Page 182 of Volik

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Henry finally let go of Seb’s shirt as the boy relaxes slightly.

But I cannot focus on them, because right now Nix’s hand is dangerously close to my cock.

If I get hard… I wonder if I can use my gravito to keep my dick down.

“Something not depressing.” Henry points through the woods ahead of us. “We’re almost to my house, where you can meet my beautiful mate.”

A minute later, we step out of the tree line, into Henry’s backyard.

The house is two stories. Modest. Nice. Normal. With a back deck boasting a smoking grill and a woman.

Henry’s mate smiles and waves at us.

Nix is waving back when a pair of pups rounds the side of the house. To a human, you might think they were some sort of shepherd. Just a regular dog. To an Alt… we know there is nothing regular about them.

The pups lift their noses, turn their heads in our direction, then skid to a halt before spinning and running the other way.

Nix tugs on my pants. “Were those…?”

“Pups.” I confirm.

“Like… kids?” Nix is trying so hard to keep her tone casual.

It’s cute.

“Ages eight and ten, if that’s who I think it was.” Henry confirms as we continue across the yard. “That was their reaction to smelling him.” He tips his head in my direction. “The older ones know Volik’s reputation, that he’s a good guy.” I roll my eyes at that label. “But the young ones don’t know how to react around so much power.”

“Wow.” Nix is still watching the corner of the house where the pups disappeared, and I pretend her wow was for my impressive amount of power. Not for a couple of pups.

“When they’re at home, on pack land, we let the kids run around in whatever form they want. It’s the best way for them to learn control. And at that age, they can pass for domestic dogs if an outsider, like a delivery driver, happens to see them. But once they hit puberty, their wolves become too big, so they’re no longer allowed such freedom.”

“Fascinating.”

When we reach the deck, Nix is introduced to Henry’s mate, and Seb wisely excuses himself.

Nix falls into conversation, and when I’m certain she is comfortable, I follow Henry inside.

Ten minutes later, I have the coordinates to Dread, the route there memorized, and we’re standing in the driveway, on the front side of the house.

“Thank you for putting up with me,” Nix says with a self-deprecating laugh.

Henry’s mate grins at her. “With or without the big guy, you’re always welcome. Come back anytime you want.”

I grunt.

I appreciate the sentiment, but Nix will not be going anywhere without me. Ever.

I wrap my fingers around hers, and we turn, walking down the driveway.

We will follow the road out of pack territory, since it’s shorter than going back through the woods. Then we can jump from there.

As we reach the street, I slow my steps.

Nix slows with me, hearing the hushed voices. And two seconds later, one pup, in human form, is pushed out from behind a bush.

We stop.

Nix waves. “Hello.”