Page 28 of Rescued by the Alpha

“This is it. Just a half-mile or so down this turn in the road is the edge of town.”

While Nic’s cabin and the surrounding area were remote, in truth, so was the entire region he’d seen so far. Had he not been with Nic, the promise of civilization so nearby wouldn’t have been apparent. Elam clasped his hands together to keep from fidgeting. His nerves ramped up as they drew closer and he struggled to keep his breathing steady. If the Wolf Creek Pack was going to be his life, being accepted would mean so much. Nic had assured him over and over that he knew his family would welcome him with open arms, but that either way, it wouldn’t matter to him. He’d reminded Elam that as his fated omega, Nic would always protect and care for him, no matter what.

I think I love him.

He wasn’t ready to say it, especially since he wasn’t clear if Nic felt the same way. Even if they were meant to be together it wasn’t a guarantee that Nic would fall in love with him. They might end up being great friends having mind-blowing sex and nothing more. Which is okay. He swallowed hard. Except for the part where Elam was sure he’d already gone beyond the friends point and could find himself with a broken heart if Nic never grew to care about him beyond being his destined protector.

“This is my sister’s house. We’ll start here then go see my father and brother later.” Nic gave him a quick glance. “Nothing to do with you. I’m still pissed at my brother for that stunt he pulled and didn’t want to go in there with fists flying last time I was here.” Nic put the truck in park then angled his body toward Elam, favoring him with a grin. “I’ve had the chance to blow off plenty of steam this week, so I think I can deal with him now without injuries being involved. But I’d rather chill with my

sis first.”

Blowing off steam. Elam fought against the irrational emotions that rushed through him, making his eyes burn and throat thick. “Sounds good.”

A crease formed between Nic’s brow as he regarded him, and he brushed his knuckles down Elam’s cheek. “I don’t think we should stay the night after all. You’re still so pale and now you seem shaky.”

Elam’s weepiness turned to aggravation. “Don’t worry about me, seriously. Your family is going to think I can’t handle being a shifter, that I’m a horrible mate for you who will never fit in.”

And I sound like a whiny brat. He couldn’t imagine why his mood was all over the place the way it was.

Nic arched his eyebrows. “Did I say something to upset you? I know I’m not any good at this.”

Elam sighed then undid his belt to scoot closer. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong. I don’t know what’s up with me right now. It has to be something messing with my system because I was turned. I’m sure that’s all it is.”

Nic narrowed his eyes, then gathered Elam into his arms. “You tell me if I fuck up, okay? I’m not used to sharing my life with anyone.” He gave Elam a squeeze. “And I mean that in the best way. I didn’t realize how much being alone sucked major ass until you came along.”

Elam snorted out a laugh, his mood instantly returning to normal. “Deal. I’m used to being suspicious of my partner’s words and motives, so I’ll work on not assuming you’re out to scam me.”

Elam peered up at him. “I know you’re not like that, so I’m sorry if I unfairly treat you that way.”

Nic smiled. “Learning curve, right?”

Elam pressed a kiss to his lips before answering. “Right.” Another thought occurred to him.

“And like you said, I can always ask your pack’s spirit guide about what I’m going through. She can probably give me some advice.”

Nic jostled him. “Yup. And I know she’ll want to meet you too.”

After a more lingering kiss, they hopped out of the Jeep and Elam took a deep breath as he prepared to meet the first member of Nic’s family.

* * * *

Nic wondered when his sister might run out of questions for poor Elam. She had to be on the hundredth one and they’d barely been there an hour. They were gathered around her kitchen table where they’d been drinking coffee and besides being grilled like a cheese sandwich, Elam had been holding his two-year-old niece, Katya, on his lap, while his nephew, Greg—who would soon be four

—ran around the house alternately yelling about Power Rangers and throwing them.

Alex rolled her eyes. “Sorry, Elam. This is the pre-nap freak-out. He’ll hit the ground shortly,

then I’ll toss a blanket over him.”

Elam laughed as he bounced Katya on his lap, proving Nic right when he’d predicted how great Elam would be with his sister’s kids. As Elam continued to focus his attention on Alex as she shared a whacky story from her first shift, Nic took the opportunity to gauge how Elam was faring physically.

He couldn’t imagine why he was being so antsy about Elam’s condition, but he couldn’t stop worrying about him for some reason. Then again, it might not be overreacting if being turned had wreaked havoc on Elam’s system.

Yes. We should go see Asha before we leave.

“Hey, bro. You still with us?” Alex snapped her fingers in front of his eyes.

Nic frowned at her. “What? I’ve heard this story a thousand times.”