Page 43 of What a Wolf Wants

“Charlene’s ex-boyfriend from Destin, Florida.” Ethan wanted Noah to understand that he knew the situation between Charlene and Noah perfectly well.

“Currentboyfriend. There has been a slight misunderstanding between us.”

Ethan wondered why Noah didn’t talk to Charlene about it and called him instead. “Well, from what she tells me, the misunderstanding is on your part. We’re dating, if you didn’t know that for certain. I understand that you took over my old job. Congratulations are in order. Grainger is one of the best bosses you could ask to work for. I want to wish you luck with that. And I need to tell you to watch your back. If Grainger didn’t warn you, someone in the department might be dirty. Just be careful who you confide in.”

Noah didn’t say anything for a moment and Ethan thought he might realize that Ethan was trying to help him out, but not where Charlene and his relationship were concerned.

“Charlene and I aren’t through with each other, and you had better watch your back where I’m concerned.”

“That’s good to know. Good talking to you. But our pizza just arrived”—not that it had, but it was a good excuse to show they were dating whether the wolf liked it or not—“so I have to let you go. Enjoy Portland. It has a lot of nice things to offer.”

“Listen, here, you—”

Ethan ended the call.

“You know he’s not going to give up that easily.” Charlene sipped some more of her water.

“Yeah, but I don’t have any trouble seeing him wolf to wolf.”

“You have been injured! And he’s a gray wolf. He’s bigger than you. Though if it comes to that, I’ll be there to fight him too.”

“I don’t want you in a fight with him. I mean, if he decides to come here to see me eye to eye, I’ll deal with him.”

“Does anyone know where you’re actually living?” Charlene asked.

“No. Except for you. I gave you my address. Well, and our pack leaders, and Adam, Sierra, and Tori. But no one in the department except for my boss knows.”

“Okay, so if Noah comes here, he isn’t going to find you.”

“Correct. So he’ll come and see you most likely instead.” Which Ethan didn’t want.

“Which means you’ll need to stay here with me. You know, to protect me from the big bad wolf.”

Ethan smiled.

“I’m serious.”

“It will be my honor and my pleasure.” Ethan hadn’texpected that to happen! Noah had really screwed that up with Charlene.

Then their pizza arrived, and they ate it on the deck. This was great. At his home in Portland, he had a deck that overlooked a backyard. It was pretty, but with an ocean view like this? Perfect. No traffic noises, dogs barking, just the sound of the ocean waves pummeling the rocky beach below.

Once they finished their lunch, he said, “I’ve got to go out and buy some steaks and pack an overnight bag for tonight. Do you need anything at the grocery store?”

“What else do you want with the steaks?”

“Corn on the cob? I can grill them and maybe we could have baked potatoes or french fries.”

“I have the potatoes.”

“Okay, I’ll get some corn on the cob. What about fixings for breakfast?”

“I can make us pancakes or waffles if you would like. I have everything we need for that.”

“Milk? Bread?”

“Rolls to go with our steaks?”

“I’ll get some of those too. I’ll be back in a little bit.”