Page 37 of The Secret Mate Society

"Because he's human?"Patrick asked."Or because he’s a man?”

“Both,” I said, clenching my jaw.

Trevor ran a hand over his face, letting out a long sigh."Calder, you know I've got your back no matter what.We both do.But if the Council even suspects?—"

"They won't," I cut him off."Because there's nothing for them to suspect."

"Bullshit," Patrick said bluntly."I can smell him on you right now.Even after whatever shower you took before coming here."

My heart stopped.If they could smell Ethan on me, then my earlier kiss had left more of a mark than I'd realized.The mate bond was already forming, already changing my scent signature in ways I couldn't control."It's not what you think," I said weakly.

"Then what is it?"Trevor demanded."Because from where I'm standing, it looks like our Alpha is compromised by a human who's spent his entire adult life hunting creatures like us."

The accusation hit like a physical blow.Compromised.Is that what I was?So lost in the pull of the mate bond that I couldn't see clearly anymore?"He doesn't know," I said."About us, about what we are.I think he suspects there’s something going on behind the attacks.He recognizes the signatures.But he doesn’t know about me or the pack."

"Yet," Patrick added grimly."But he's smart, and he's motivated.How long before he puts the pieces together?Before he starts to notice that you’re notnormal?"

I thought about Ethan's sharp eyes, his reporter's instincts, the way he'd observed things others missed.If anyone could uncover our secret, it would be him."Then I'll make sure he doesn't get the chance," I said, though the words felt like ash in my mouth.

Trevor's expression softened slightly."And how exactly do you plan to do that without the Council's methods?"

I didn't have an answer.Every option felt impossible.Keep Ethan close and risk exposure.Push him away and watch the Council eliminate him.Try to explain the truth and watch him run screaming."I don't know," I finally admitted."But I'll figure it out."

"We'll figure it out," Trevor corrected."Pack sticks together, remember?"

Patrick nodded."But Calder, you need to understand something.If push comes to shove, if it's between him and the pack..."

"I know," I said, though my wolf howled in protest at the implication."The pack comes first."

But even as I said it, I wondered if I'd be able to follow through when the time came.

The weight of their expectant stares pressed down on me like a physical force.Trevor and Patrick were waiting for more reassurance, something to convince them their Alpha hadn't completely lost his mind over a human.But I had nothing to give them except hollow promises and lies that tasted bitter on my tongue.

"There's something else," Patrick said, breaking the tense silence.He pulled out his phone, scrolling through what looked like text messages."Jake Harrison from the Gazette has been asking questions about you."

My blood ran cold.Another reporter was asking about me?Why?"What kind of questions?"

"Casual stuff, mostly.Where you went to school, how long you've owned the garage, whether you're seeing anyone."Patrick's eyes met mine."He's been real interested in your personal life ever since you started spending time with his coworker.One of the wolves down at the police stationed tipped me off."

Trevor frowned."You think this Harrison guy suspects something?"

"I think he's territorial," Patrick replied, his gaze lifting to me.“I… I had Ethan followed for a couple days, just to make sure he wasn’t getting too close.”

“You what?!”I barked.

But Patrick held is ground.“Yes.And I got some valuable info too.Word is this Harrison fella’s got a thing for Ethan too.Apparently someone saw them getting kinda cozy at the office the other day.So his questions about you might just be jealousy."

The possessive snarl that rose in my throat was impossible to suppress.The sound echoed through the garage, making both men freeze.My wolf didn't like the idea of another male competing for our mate, human or otherwise.

"Calder," Trevor said carefully, "your eyes just went full Alpha."

Shit.I turned away, pressing my palms against the workbench and forcing myself to breathe slowly.The scent of motor oil and metal usually calmed me, but right now nothing could quiet the territorial rage burning through my veins."I'm fine," I ground out.

"No, you're not."Patrick's voice was gentle but firm."And that reaction just confirmed what we already suspected.This isn't just attraction, is it?"

I couldn't answer.Couldn't admit what I barely understood myself.The mate bond was supposed to be this beautiful, destined thing.Not this torturous pull toward someone who could destroy everything I'd worked to protect.

"We need to call an emergency pack meeting," Trevor said quietly."Full disclosure.If our Alpha is potentially mated to a human, especially one with Ethan's history, the pack needs to know what we're dealing with."