I catch my breath.Is he digging to see if I’m with Branson?We kept our secret for so long I don’t want it to come out now when we’re no longer together.Or are we?
I look into Branson’s eyes.Moments ago, I wanted to strip him naked, strip Maisey naked, and see how it would be if we were hot, sweaty, and fucking.
“I’m with a woman,” I say.
“Anyone I know?”
“No.”I pause.“But I think you should meet her.”
“Why?”
“I’ll explain when I see you.”I flick the phone off.I was curt with my alpha, I know that, but he wouldn’t be alpha if I hadn’t conceded after I became a widower.He should remember that.
“What did he want?”Branson asks.
“There’s a meeting, not just wolves, all clans.Or at least all are involved.That’s what he said.”
“Panthers?”
“I’d imagine so.”
“It must be to do with the attacks.”Maisey nods.“Maybe there’s been a development.”
“I’d agree.”I study her, almost seeing the cogs of her mind turning and wondering just what else she’s sensing.
“You should come with me,” I say to her.
“What?Why?She should come with me.”Branson places his arm around her waist and pulls her close.“The panther’s den is closer.”
“I’ve just told my alpha I’m with her.Do you really want to draw suspicion?”
He grits his teeth.
“Guys,” she says, reaching for my hand but staying close to Branson.“We haven’t got time to argue.People’s lives could be at risk.”She releases us both and pulls on her coat.“Take me to the wolves’ den, Elias, it’s time I met them.”
I swallow and nod.“We should meet back here,” I say to Branson.“Go and find out what you can and I’ll do the same.”
His lips flatten, he’s not happy, but he nods and turns to Maisey.“This is just the beginning.”
“I know.”
Soon we are ducking down the side alley on fourth that leads to the entrance of the wolves’ den.It smells of rats and trash and I hurry Maisey along at my side.
“What did you mean?”she asks.“About drawing suspicion?”
I frown.
“Suspicion of what?You and Branson?”
“Yeah.”I nod and glance at her through the shadows.She’s so damn smart.“We are not a good match.”
“Could have fooled me.You guys are on fire, the chemistry practically sparkles from you and when you kiss ...fuck, you’re hot together.”
“We don’t mix.”
“I’d disagree.”
I stop and hold her shoulder.“This is another world you’re about to enter, Maisey.The rules are different.There is nothing for you to be afraid of but if the wolves found out about me and Branson, then...”
