightens her cheeks. I let a chuckle rumble through my chest. We’re shifters, so we don’t give a fuck about nudity. I want her to feel comfortable, though.
Lev smirks at her response so I have to silently scold the little shit. “Have some respect for her modesty, Lev.”
“Sorry, Dev.” I hear his humorous remark in my head. He turns on his heels leaving the juice on the counter and heads toward the hall while calling out, “Good night, Grace. See you two later.”
Grace calls out in a strained voice, “See you, Lev,” while pushing her knees and thighs together and staring at the floor. She whispers, “I’m sorry. I forgot I was only wearing a T-shirt.” Her eyes peek up at me, searching for something, and I reach out to cup her chin and run my thumb along her bottom lip.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. You don’t have to worry about that. Lev doesn’t mind.” My words don’t have the effect I thought they would. She pulls away from my grasp and I let my hand fall to my side. She noticeably swallows.