Page 84 of Bad Wolf's Nanny

“That’s not your call to make in the middle of a pack gathering,” Felix growled. “Get it together, Dane. Now.”

Dane’s jaw clenched. His teeth ground together.

And somewhere beneath the fury, the panic, the protectiveness churning in his gut, he felt it again. The absence of her. OfLola.

She was out tonight. Out among people. And he wasn’t there to protect her.

His hands shook.

“Let’s talk,” came Rick’s low voice.

Dane didn’t move.

Rick stepped in closer, not threatening, not warm either. But immovable as the ocean.

“Now.”

Nicolas joined them, expression unreadable.

Felix exhaled, muttering something under his breath as he turned back to his kids.

Rick gave Dane a sharp nod. “Come on. Time to explain yourself.”

Dane followed them across the garden without a word, the weight of his guilt heavier than ever.

Rick led the way through the old French doors into the manor’s library. The room was lined wall to wall with dark oak shelves and worn leather-bound books, with a low fire burning in the hearth and the scent of whiskey and ash in the air. Nicolas followed behind Dane, silent and severe.

The moment the door shut behind them, Rick turned. His expression hadn’t changed, calm, cool, and just a little too quiet.

“Want to tell us what the hell that was?”

Dane didn’t answer.

“You humiliated them,” Nicolas said evenly, “and embarrassed the entire pack. In front of an allied alpha, no less.”

“They were behaving like pups,” Dane snapped, “disrespectful, cocky, dangerous. Someone has to keep them in line.”

“And that someone is not you,” Rick said sharply. “At least not likethat. We’re not just a pack of warriors anymore, Dane. We’re a diplomatic force. There’s a difference.”

Dane turned to the fire, running a hand through his hair. His muscles ached from tension he couldn’t release. His thoughts felt like shards of broken glass.

“Something’s going on,” Nicolas said, voice quiet, “you’re never this volatile without cause.”

Rick leaned against the edge of a leather chair, “You want to tell us why you’ve been snapping at everyone for the past week? Why do you look like you haven’t slept in three days?”

Dane said nothing.

“Is it about Lola?” Felix’s voice came from the doorway.

Dane stiffened.

He turned to find Felix entering the room, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

“You stormed in here like the damn apocalypse was at your heels. Is it about her?”

Dane’s shoulders dropped.

He sank into one of the chairs and stared into the flames.