Page 93 of X-Clan The Origin

“Noted,” he repeated, this time with a bit more steel in his tone. “And if anyone touches Riley in this sector, they will have me to deal with as well.”

“Likewise,” Elias agreed.

I nodded.Thatwas what I wanted to hear—an agreement to guard my mate as though she belonged to them, too. “Then my conditions have been met.”

“That’s it?” Riley asked incredulously. “A safe place for my heat cycle and the guarantee that only you can reprimand me?”

“Yes.” I didn’t elaborate beyond that single-worded reply, as there wasn’t much else left to say.

“Seriously?” she pressed. “You’re not even going to negotiate for a position?”

“My position is an enforcer,” I told her. I didn’t need Ander to tell me that. It was my natural role. “And I’ll still be your guard. Always.”

“But there’s not much that can happen to me here,” she argued. “They built adome.” She pointed upward like I didn’t know what she meant.

It’d been a pretty impressive thing to fly through. The glass-like structure had needed to be opened to allow our arrival. Apparently, it spanned the entire sector all the way to the ground.

There were some doors that allowed exterior access for when a shifter needed a good run, but it was extremely secure.

And it wasn’t really glass but some high-tech substance with the texture of glass, which allowed for a pretty view of the surrounding mountains.

“The Infected are not the only threats out there,” I reminded her. “But I agree—the security appeals to me.”

She gave me a look. “The security means you’re going to be bored.”

“With you as my mate?” I smiled. “I’ll never be bored. Besides, I imagine Ander will have tasks for me.”

“I will,” he said, not missing a beat. “Several.”

Loyalty tests, I translated. His father might have put in a good word for me based on our previous interaction, but Ander would want me to prove my worth to him. “I look forward to it.”

“Then I can’t wait to introduce you to Enzo,” he drawled, causing Elias to snort.

“One of your challengers?” I guessed.

Ander grunted. “If he can be called that.”

Riley frowned. “Are you going to make Jonas fight?” Her scent changed, telling me that concerned her.

“I won’t need to fight much,ástin mín,” I promised. “Once or twice will establish the hierarchy.”

She knew as well as I did that this part would be necessary. We were animals at heart.Wolves.Hierarchy was second nature to us all.

Her frown deepened.

“I doubt Ander has any vampires in his sector,” I added quietly. “And I grew up with V-Clan wolves. I’ll be okay.”

“I know. I just don’t like thinking about you fighting after…” She trailed off.

I reached over to give her nape a little squeeze. “I beat that Viking Alpha. I doubt any of Ander’s Alphas will rival him in size.”

“Where the hell did you fight a Viking Alpha?” Elias asked, clearly intrigued.

“North Carolina.” I didn’t elaborate, as it wasn’t a story I wished to discuss. “I can help with your challenger problem.”

Ander’s golden irises flickered with the first signs of emotion. Just a hint of cautious relief. “Then I’ll introduce you to the pack.”

“Already?” Riley asked with a gasp. “He’ll fight today?”