Page 59 of The Tracker's Rage

“I don’t know. Any number of reasons. For one, you don’t have a pack, so he may try to drag you into his.”

“He might, but I’m an alpha, Jake. He can’t force me to do anything I don’t want to do. Besides, there’s no point in trying to hide something he already knows.”

“I guess not.” He sighed in frustration.

“What are you worried about?”

“You, I’m worried about you. This situation is more complex than you could ever imagine. You’ve no idea about the intricacies of pack life and the meaning of alliances. If you do the wrong thing, you might end up with entire packs as your enemies.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” Rosalina said, rising from her chair and sitting on the desk.

“I’m willing to take that risk if it means stopping Stephen and whoever is controlling him, if that’s really what’s going on here.”

“I don’t know.” Jake shook his head. “Something doesn’t feel right about any of this.”

“Damn right.”

He rubbed his forehead, his frustration with me on clear display. “I’ll go with you tonight.”

“Won’t Stephen get suspicious if you’re not with Blondie instead? Isn’t that going to causeyousome trouble with your new allies?”

“Very good point,” Rosalina said.

“That’s for me to worry about.”

“Doesn’t sound like a good start to your idyllic romance,Jakie?”

“Shut up.” He pointed a large index finger straight at me, looking pissed. “Text me your plans for tonight. I’ll see you at the club.” He turned on his heel and left. His intoxicating scent lingered in the air, making me want to run after him, to keep him close, but no matter how much we wanted to be together, our paths seemed to be heading in completely different directions.

Chapter 21

Iwas killing it inmy tight black shorts, silky white top, and mid-thigh boots. I could feel confidence exuding off of me, and had confirmation that it was working. The eyes of Skew and Stale males alike followed my trajectory toward the bar. My steps matched the beat of the music. My pink-tipped hair swayed behind me, brushing my shoulders.

When I got to the bar, I ordered a whiskey sour and took small sips as I watched the crowd. The scene was pretty much the same as when I was here the first time with Jake. A large dance floor, a DJ as the focal point, and professional dancers performing atop platforms. On the closest platform, one of the male dancers provocatively undulated like a snake. He was covered in fur, his face partly shifted, appearing more werewolf than human. He wiggled his tongue at me when he caught me watching.

I sensed the moment Jake moved within my line of vision. Almost of their own accord, my eyes drifted over the crowd until I spotted him. His gaze immediately locked with mine, and he headed in my direction, his confident air causing many to stare in his wake. His entire demeanor screamed strength and determination, and people took notice.