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Thatcher’s palm was strong, his handshake sure. As their skin collided, Callum couldn’t help but think it was still warm from where he’d struck Jessop. He wished he hadn’t just woken up. He was groggy, making this weird encounter even more surreal.
“How long will you be visiting?”
“Callum is on a pilgrimage,” Elliot supplied.
“Ah.” Thatcher’s grin widened. “I remember that pull. Powerful thing, that mating desire.” His eyes twinkled when he asked, “So you came for the Curusm?”
Before Callum could so much as snort in derision, Elliot jabbed him. He shot his cousin a look before keeping his tongue. “No. I’ll find her another way.”
“Well, good luck to you. You’ve picked a wonderful time to join us, if you’re hoping to catch her scent. We have a lot of women visiting from other packs. Some even travel halfway around the world to be here. It’s good timing.” He glanced toward the lodge, where laughter and warm light spilled from the open door. “We’re having a little party tonight. Join us?”
Tension rolled off everyone there, but Callum wasn’t sure what to make of it. He knew there was no way he was going into that building. Unsure if he was demanding or requesting his attendance, Callum considered the best way to answer.
Feigning a yawn that turned real halfway through, he ended up stretching. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind calling it a night.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing. Next time.”
“Maybe,” Callum replied, but Thatcher was no longer paying attention.
“Nephew,” Thatcher called toward Rafe.
The man who had squared off against Jessop raised his eyebrows expectantly.
“Know your place, kid.”
Rafe’s smile was easy and carefree. “Sorry, Uncle. I have nooo desire to run this pack of dogs. It’s just Jessop, you know? Can’t resist needling him a bit.”
With a heavy sigh, Thatcher looked in the direction Jessop had gone, before grumbling, “I know.”
The girl Jessop had brought returned to the door with another man’s hand on her waist. He called out to the alpha. Thatcher treated them all to a sly smile that sent shivers down Callum’s spine. “Night, gentlemen. Don’t get into too much trouble.”
Before he entered the building, Thatcher had pulled the girl away from his friend, and had his hand down the back of her jeans before they disappeared from view.
Rafe pulled the collar of his jacket up around his neck. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”
“Agreed.” Elliot glared in the lodge’s direction, making Callum wonder just what kind of party was going on behind those doors.
They loaded into the truck. Callum and Elliot in the cab, and Rafe finding a place in the bed near enough to the rear panel that they could hear him with the window open. Before they were on their way, Callum noted Rafe frowning down at his phone.
Once they were out of the parking lot and headed down a country road leading out of town, Callum released a breath. “What the fuck was all that about?”
“A warm welcome.” Rafe’s sarcasm was clear.
“That was your first test.” Elliot looked over, momentarily taking his gaze from the road.
“And you failed, by the way.” Rafe laughed. “Thatcher won’t like you.”
“And I should care?”
“I guess that depends on what kind of man you are.”
Elliot snorted. “Callum really doesn’t want to be here.”
“Aww, come on.” Rafe shifted against the truck bed. “We’re not that bad.”
Nervous about what he should and shouldn’t say, Callum glanced from Elliot to Rafe. He should have asked more questions before he arrived. Was everyone under Thatcher’s thumb, or did some people suspect he was a murderous monster?
It seemed like Rafe and Elliot were friends. Rafe had come with a warning to leave the lodge. Did that mean he was looking out for Elliot? Would he back Elliot against Thatcher if it came down to a fight?
