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His lips twitched as he glanced up at me through shadowed eyes. “Isn’t that how all the best stories start?”

A reluctant chuckle escaped me. “She’s a breeding female.” I watched his face as I added, “Raised as a human.” He let out a low whistle but his expression didn’t change. “She’s clueless.”

“And your Alpha wants her,” he surmised, raising a lazy eyebrow. I tilted my head in acknowledgement. “And does your Alpha know that you’ve already got your dick in a knot for her?”

I shot him a warning stare and he raised his hands. “No,” I finally answered. “And she’s a student. Off-limits.”

“Only till she graduates, but by then she might already be dating the little Alpha pup, huh?”

“Or taken by the Hanleys,” I ground out, hating how easily he’d read the situation. “She’s unprotected.”

Trent scoffed, popping the chewed up sucker stick from his mouth. “Please, she’s the most protected female on the planet.” When I sent him a questioning glance, he asked, “Where is she right now?”

“Grant’s class in the four hundred building,” I answered instantly and he smirked. “Point taken,” I said begrudgingly, turning away from him so I could see the building in question.

“I can stay, do a little sniffing around. Add another layer of protection for your mate,” he offered hesitantly.

“She’s not my mate,” I denied. “There’s no claim, no mark.”

“Yet,” Trent replied, not flinching when I glared at him. He shrugged his shoulders. “Am I wrong?”

I couldn’t answer without making a liar out of myself, so I didn’t.

“I passed a motel on the way in…..Wander Inn,” Trent shook his head, laughing. “Pun intended, I’m sure.”

“No, not there,” I told him and he blinked at me. “She’s staying there with her dad,” I informed him tautly.

“And my staying there would be a bad thing?”

“At the moment, yes.” I rolled my shoulders uncomfortably, not wanting to admit the truth as I said, “The Pack has patrols keeping an eye on the place at the moment.”

Trent nodded, glancing at the ground, before clearing his throat. “You know I’d never touch your mate, right?” My teeth snapped together with an audible click at the thought and Trent leaned forward, baring his neck.

After a tense moment, I blew out the breath I was holding, clearing my throat. “I know,” I said tightly. “I know.” My gaze bounced around, avoiding his submissive pose as I told him, “It’s probably best if you don’t stay there right now.”

“Do you want me to leave now?” There was a thread of apprehension in his voice that jarred me. It was the opposite of his normally cocky confidence and I took a longer look at him. His cheekbones were hollowed out, and his shirt was baggy. There was also the fact that he’d been close enough to sense my emotions. Our bond was strong but it wasn’t strong enough to carry over hundreds of miles.

“Why are you here?” I questioned sharply, stepping into his space. “Now?” He didn’t say anything and I barked, “Answer me.”

He flinched, his hand going to his chest and rubbing it absently. “I got a little lost,” he admitted slowly. “I’ve been a little lost.” His eyes pleaded for understanding and I nodded jerkily.

Trent was a lone wolf, pack less, and being alone too long was dangerous. He risked turning feral and I was the only one who could make sure that didn’t happen. “I’m glad you came,” I repeated, meaning it. “But you need to eat, clean up, and get your shit together.” I stared at him pointedly. “I need to know I can trust you around her.”

“You can depend on me,” he swore, taking a deep, relieved breath. “I’d give my life.”

“You might have too,” I murmured, my gaze sweeping the forest restlessly as worry flowed through me. It was only a matter of time before the Hanleys caught wind of Jess, and there would be no stopping the war I’d wage when they went after her.

I exhaled, forcing the worrisome thoughts aside for the moment. “You can shower in the Field House. I’ll leave the side door unlocked.” I motioned to his frame. “You need to eat.” He nodded rapidly as his stomach gurgled. “I’ll leave food.”

“I can hunt,” he hurried to say, telling me he’d chosen not to hunt if he’d gotten that lean. “I’ll be good in a few days.”

“You should have come sooner,” I chided and he ducked his head. “When you realized.” Remorse hit me hard, knowing I should have checked in. “I should have kept in touch more.”

He shook his head. “You have a life here. A Pack,” he excused, but it didn’t negate my guilt. I had a responsibility to him. One I’d neglected.

“I do have a Pack,” I acknowledged. “And I owe you an apology. We’re Pack and you should never have to doubt if you can come to me.”