Page 13 of Wild Games
I can’t be another source of drama for my brother today. We’ve managed to get through the attempted murders of his rogue mate and her brother, and now we’ve got a stolen magical weapon being used on our territory. The least I can do is not ruin everything by going feral in the middle of the brunch.
A freezing shower helps marginally, the blast of cold water clearing my thoughts some. I dress quickly in clean clothes, knowing Dean wants progress on this investigation, and fast.
DEAN: Meet me at the Eastern training grounds. Now.
His voice cuts through the mind link, curt and commanding.
Good. This gives me the chance I need. I’ll tell him about Camille being my mate, explain why I need to stay away. Neither of us wants to explain to the council how my wolf went wild and marked her without her consent during another blackout.
The walk to the training grounds takes only minutes, but I use every second to rehearse what I’ll say.
Camille is my mate. For her own safety, we need to be kept apart.
He’ll pull me off the case. Maybe even send me to another pack until the Games are over.
I round the equipment shed, words ready on my tongue, and freeze.
She’s there. Crouched beside the weapons rack with Dean, examining something on the handle of a practice sword. The morning sun turns her hair to gold as she gestures at whatever they’ve found.
My carefully planned confession dies in my throat as she tilts her head and looks up at me, sunlight dancing across her pretty features. One eyebrow raised in challenge, and I nearly swallow my own tongue.
She’s so beautiful.
“Finally,” Dean calls without looking up.
Camille rocks back on her heels, her expression unreadable, as she regards me.
My wolf rushes forward, and I grit my teeth, fighting back the urge to cross to her in three long strides and toss her over my shoulder.
“Jax, this is Camille. Camille, Jax. He’s the best tracker we have, and he’ll be at your disposal for as long as you want him.”
Her lips curl in amusement. “Fantastic.”
My feet remain rooted to the spot, not trusting myself to move any closer. Immediately, my wolf’s protectiveness kicks into gear. The culprit could be here, watching.
“Well, Jax. Why don’t you get over here and tell us what you think?” When she blinks up at me, I can’t resist doing what she asks. Her scent on the breeze lures me closer, even though I know I should be keeping my distance.
Especially when she tilts her head, mischief sparkling in her eyes, and adds, “Maybe a thief can give me some insight into catching one.”
The smart comment hits exactly where she intended, and I halt my approach, trying not to smile at her feisty attitude. My wolf is shameless though, loving her spirit, and that she’s not afraid to call me out.
And that she doesn’t look all that pissed off about it, merely intrigued.
“Thief?” Dean’s head snaps up, looking between us with sharp interest, his eyes imploring me to please keep the peace here and not mess things up. “You two know each other?”
“We’ve crossed paths. Or, should I say, his wolf and I have,” Camille says coolly, standing with fluid grace. “Your brother was lurking in the woods near my cabin.”
My hands clench into fists. She’s baiting me, trying to get a reaction. And it’s working. My wolf wants to fuck that bratty attitude right out of her.
“I was patrolling the borders,” I explain through gritted teeth. “It’s my job.”
Forcing myself to move closer, each step is an exercise in control. When her scent surrounds me, arousal and anger mix with something that makes my wolf whine with need.
“Your job involves sneaking onto my porch?” she challenges, and I press my lips into a thin line, staring down at her while she glares right back, hands on hips, pure defiance shining right back at me.
She’s furious and, gods, I just want to kiss her so badly.
The tension between us is thick enough to choke on. Dean watches us, clearly trying to piece together whatever he’s missing, before deciding he has other more important things to worry about. A criminal, one who might target Camille if they realise why she’s here.