That was direct flirting.
Klaus growled deep in his throat, and to try to hide it, Poppy started to cough, bending over as she made some ugly sounds.
****
“That’s pretty much all there is to see,” Klaus said. He was not going to kill Greg.
The bastard had been flirting with his woman, but he wasn’t going to do anything. It wouldn’t be the right thing to do.
His father was impressed with him that he’d decided to take Greg on a trip that would show him the ropes. Learn the town. The last thing his father would want him to do was … kill their guests. Guaranteed war right there.
He couldn’t help his feelings. His wolf was becoming irritated, especially when Greg flirted with Poppy.
“It’s beautiful.”
They were deep in the forest, where he was showing him some of the beauty of the land that surrounded them.
Klaus had no doubt they were a lucky pack. He’d heard some packs were near the city, or lived within the city walls, and that didn’t sound appealing. Trapped without anywhere to run. He couldn’t do that.
Wolves adapted to their surroundings though. He doubted he’d be able to live anywhere but here. This place was home. It was his life. He would be alpha someday, and that was the way it was going to stay.
“Yeah, it really is.” He knew Greg didn’t have quite the majestic home as he did. He’d visited Lionel’s pack a few times. There weren’t many women within that pack either.
“So, er, what’s Poppy’s deal?” Greg asked.
“Her deal?”
“Yeah, is she seeing someone? Attached?”
Klaus didn’t like this. “Why, er, why would you want to know?”
“Come on, man. Look at her, she’s beautiful. Damn, I would do anything to have that smile directed at me.”
He’d noticed her smile, and it kind of pissed him off that someone else had.
“I … I have no idea if she’s seeing someone.”
“You don’t?” Greg frowned. “You’re the alpha’s son.”
“And you know everyone’s secrets within the pack?”
“Of course. It’s my job to. Just like it was my dad’s.” Greg shrugged. “Don’t worry about it, man. I just wanted to know if I might be a chance with her.”
“You’re not mated. You don’t have a bond,” Klaus said.
“I know that, but it doesn’t mean we can’t form something. Not all wolves are lucky to find their soul mate, Klaus.” Greg glanced around the forest. “Some of us can be just lucky to find love.”
“That’s why you’re here. To find mates.”
“To see if we can find mates, and then, possibly, connections. It’s the next best thing.”
Klaus thought about Poppy.
They were together. Truly mated. There was no doubt between either of them.
“That, er, that must suck,” Klaus said. “I know, after witnessing some of the couples within the pack, a mate is everything.”
“Yeah, it is. My dad had it, you know. I get it, but we’re not all lucky. No woman in my pack is my mate, but Poppy, I know she’d make a good alpha’s mate. There is something about her. She’s kind and patient. A little nervous around the edges.”