The alpha rage burning in my gut spreads to every nerve ending, readying for a fight. This male is looking at what is mine, and I don’t like it.

“Eyes off her.Now.” I force my voice to remain low, but I can’t contain the growl in my tone, nor the alpha power that forces Vincent to comply. His scowl is venomous. Hating that I forced him to comply. It doesn’t matter how much money or property or cronies he has, all must obey the alpha command.

“She seems very important to you for a simple human. Is there something you want to share,Alpha?” He spits out the last word like a curse.

“Not with you,Elf.”

Vincent bristles at my reciprocated tone and sits taller in his pink vinyl seat.

“You have till Thursday next week to accept my offer before things get messy. Though, I would recommend an earlier response if you don’t want to see anything untoward happen to that tasty little human over there.” Vincent licks his lips again, no doubt trying to absorb the remnants of Lottie’s sweetness and lust I scented on her.

“Careful. Threatening a member of my pack is cause for retaliation,” I threaten right back at him.

He scoffs and chuckles low and menacingly.

“Oh, Hunter. She’s not a member of your pack. She’s not even a resident of the town. She’s an unattached human passing through. You have no claim over her.”

My blood freezes in my veins. I’ve already claimed her as mine internally. The moment Fynn told me it was possible, that was it. To me she’s already a member of my pack, my future mate, my future wife. But to other’s she’s just a human. Fair game. At least until I claim her fully, cementing the mate bond between us. A factor that I highly doubt I’ll be able to complete in time to avert Vincent’s attempt to use her against me without fear of retort.

“She’s still in my town, and as mayor I can protect the residents of Snowberry,” I claim, even though it’s weaker than my initial warning.

“What are you going to do? Arrest me? Do you even have a jail cell here? I have every right to interact with sweet Lottie as much as I wish. And until her status changes, I will do just that.”

Threatening words won’t do me anymore good here than they already have. I have nothing left I can control him with for thetime being. Something I need to rectify. Until then, I’ll have to keep a close eye on Lottie.

Vincent stands to leave a triumphant smirk on his sharp featured face. And I can’t help but offer one more threatening warning.

“Watch yourself, Vincent. You’re in my town, and I protect what’s mine.”

His smug expression doesn’t falter as he drags one sharp claw across the table's surface, leaving a jagged line behind and giving Lottie one more cursory glance on his way out. His guards fall into step behind him as soon as he exits.

Thankfully Lottie isn’t looking at the elf, but laughing with Ginger, and the frenzied rage that was building subsides at the sight of her joy.

I will protect her no matter what. I don’t care if she isn’t officially a member of my pack or resident of Snowberry. She is mine. Mine to protect, mine to keep, mine to please. And if he attempts to put one finger on her, I will not hold myself back. I will do what’s necessary, consequences be damned.

Taking one last longing look at Lottie, I force myself to stand and leave the restaurant without stopping to speak with her like I desperately want to do.

I’ll see her again tonight. I know I said I was busy, but that was a lie. I’ve cleared all my evenings of former commitments to be free to visit with Lottie in wolf form. Tonight will be no different. Except I’ll be posting outside the cabin all night standing guard, just to be sure.

Chapter 20 – Lottie

Now, I know I said I wouldn’t go for a run in the forest alone tonight, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go on a walk to visit with my favorite wolf. I’ve taken this path on several occasions and know well enough by now not to get lost. With Sinatra at my side, I doubt any other predators will attempt to approach me.

Slipping on my cashmere sweater and scooping up my Polaroid and guitar, I make my way into the woods. The sun is still out for at least another hour or two, so there is plenty of time to go for a walk and return before dark.

The walk to the meadow takes ten minutes at a brisk pace. When I arrive, Sinatra is already there waiting for me. He sits in the center of the circle of late afternoon sunlight, ears perked and eyes focused. As soon as I step over the threshold into the clearing, his tongue lulls out of his mouth, and he stands to greet me.

Rubbing his head and neck against my hand, arm, side, back, and finally, chest. Seemingly assuring himself of my presence. Scratching his neck and head, I praise the beautiful animal and giggle at his antics. He’s like a giant cuddly dog greeting his owner when they return home from work.

My heart lightens, and that comforting feeling of peace the wolf always brings washes through me, and I forget that Hunter rejected my offer earlier today.

“You are such a good boy, aren’t you, Sinatra. My sweet boy. You always want to spend time with me, don’t you?”

Sinatra bounces on his front paws in agreement. His black fur glistening in the sunlight, ice blue eyes glinting. Whoever says animals don’t have personalities never had a pet. Because this wolf has such an obvious personality. Protective, friendly, cuddly, sweet and thoughtful.

“That’s what I thought. Although I don’t blame him for his work. He is the mayor, after all. That has to be a demanding job. Or at least I would think so. I don’t really know what a mayor does, but I’m sure it’s important.”

Sinatra follows me to the soft, mossy grass area I usually sit in and circles me until I settle. Plopping his massive furry body down so close to me, he almost knocks me over.