Page 121 of Quarterback Sneak

I meet Zane’s grin with one of my own. Zane nods his head towards the living room. “Have a good night, Slater Thorne,” I can’t resist. He grunts out a goodnight, and then it’s just Zane and I again. “That’s the most I’ve ever heard him talk,” I admit.

“He doesn’t talk a lot, but he’s always listening.” I take that in, not that it surprises me in the least. “He’ll be my enforcer one day.”

“What’s an enforcer do?”

He grins. “Enforces the pack laws.”

“By...” I prompt.

“By taking out those who refuse to obey.” His eyes darken. “Or those who would cross him or threaten our pack.”

“And by taking out, you mean...”

“Kill them,” he says simply.

I blanch. “Oh.”

His gaze is serious. “Pack life is dangerous, Evie. We have enemies, and we have to protect the weaker in our pack—the elderly, the children, our mates. We take it very seriously. Wolves don’t mess around. If they attack, they mean to kill.”

I take in his words, trying to process all this. “And you,” I pause, trying to find the words. I finally just say what I’m thinking. “I can’t picture you a killer.”

His eyes harden. “Don’t ever mistake my tenderness for you and the love I have for you and my packmates for weakness. Mybeast is a predator and will destroy anyone who tries to threaten the ones I love, especially my mate.”

Chapter 50

Evie

I can’t get Zane’s words out of my mind later as I stare up at the ceiling. Zane didn’t fight me as much this time when I said I’d take the couch. Honestly, it’s really comfortable. But now, everything he and Slate said tonight runs through my mind on repeat, and I have a hard time trying to sleep. Eventually, though, my tired mind forces me to shut it down. I wake to my alarm and turn it off quickly, so I don’t wake any of the guys. I sit up in the dark, so I don’t risk falling back to sleep. I hear movement in the dark. “You’re up,” a deep voice says, and I instantly recognize it.

“I am.”

Zane sits next to me on the couch a moment later. “Did you sleep well?” His hand reaches out, and he tucks a hair behind my ear.

“I did. I told you; this couch is comfy.”

I don’t think he really believes me, but he lets it go. “Ready to go for our run?”

I yawn and nod. “Let me just get changed.” He stands up. “You can use my room if you want.”

I grab my bag and head into his room. A few minutes later, I’m back in the living room, wearing my workout clothes with one of Zane’s sweatshirts over the top. “You’re never getting this one back either.”

“I don’t want it back.” I can hear the affection in his voice. “Ready?”

Somehow, I’m not surprised when Slate follows us out of the house. He stays a distance behind us, but he tracks with us the whole time. It feels good to move. The sun starts to rise while we’re out, and it’s beautiful. I follow Zane’s lead, and we end up back at the house. I tug my ear buds from my ears. “That was good; thank you.” He follows me inside and lets me take a shower before him. When he gets in the shower, I head to the kitchen and start making omelets. I add some chopped veggies and spinach. I find the chicken sausage and make a bunch of that. After a quick search on my phone, I find a healthy energy ball recipe. A search through all their cabinets shows they have everything I need. I’m really glad Zane’s mom keeps this kitchen stocked. Quint’s the first one in the kitchen. “When are you moving in full time, Evie? This smells amazing.”

I shrug, not telling him that that very question stayed with me last night until this morning. “Here, try one of these,” I tell him, handing him one of my energy balls.

He looks at it. “What is it?”

Zane comes into the kitchen, freshly showered and looking amazing in his black t-shirt and black athletic pants. He snatches one off the pan and pops it in his mouth. His eyes meet mine, and he nods in approval. “These are great.” He picks up another one and eats that one too.

“They’re supposed to be healthy and are packed with protein for you.”

Quint finally eats his. “These are really good.” I beam under the praise. Reid and Slate join us in the kitchen a moment later, and the noise level picks up. We don’t linger long over breakfast as we all have classes to get to. Every single one of the guys thanks me for breakfast and helps me pick up. A few minutes later, Zane and I are in his truck, driving to school. I gather my thoughts while he drives. His hand finds mine, and he wraps his strong fingers around mine.

“Thanks for breakfast.”

“You’re welcome.”