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“You’ll need backup at the very least.”
He slowed, his hands on his hips, as he sucked in air, and paced the length of the truck. Vivian’s door opened.
They were both out of breath when he slid in next to her. His gaze searched hers, both questioning, worried and concerned for the other. Then they reached for each other. Callum hugged her tight, trying to tell her without words that this would be alright.
“How bad is this going to be?” Callum asked, thinking a little more clearly.
Elliot swallowed as he steered the vehicle around a curve. “I’m not sure yet. Rafe will meet us there, but I’m not sure if he’ll make it in time to help.”
Vivian hugged him tighter, burying her face against his chest. He knew she idolized Rafe and would benefit from his presence. He definitely had a calming effect they could all use right now.
His cousin’s knuckles tightened on the wheel. “It’s all going to depend on Thatcher.”
“Right.” For the first time, Callum worried about his own life. If he disappeared, just like Uncle Kenneth, nothing would stand between Vivian and Thatcher. She’d be as vulnerable as Aunt Charlotte.
“He seems to believe in fated mates, so we have that going for us.” Elliot barely braked at a four-way stop. He glanced both ways before rolling through the intersection. “But he also likes to keep tight control over everything. He’s not going to like that you went over Norman’s head, and he’s definitely going to be pissed that you didn’t go to him for permission.” His cousin’s exhale was sharp. “I don’t know what to expect.”
The lodge came into view.
The cab grew quiet as they neared the formidable building. Callum had the door open before Elliot got the truck fully parked.
“Wait!” Vivian called out.
Turning back to the truck, he helped her down, but when he turned toward the log lodge, she yanked him to her.
Pressing her sweaty forehead to his, she closed her eyes and whispered that she loved him.
Cupping her hands between his, he gave them a squeeze. Emotion made his voice wobble as he told her, “No one hurts you anymore.” He pressed his lips against hers.
Elliot’s phone rang. He glanced at it as he came around the tailgate. “It’s Thatcher.”
Lifting it to his ear, he listened for a moment, but Callum was already headed for the building, Vivian’s hand in his. Behind him, he heard Elliot. “We’re already here. Out front. Be in, in a minute.”
Thatcher had summoned him.
Hopefully, coming straight here after learning of the fight between Norman and Vivian would gain him some points with Thatcher.
The alpha was a man’s man, and he would appreciate Callum’s valor.
At least he hoped so.
As they entered the building, Elliot leaned closer and whispered. “Keep your head held high. Be clear and determined, but respectful. And if he picks Norman over you, I’ll challenge Norman for the role of beta.”
Beside him, Vivian gasped.
“What?” Callum paused. He couldn’t believe that.
“You’re my cousin, and no matter what this pack values, hurting women should be an immediate dismissal from his post. Hurting anyone in a defenseless position should be outlawed.”
He looked at Vivian who was worrying her lip.
If Elliot challenged Norman for beta, he’d have to fight Vivian’s father until one yielded or died.
“It should be me,” Callum objected.
“You don’t want to stay in this pack, remember?”
“Then I’ll abdicate the role to you.”
