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“Yeah, but they weren’t Nicky’s father or Sam’s ex,” I reminded him, watching the skin around his eyes tighten minutely. “She may not love him, and she may actually want to kill him herself, but you would have to carry that burden.”

“I will do whatever is necessary to protect you and this Pack,” Dom swore, the steel in his tone sending a flutter through me. “If Caleb –”

“If Caleb what? Won’t fight, can’t do it? Are you going to give him the chance?” I was honestly curious by Dom’s answer. My impression was the elders didn’t want to chance Caleb losing, but it was Dom’s opinion that mattered to me. And to Caleb, I thought.

“I’ve always supported Caleb. This is no different,” Dom said stoutly. “He’s my brother, my Alpha, my friend.” He swallowed thickly. “I believe in him.”

“Then I think everything will be okay,” I said, smiling softly as I leaned forward to kiss Dom’s cheek, watching as Caleb disappeared back into the forest. He’d heard what he needed to hear.

“Do you think it was enough?” Dom whispered against my cheek and I nodded. “I wish,” he broke off and I smoothed my hand through his dark hair.

“We all wish,” I answered, knowing none of us wanted Caleb to go through the challenge but also knowing there was nothing else that could happen. “What time is the meeting?”

“A couple of hours,” Dom replied, lacing his fingers with mine as he helped me up. “Have you had a chance to check on Sam yet?”

“My next stop,” I commented, tightening my fingers when he attempted to pull away. “I think you should join me.” Dom’s gaze was reluctant but I didn’t relent. “She’s going to dodge you until you force her hand.”

“You think today is the day?”

“Better today than tomorrow.”

“What if she slams the door in my face?”

I patted the large bulge in my pocket. “I have keys. Also, I’ve seen what you’re capable of. I’m pretty sure you could knock the door down if necessary.”

He winced, scrubbing his hand over his head as he replied, “Let’s hope it’s not necessary.”

“Have you seen Trent?” I asked curiously and he shook his head. “He was supposed to find Anna for me last night.”

“He did find her,” Dom answered and I glanced at him curiously. “She was in the forest, tracking Wren.”

“Did she find out who Wren is meeting?”

Dom shook his head, “Trent says they got there too late. He escorted Anna home.”

“I’m sure Anna appreciated that,” I said under my breath.

“She should,” Dom said sharply, his tone surprising me. “She takes too many risks. The Hanleys know about her now. She’s valuable and I won’t take the chance of something happening to her.” He eased up slightly at my shocked expression. “Trent feels the same way.”

“I never meant that she shouldn’t be escorted,” I tried to explain, “Just that I know she feels she doesn’t need the protection, and she takes exception to it.”

“I can accept her anger if it means she’s safe,” Dom rumbled, his overbearingly protective side showing itself.

“Shouldn’t Caleb be equally concerned?” I asked lightly and Dom grimaced. His expression forced me to ask, “Is he becoming the Alpha or just playing at it, Dom?”

“It’s a heavy burden for any man, much less a grieving teenager,” he answered, avoiding the question as we came to a stop at Sam’s door. “He needs time and the elder’s acceptance.”

Dom’s words reminded me of Gregory’s cryptic remark. “Gregory said something to me last night. Do you know his thoughts on Caleb?”

“My impression is he supports Caleb as Alpha,” Dom answered. My forehead crinkled. “Why?” He questioned after seeing my expression.

“I’m not sure. I just feel like Gregory has his own agenda,” I replied slowly, as I acknowledged the idea for the first time.

“We can speak with him this afternoon,” Dom said quietly as he faced the door his sister hid behind. “You think she’ll talk to me?”

“I don’t know but its time she listened to you at least,” I answered honestly and he rapped on the door.

It took a minute before we heard the shuffle of a shoe against the floor and I knew she had checked the peephole when I heard, “I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Yeah, but I want to talk to you,” Dom rumbled, giving two sharp taps to the door. “You owe me that much, Sam.”

“Where’s Jess?”

“Right here,” he answered, shifting so I was in sight.

“You too scared to face me alone?” She taunted through the door, her voice too shaky to be taken seriously.

“She has a key,” Dom said simply. “I’m not going away this time, Sam. You don’t have to explain anything to me. I love you,” his voice thickened and I had to blink a couple of times. “I just want my big sister back.”