A few days after the library incident, Dad called a meeting where the security team and Nico shared their opinions on the situation. After much discussion, we all agreed that Castro was probably done playing his game, since it hadn’t turned out the way he wanted.
Yes, Liza had learned that Castro hadn’t actually killed her parents, though he was the one who had shot them. However, Castro hadn’t anticipated Nico being the one who had made the call to burn Liza’s childhood home to the ground while her parents were still alive.
Castro was reckless but focused, so there was no telling what his next move would be. Whatever was coming, though, we needed to be prepared for the fallout.
Dad finally pulled his eyes from the computer screen and gestured toward my phone. “You seemed to be on an intense call when I walked in earlier. What did I miss?”
I hesitated but figured Nico would eventually tell him, anyway. “Liza had a bit of a run-in with an ex-convict today at the grocery store.”
Dad raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“Her pheromones drew some asshole to her, and he followed her as she left the store and watched her pull away. I’ve got Nico and his team on it. They’re going to keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesn’t attempt to track Liza down.”
“That’s good to hear. Keep me updated.” He stood and stretched, slowly shuffling toward the door. “Sorry to be a party pooper, but I think I’m going to head to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“Yeah, don’t let me keep you. I’m going to head home myself.”
I smiled. I saw Liza’s place as home. At least for now. The estate would be our home for the duration of my leadership as alpha, and then our son would take over when it was his time.
As I drove and thought about my future life with Liza, something shifted in my chest. The thought of Liza carrying my children caused my wolf to rumble. My imagination wandered as I took each turn without a second thought, having memorized the way to Liza’s house weeks ago. I pictured children running around, laughter and excitement echoing through the halls of the estate.
I could almost see them playing tag in the gardens and exploring all of the many nooks and crannies I had enjoyed as a child. The thought of Liza and me ruling over the Keller packtogether almost made me giddy, but I had to slow my roll and stop letting my imagination run away with me.
Liza wasn’t ready. She had made that very clear. She wasn’t ready for the mating ceremony, never mind kids. There was no use in getting my hopes up, so I tried to push the image out of my head. It was too soon to consider it now, but hopefully one day.
It was dark outside when I got to Liza’s house, and I didn’t see any lights on.
I quietly snuck in and discovered the alarm wasn’t set. Before I could panic and start searching every room for Liza, I glanced through the window and saw a fire burning in the firepit. Making my way through the kitchen, I spotted her on the back porch, drinking a glass of wine. She was so beautiful in her pajamas with no makeup. I stopped and stared, wondering how I was so lucky to have fate match me with Liza as my mate.
When I stepped outside, she barely acknowledged my presence. Her hair was wrapped in a towel, and she was lost in her thoughts, staring at the fire she’d built in the firepit.
“Are you okay?”
She glanced up at me, and I could tell by the look on her face that there was definitely something specific on her mind.
“Hold that thought.” She hadn’t said anything, but I wanted to grab a glass of wine before we had a conversation.
I filled my glass with red wine and took a seat next to her. “Before you tell me what’s on your mind, I want to update you on the man from the grocery store.”
Liza pulled her legs up and tucked them underneath her ass, her brow furrowed with worry. “Were you able to get the security footage? Did you figure out who he is?”
“Yes. He’s a local shifter who’s served some time for harassing and attacking a human woman.”
She sat up and grabbed my knee. “Are you fucking kidding me? Of all the men I could attract, it had to be an ex-con?”
“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.” I squeezed her hand. “On the bright side, there’s no reason to think he’ll come after you. He’s been on his best behavior since being released. Plus, I sent his information to Nico, and they’re going to watch him like a hawk.” I took a small sip of wine. “I don’t think he’ll be a problem, but Nico’s team will take care of it if he becomes one.”
She nodded and turned her attention back to the fire.
We sat in silence until I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?
As soon as I asked the question, her scent washed over me. The wind must’ve blown in just the right direction for me to smell her, but there was no doubt it was her. I’d know her scent anywhere. It was different from before, though, almost like the scent of a wolf in heat, but less potent. Something had most certainly changed.
I turned and sniffed the air in her direction. “Did you take your suppressants?” If she said yes, I would call the doctor myself because they weren’t working. If anything, her scent was more enhanced since the last time I saw her.
Liza tipped her glass back and chugged her wine as if she’d never get an ounce of alcohol ever again. Once she downed the last drop, she turned to face me. “My day didn’t go exactly as planned. I was hoping to start the suppressants, but Doc Reynolds wouldn’t give them to me.”
“How come?” I took the empty wine glass from her hand and placed it on the table.
