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Zan’s brows knotted in confusion. “But Gio already has you. He doesn’t need to worry about going feral.”

“I only thought she might like to have choices,” Carter said. “If she joined me as part of Gio’s flock, then she’d be safe.”

“I guess that’s true,” Zan agreed hesitantly. “She’s interviewing a vampire tonight. She and Mason. They’ve decided the only way she’s going to be safe is if they find her a vampire to bond to.”Zan’s expression turned sad. “Poor Mason loves her, and he’ll probably be left behind. It’s really sad. He’ll have to give her up to do what’s best for her.”

This was all news to Carter. “Who’s Mason?”

“Gargoyle,” Zan said. “He was here the night she showed up and needed protection from a bunch of durmin.”

“McConnell?” Carter asked.

“Yes,” Zan said. “How did you know?”

“I might’ve had a run-in with them myself,” Carter said with a wince. “Annoying bastard magic.”

“It really is,” Zan agreed. “If you run into them again, try salt. That worked last time, but the spell might've been changed since then. Anyway, if you want Gio to meet her, then you need to make an appointment for an interview.”

Carter’s eyes slid over to the large window that made up most of the front of the bar. He could see Mila out on the sidewalk with Babette. The little dog was sniffing around a nearby tree while Mila chatted with a sunburned tourist.

“I don’t want to make an appointment,” Carter said.

Zan let go of his arm. “I only met her today, but I can tell Mila’s a sweetheart. She’s also in some trouble.”

Carter turned his full attention to Zan. “What kind of trouble?”

“I’m not sure,” Zan said. “Here’s what I know. She’s looking for a job, couldn’t even buy a soda from me, and that dog has twine for a collar and leash. She also asked me if there was a safe place to park for the night. I think she might be homeless.”

Fear for Mila made Carter’s breath catch. “No!” he growled.

“Easy,” Zan warned. “I know you have all kinds of protective alpha wolf instincts, but she’s human. I don’t think she knows anything about our world. You can’t simply arrange her life like you would a pack member.”

Carter understood the need for caution but at the same time, she couldn’t be allowed to remain in danger. “She’s mine.”

Zan blinked, then a knowing smile spread across his face. “Congratulations.”

Rissa’s laughter drew their attention to the doorway where Zan’s mate was walking in with Babette in her arms. The little dog was eagerly licking her face while Mila walked close behind looking a little concerned.

“I told Mila she had to stay for dinner,” Rissa announced. “I’ve kidnapped her dog to force her to stay. What should we order?”

“That’s my sweet criminal,” Zan purred. “But ordering food isn’t our problem. Carter is going to take care of dinner for everyone.”

Zan leaned over the counter, inviting Rissa in for a kiss. Babette got to him first, placing a perfectly aimed tongue across his lips. Sputtering, Zan reared back and wiped frantically at his mouth with the back of his hand.

Mila gasped. “Oh! I’m so sorry!”

Her apology was drowned out by Rissa and Carter’s laughter.

Chapter 6

Mila

It turned out to be such a common thing to order from The Pack House that when three people turned up burdened with bags of delicious smelling food, they took a seat and joined in the meal.

“Mila, meet Tag,” Rissa said, pointing to the smallest of the three. Then she pointed to the larger man and woman. “And that’s Harper and Silas. They’re a throuple so it’s going to be hard to ignore how cute they are.”

Tag rolled his eyes even as Harper set down the bags of food she was carrying to effortlessly pick him up and snuggle him to her. The woman was as big and muscled as Silas. It made Mila wonder if they were bodybuilders. Although Tag wasn’t tiny, he seemed small compared to those two.

Being picked up must be a regular occurrence for Tag because he smiled indulgently even as he huffed out in pretend annoyance at Harper’s actions. “Harper, put me down.”