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“You’re right,” he conceded with a short nod. “But a war would devastate us.”

“Not if we had allies,” I replied urgently. “Friends who will support us. Fight with us.”

“You have someone in mind,” he stated, watching me carefully.

“I know someone,” I answered, licking my lower lip as I admitted to a friendship I shouldn’t have. “A lone wolf.”

His eyes shuttered as he said grimly, “Proceed with caution.”

“They’re not all bad,” I burst out and he raised his hand.

“I agree.”

I was about to defend my friendship when his words registered. “You….agree?” I asked carefully, not doing a very good job of hiding my surprise.

“You’re not the first pack wolf to make friends with an outsider,” Gregory said in amusement. “I wasn’t born old.”

“But the Alpha….” I shook my head. “He’s always been against accepting lone wolves.”

“Into the Pack….yes,” Gregory answered. “There is a greater risk they will challenge the Alpha for his position.” I gripped the edge of the counter as he continued speaking. “Temporary alliances aren’t unheard of,” he continued, the warning heavy in his words. “But approach it carefully. Now isn’t the time for newcomers.”

“Even if I vouch for them?”

“Even then,” he answered with a finality that shook a formerly unquestionable loyalty. “I trust you, Dom, but not everyone has the same agenda.” He smiled then, shaking his head. “You are your father’s son.”

“Thank you,” I replied, choosing to take his words as a compliment.

“Both of you have an admirable strength of character, well matched to your physical strength.” He wiggled one finger as he remarked, “Remember what I said.”

“I won’t be the one to start this war,” I said flatly, shooting him a loaded glance, “I will, however, fight when they come.” His mouth drew in as I finished, “And they will come.” He nodded in acknowledgement before disappearing as silently as he’d arrived.

I wiped the condensation off the mirror, staring sightlessly at my reflection, as I contemplated the choice I was being asked to make. If it came down to Jess or my Pack, there would only ever be one answer.

The face in the mirror rippled, yellow eyes gleaming, as my wolf emerged, black fur a stark contrast to my naturally tan skin. My two front paws slipped off the counter and I padded through the cabin, nudging the front door open with my snout.

My head swung in the direction of the Pack House, where I was supposed to meet the Alpha. I leapt off the porch as dusk settled over our quiet community, and followed the well-worn path to the motel instead, my paws silent on the forest floor.

***

“You talked to her?” I asked again, regretting my decision not to eavesdrop.

“Yes, Dom. I talked to her,” Anna answered patiently. “She seemed fine.” My eyes narrowed, her words sounding a little forced to me.

“Fine would mean she came to lunch,” I persisted, gesturing discreetly around the noisy room. “She’s not here so clearly she’s not fine.”

Anna sighed, gripping her fork in a manner that indicated she was contemplating using it as a weapon. “Dom, I don’t know what to tell you. I talked to her earlier. She didn’t avoid me. I don’t know why she isn’t in the cafeteria.” She glanced up, and seeing my expression, seemed to take pity. “Maybe she’s tired of the stares,” she suggested delicately, her eyes flicking intentionally around the table where several Pack members were sneaking peeks at me. I could only imagine what it was like for Jess.

It wasn’t a secret that I hadn’t come back after leaving Friday evening, and with no explanation they were clearly coming up with their own version of events.

“She’s in the library,” I muttered tersely, shoving a roll in my mouth as I stood abruptly, silencing the table. “Quit staring at her,” I ordered them, striding from the cafeteria as whispers erupted.

The bell rang before I reached the library, but luck was on my side as she ran right into me. She bounced off my chest, going backwards, her arms flailing and instinctively I reached for her.

“Dominic,” she murmured, intuitively knowing who held her, and heat washed through me at the knowledge. She was as aware of me as I was of her, and my wolf purred at the thought.

My thumbs gently rubbed circles on her soft skin, as I replied, “Jess.” She trembled, staring up at me, but didn’t speak. “Are you okay?” I asked, growing concerned by her continued silence. She nodded, her head bobbing, as her eyes never left my face.

“Good,” I murmured thoughtlessly, nodding in sync with her, and repeated, “Good.” She kept nodding and I thought to ask, “Anything unusual happen over the weekend?” I wondered if she’d mention the cacophony of howls outside the motel over the weekend. We’d been louder than normal, marking our territory to keep the Hanley’s away.