Juliet wasn’t reacting the way she did because of the potential tie to me. She had that defensive reaction in relation to the idea of mating.
I want to groan when I think back on what I said.
“When we mate.”
Like she had no choice in the matter. Like I’d decided for her because I thought I was the dominant in our relationship.
“Rule number two, I set the pace of our intimacy.”
That’s what I agreed to. And then my words bulldozed over her boundaries.
The way she flinched from me tears at my heart, but why wouldn’t she be afraid? If someone had tried to force a mating on her in the past, then she could have thought I was prepared to do the same thing if she refused.
My curses are lost on the wind as our bikes draw closer to home.
Closer to her.
I need to find a way to explain myself. To fix things.
The ride home takes close to three hours, and I know the moment that we cross into Pine Falls pack territory. Mainly because a tension held high in my shoulders eases. Also, there’s a sharp twinge, letting me know a non-pack member crossed the line, but I was prepared for that. Glancing back at Cory, I noticea tight set to the man’s mouth. Must be uncomfortable to be in a strange territory. Mason and I will put out the word about the guy’s presence so no one hassles him.
Before too long, we’re pulling up to The Rabbit Hole, and I’m happy to spot Thad’s bike in the lot. Now I don’t have to search for the guy. I can pass off Cory, then finally go to Juliet.
When our engines quiet, I dismount and turn to the visitor.
“This is the pack’s bar. Thad’ll be inside. I’ll let the pack know about your visit.”
The guy nods. “Great. I’ll give you all a head start. Something on my bike was rattling weird for the last few miles. Want to check it out before I relax.”
I nod, throw a wave to Courtney as she passes by the bar in her truck, then head into the bar.
There’s a decent amount of bar-goers tonight. Everyone is probably waiting on news from the meeting of the packs, even though I told them I’d hold an official gathering later this week.
An older wolf stops me to talk about his grandson approaching transition age. After promising I’ll visit the kid in the next few days, I step away, searching for my target. Finally, I spot Thad at the bar. As I approach him, more members waylay me, asking how the meeting went. Eventually, I break free of the mass, reminding them I’ll call a full meeting of the pack for a rundown of everything discussed.
As I approach Thad, I notice the lines drawn at the corners of his eyes and the pensive way he stares into his beer glass. Reaching his side, I wave for his attention.
“Something wrong?” I ask.
“Family stuff,” is all he gives me back.
Even after having him in Pine Falls for a couple of years, I’m still not clear on his family dynamic. I know Thad’s mother is a wolf, his father is human, and they both still live in Bear Valley, Utah.
But did they treat him the same way his old pack did? Or were they the ones encouraging him to try a new place?
Whatever is going on now, I’m not going to force him to tell me.
I nod at Moose, silently requesting a beer. No matter how much I want to head straight over to Juliet’s place, I think it would be best for me to stay for one round while Cory and Thad get reacquainted. I figure if the two of them hit it off immediately and I start feeling like the third wheel, I can chug my beer and head out.
“I brought your friend back with me,”I sign.
His brow furrows. “Back from where? What friend?”
He looks legitimately confused, and it notches up my worry about his family issues. Whatever is happening is bad enough to have him forgetting the event that the rest of the pack can’t stop talking about.
“Meeting of the packs,”I remind him.
Thad’s eyes widen, and his nostrils flare, scenting the air near me. I expect to see a smile or a mild look of interest.
