Page 72 of Locke

I’d brought my mate to the new packhouse, still being constructed, after I ravaged her on the forest floor.

The third floor of the large mansion reminded me of packhouses I had traveled past in the Elysian realm. They were for the more developed packs, ones that had a heavy export in textiles, armor or other items that were considered luxurious. I hadn’t seen anything like it before until I finally left the ashes of Blood Rose.

I wanted that for a pack of my own.

The Iron Fang’s packhouse stood tall and imposing, even though the first and second floors were partially incomplete. The sturdy walls were constructed from the finest stone and reinforced with iron. However, what set it apart from other packhouses I have ever seen, was the touch of nature that adorned its exterior.

Lush green vines cascaded down the walls, intertwining with the logs and creating a harmonious blend of human construction and the fae’s natural influence. The foliage seemed to have a life of its own, as if the fae had carefully chosen it to complement the surrounding scenery. It was as if the packhouse was not just a home for the alpha but for the unmated wolves that had yet to build their own families. The mated had their own cabins being constructed. This sanctuary was integrated into the wilderness. The combination of modern strength and fae magic made the Iron Fang’s packhouse truly unique.

Once the packhouse was completed, we could bring them here. Emm and I would watch over them until they were mated and had their own cabins to retreat too.

I took several deep breaths.

Time. All in good time.

My phone had several messages, mostly from Bones and updates from the club.

Bones: “The crew is set up at the mansion. They are currently delayed but are taking time to scout out patterns of their security.”

I tilt my head and rub my chin as I read it.Why the hell would they be delayed?

Locke:“Why is it delayed?”

The response was quick.

Bones:“Nadia and Bear have a headache.”

I raised a brow.

Locke:“Explain.”

The phone vibrated in my hand and I answered. I stepped out of our bedroom, but kept the door open to monitor her.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to disturb you,” Bones cleared his throat. “It’s being taken care of; I told them some meds to pick up. Bear said they would resume once they’ve kicked in.”

“Why the hell would they get a headache? Shifters don’t get a fucking headache, not unless-.” My heart stopped beating in my chest. “Fucking shit.” I ran my hand through my messy hair. “The link—a pack-link. There is a link trying to form.”

“What? Nadia’s had a headache before. I figured Bear might be feeling hers through their bond. Humans have medication for this sort of pain. I’m hoping it will help with theirs.”

I shook my head. Nadia and Bear were a mated couple. There’s way human medication would touch them. Bones didn’t know shit about links and how they formed.

“They need to pull out,” I growled. “Tell them to back off and come home.”

“Alpha, they are already there. They are so close—”

I balled my fist and banged it on the table. “I said get them the fuck home. All shifters need to get back to home base. The ones who are going to feel this the most are the mated couples, Bones. It’s going to get worse.”

Bones wouldn’t know that even for a doctor; few shifters did. Alphas were taught how links were created; tiny wires inside the mind, hunting and searching to connect their threads to a wired system. Bear and Nadia didn’t have our pack close enough to connect with anyone—to a leader. Their animals wouldn’t connect to just anyone, they would only connect with someone they have submitted to or trusted.

I just hoped that was me.

“Get them out,” I snapped. “We will have to find another way.”

“The vampires?” Bones questioned. “The ones that offered their help. Bear can have them come in and take their place.”

As much as I wanted to leave out that damn coven, it was a suitable substitute. I clenched my jaw. “Do we have maps available? What about the Moonlight Outcasts that helped Bear rescue Nadia? Are they willing to negotiate with the coven and lead the operation?”

Bones repeated what I asked. I heard Switch’s confirmation and the repeated tapping of the keys on a keyboard. The Moonlight Outcasts were a bunch of vampires and a werewolf, who’d formed some sort of friendship bond before finding me. They held each other together and helped Bear rescue Nadia. They would know that mansion inside and out, as much as Bear.