Page 88 of Crossed Fates

“I was a little busy doing a head count.” And reacting to news of Savi going missing.

Jude clapped me on the shoulder. “Alpha looks good on you.” He glanced at my dad. “I’m taking credit for some of that since you dumped him on me when he was eighteen and barely an adult.”

My father grunted. “Dumpedis a harsh word. More like I encouraged you to find him when he ran off.”

My jaw ticked as I read between the lines. “You recruited me because of my dad.”

“Well, that and your alpha wolf status,” he replied. “I knew you’d make a fine slayer, and you surpassed all my expectations, Ric. You’re exceptional.”

“He really is,” my father agreed, making me decidedly uncomfortable.

“And you know Makayla’s alpha,” I said, wanting to switch the topic away from me. “Which is how my dad knew about KBO.”

“Yeah, about that.” Jude cleared his throat. “I have a message from Nathan regarding the future of your balls if you so much as harm Makayla, or upset her, or something. I should’ve written it down. Her brother was involved, too. I don’t quite know. Just, don’t piss her off. I don’t want a bunch of angry alpha-like wolves entering our realm just to hunt your ass down, all right?”

I snorted. “Don’t worry about me, boss.”Apparently, my balls have been threatened by your alpha and your brother,I drawled to Makayla. Someone should inform them that you handle my family jewels just fine on your own.

A laugh sounded from her, but nothing else. She appeared to be consumed by her patrol duties, which should be coming to an end in about an hour.

That gave me enough time to drop everything at my cabin and join her.

“I’m going to go find Mak and bring her up to speed,” I told my dad and Jude.

“Come by for breakfast in the morning,” my dad said as I started to walk away. “We need to talk more about the future, son.”

My hackles didn’t rise like they would have a week ago. Instead, all I felt was a subtle pounding in my heart and the piquing interest of my wolf. We still had a case to solve, but he was right to want to secure the leadership of Silver Lake. The wolves couldn’t properly thrive without an alpha.

“Okay,” I said with a nod. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

On the walk back to my cabin, I searched for Makayla’s mind again and immediately felt calm seep into my bones. I waited, but she didn’t say anything.

Still ignoring me, sweetness?I asked.

I felt her amusement even though she remained silent. And somehow, through our link, I sensed her starting to run. Not in fear. Not for exercise. But to play.

With a shake of my head, I laughed.Keep running, baby. Only makes me want to catch you more.

Makayla

I grinnedat Alaric’s taunt and gave up my silent treatment to tease him back.Catch me if you can, Alpha.

Yeah, I’m going to need you to call me that the next time I’m inside you.

I shivered at the promise in his tone. My wolf completely agreed with his idea and tried to turn around and head on back to his house, ready to give Alaric whatever he wanted. I righted our course, refusing her antics.Look,sometimes we have to make him chase us,I chastised her.It makes being caught that much sweeter.

I don’t plan on being sweet when I get my hands on you.

Neither do I, I warned devilishly.

Maybe we should let our animals run the show for a little bit,he suggested.My wolf is craving a playdate with his mate.

I felt him shift into animal form, his energy a warm caress against my mind. Then I caught his thoughts as he entered the woods.

We were definitely linked on an intimate level, a realization that sent a shiver down my spine.

Part of me thought it was hot.

The other part remained uncertain.