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“Which pack are you planning to join? That will, of course, impact where you can locate your business. You’ll find some have more opportunities than others. As a wolf with no pack and power like that, the world is your oyster. You can have whatever you want.”
With a swish of long red hair, the other female at the far end locks eyes with my mate and admires him openly.
Now it’s my turn to be pissed-off.
“In fact, historically, it was rare for royalty to have one mate, let alone a fated one. They were likely to keep their options open. The goddess often blessed them more than once.”
It’s Chase’s turn to send me soothing vibes down the bond to me.
“My understanding is that it’s a great blessing, one I intend to embrace wholeheartedly.”
The dark-haired beauty tips her head in acknowledgement of his words. The message is loud and clear. “As for a pack, I don’t intend to join one. That’s an option I’ll choose to keep open.”
More concerned looks.
“You can't be a rogue!” There’s outrage at the idea of Chase, with royal blood coursing through his veins, choosing to remain his own man. This reaction tells me Chase is doing the right thing. The council would prefer him to be part of a pack, subject to the usual rules and hierarchy that keeps wolves in order. Having grown up without those constraints, Chase doesn’t feel the desire to be part of the community or submit to anyone. He wouldn’t cope well under another alpha’s control.
Blake sits forward, steepling his fingers together when he rests his elbows on the table.
“You happen to have stumbled across the launch party for the Alpha Games. We’re having a competition to choose the alpha of a nearby pack. The current leader is keen to retire, but he has no suitable heirs. If you’re interested… you could throw your name in the hat?”
Chase and Blake have some kind of telepathic conversation, despite not having a mindlink. These two are more similar than I thought. After a second of silence, Chase shrugs nonchalantly.
“I don’t have a wolf, so I think that’s putting the cart before the horse. Let’s see if he makes an appearance before we do anything rash.”
That seems to appease the council members. He’s not submitting to a pack, but he might lead one someday, if his wolf arrives - which would slot him into their chain of command.
“And what about you, what are your plans?” A kind-looking older wolf addresses me, breaking the tension and allowing the focus to shift to less controversial territory. He has been watching the discussion with amusement, a shrewd glint in his eye. Instead of putting his question to Chase, he’s acknowledging my place, and I appreciate him pulling me into the conversation.
“Sleep,” I say honestly. “Then break it to my brothers that I’ve mated a wolf. They gave Marcus a hard time, this will probably kill them.”
Blake laughs. “I feel like we should be offended by that, but I think even Chase will admit he’s punching above his weight.”
When Chase stands, a smile tugging at his lips, and shakes Blake’s hand once more, it’s clear my mate has decided this meeting is over. I can see a bromance blossoming before my very eyes. My mate pulls me into his side, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“Let’s get my stuff and go home. Sleep, showers, and a big celebration. In that order.”
Closing my eyes, I sigh in relief. That sounds perfect.
CHAPTER 43
CHASE
It doesn’t take me long to pack up the meagre belongings I brought with me to Grey Ridge and move it to Natalie’s cabin.
I throw Tripp and Van the keys to the apartment, telling Sean they’re staying there for the rest of the month instead of me. Van is on the hunt for a proper base of operations, hopefully that won’t take too long. Then he can ship all of his equipment into town and get set up.
I wasn’t lying to the council when I said I have some jobs lined up. It’s not going to be me that takes them, though, not now that I’m mated. If I’m in the process of developing my wolf, and if Natalie is potentially carrying my child, there’s no way I can be away for weeks on end.
We’re going to have to recruit some staff sooner than planned.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Natalie comes into the bedroom, her tanned skin pink from the shower, and her long, dark brown hair clinging together in damp waves. In a plain white t-shirt and short shorts, she looks good enough to eat.
“I’m thinking how good you look, and how much I want to drown you in my scent, again.” Grabbing her by the hand, I tug her into my arms. “And then I’m thinking what a terrible man I am for not just tucking you up in bed and making sure you rest.”
Sighing happily, she stretches up and wraps her arms around my neck. “Then why don’t you do both?”
Scooping her up into my arms, I laugh at her giggles while she clings to me. Lowering her onto the big bed, I climb in behind her and wrap an arm around her waist. She snuggles into me, and as the scent of her freshly washed hair tickles my nose and the warmth of her body seeps into mine, I finally relax.
