Page 89 of Jace's Mate

Another howl split the night—this one shorter, more direct.The new she-wolf Alpha stood tall on her hay bale, her dominance absolute.Her eyes locked on Jace’s.

He met her gaze without flinching.

She dipped her head once.

He understood.She was in charge now.The pack was hers—and there would be no more trouble from them.

Jace gave a small nod in return, acknowledging her authority and her success.

Then he stood, turned toward the barn door, and gave a commanding bark.

Time to go.

Anikka responded instantly, leaping to her feet and falling into step beside him.Ciaran and the three boys followed without question.

But Ragnor… Ragnor hesitated.

The beta looked back at the blond Alpha.His mate.Hisfuture.The conflict in his posture was impossible to miss.Loyalty to Jace, the pack, the mission—pulling him one way.Instinct, bond, and love—pulling him another.

The new Alpha barked at him, nudging him toward Jace.Her command clear:Go.

But Ragnor growled back, his tone defiant.

Jace sighed and gave a soft grumble in return.Go on, then.

Ragnor broke from the group.He leapt up the hay bales, stopping one level below the she-wolf.He didn’t climb to her—just sat beneath her, content.

His place was with her now.

Jace trotted out of the barn, the rest of his pack trailing behind.At the threshold, he paused, nostrils flaring.

Janice.

He scented the trail she’d taken—fleeing, wounded, humiliated.She wouldn’t be back tonight.Maybe not for a while.But she’d be back eventually.

And when she did, he’d be ready.

Jace loped into the woods, the chill night air rushing through his fur.Anikka stayed tight to his side, her steps strong and sure.Behind them, Ciaran and the boys kept pace.He monitored them carefully.They’d already run hundreds of miles—and they had at least two hundred more to go.

But they were strong.

And they were going home.

Chapter 31

Itwasthesharpswatto her bare bottom that yanked Anikka out of her dreams the next morning.

With a sleepy start, she blinked up in confusion, the sting lingering as her groggy mind tried to process why someone—someone—had just spanked her.

There was no one in the room but Jace.

Wait—how had she even gotten into bed?

Still foggy from last night’s adrenaline and absurdly proud of herself for taking down that evil she-wolf, Anikka yawned and rubbed her eyes.The memory of the battle came back in flashes—her victory, her teeth at Janice’s scruff, the utter satisfaction of humiliating that conniving woman.

Smack!

Another spank.Her eyes flew open.