Page 17 of Jace’s Mate (East Coast Territory #1)

T he following morning, Jace yanked open the door to his office, already tense and on edge. Ragnor was standing just outside, about to knock.

Jace was ready to snap.

He’d already handled a dozen issues that morning—redirected patrols, sent two guards to surveil Gustov’s territory, and—most important—convinced Anikka to stay one more day.

He’d suggested she cook for the pack, tapping into something she loved, and she’d agreed.

For now. It was the only reason she hadn’t bolted back to the so-called “Uncle Wilton,” who definitely wasn’t her blood relative.

So who the hell was he?

From the stories she’d told him last night, the bastard rubbed Jace the wrong way—too controlling, too possessive, and far too comfortable issuing orders to Anikka like she was property.

There was something off. And Jace was starting to suspect that Wilton might be connected to the broader threat they were facing.

Understanding that he was too agitated to think clearly, Jace pushed away from the door. Time to burn off some energy. Since Anikka wasn’t ready to release it with him in bed—yet—a long, hard run through the woods would do the job.

And tonight might be the night. It would be Anikka’s first shift. She didn’t know what she was yet, but her wolf was there, just under the surface. He’d seen the signs. And he wanted to be there when she experienced the shift for the first time.

“Who needs a run?” he asked suddenly.

Ragnor’s grin was instant. “I know we just went out a few days ago, but everyone would love to get out again!” he said with a chuckle.

Jace nodded once. “Send out the call. If anyone’s feeling the itch, we’ll meet and go for another run through the woods. Tonight.”

At that moment, Anikka appeared in the doorway with one of the kitchen staff. The other woman held a tray, smiling warmly. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “Your mate suggested tonight’s dinner menu, and I brought enough for everyone. She can stay and eat with you, Alpha.”

She moved into the room and set the food down, then muttered something else while she bustled out.

Jace barely heard her.

His gaze locked on Anikka. Gods, she was stunning—even in that hideous, flowered dress. It was practically a crime against fashion, but it couldn’t hide her warmth, her strength, or the curve of her jaw when she lifted her adorable, stubborn chin like that.

“We’re running tonight,” he said to her.

Her expression froze—somewhere between confusion and reluctance. She didn’t understand. Not yet.

And why did she wear such awful clothes?

Another mystery he planned to solve.

But the bigger truth? She didn’t know what she was. Not fully. But he knew. His instincts had never been wrong. Every part of him—wolf and man—knew she was his mate. And there was no way in hell he was letting her walk away just because no one had ever explained her true nature.

He’d teach her. Gently. Slowly. Let her come to understand what she was and what they could be together.

Three months. That’s how long he’d give her. Maybe. That was all his wolf would allow.

Even now, the need to make her his woman clawed at him. Even now, he could smell her arousal—not that she realized what it was. Pressing her knees together wouldn’t stop the scent from reaching him.

“I need to get back to my uncle.”

Jace turned sharply.

She hadn’t said the words aloud.

“After tonight’s run,” he replied in her mind, watching the shock flash across her features. “You’ll love it.”

“I won’t!” she protested aloud. “My uncle is waiting for me. I’m supposed to cook dinner every night.”

Jace shook his head. “If your uncle is a shifter, he’ll understand. You won’t be cooking for him anymore.”

“I love cooking,” she snapped, this time using her voice. “It’s the one thing he let me do that I enjoyed.”

There was defiance in her eyes now, her chin lifted again like a dare.

“You can cook anything you want,” Jace replied smoothly. “For me.” Then, softening just slightly, he added, “And for the rest of your new pack.”

Ragnor, still typing, gave no indication he was paying attention to the argument. But a second later, he slid his phone back into his pocket. “The run is set for two hours from now,” he said.

“Good.” Jace nodded. Then he turned back to Anikka. “Why don’t we eat while we wait?”

“The rest?” she echoed warily, stepping farther into the room. “Who’s the rest ?”

“The rest of the pack,” Jace replied. “We went for a run a couple nights ago, but apparently most of the members are restless again. We take vans and buses, depending on how many want to come along.”

Anikka sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I don’t need a run tonight. I ran through the city yesterday, and right now all I want is a long shower and…” She looked down at herself, lips twisting in dismay. “Something else to wear. I smell awful and this dress is a disaster.”

Her fingers threaded through her hair with a soft huff of frustration. “I probably look a fright.”

“You look beautiful,” Jace said without hesitation. “And yes, I can smell the sweat on you—among other things—but tonight’s run won’t be like yesterday’s. It’s not about escaping. It’s about connecting . I promise.”

Before she could argue, the door opened again and the last two of the three big, burly men she’d seen briefly the day before strode into the room, both grinning like eager wolves on the scent of a challenge.

Anikka instinctively took a step closer to Jace.

He noticed.

“Anikka, you saw my men yesterday, but I didn’t get the chance to introduce you properly,” Jace said, his tone shifting—something between formality and pride. “These are my betas. They run point when I’m not available.”

He gestured to the three men now standing near him—Ragnor, who gave her a subtle nod, and the two newcomers, who looked like they’d be just as comfortable in a back alley fight as they were standing in a luxurious office.

“They’re in charge when you can’t find me,” Jace continued. “If you ever need anything—anything at all—you go to one of them.”

One of the newcomers gave her a warm, if slightly wolfish, grin. “We’ll take care of you, Luna.”

Her eyes widened at the title, but before she could ask about it, Jace’s hand landed lightly at the small of her back. A steadying touch. A reminder.

Not just of his presence—but of his claim.

And she didn’t move away.