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“Mainly work-related, although there were a few official things I was expected to be at given I’m the oldest, and will become pack leader once either of my parents die.”
Belle frowned and waved her fork at him. “How does that actually work
? In actual wolf packs, the alpha cubs are sent packing once they’re old enough to start their own family.”
“Yes, but werewolves are an offshoot branch of humanity rather than wolves.” He picked up his plate and began loading it up. High. The man was hungry. “Our pack consists of five different branches of the O’Connor bloodline, and each one is ruled by one alpha pairing.”
“That’s a rather small gene pool, isn’t it?” I said.
He nodded. “Which is why we have the exchange system running. All three packs here have the same problem.”
“Which is undoubtedly why Zak went a-running when a new piece of tail came into his pack.”
“Zak is an idiot.”
Belle grinned. “That is exactly my thought, but why would you think it?”
“Because I’ve met the wolf in question. She’s pretty, but not in your league.”
“Ranger, I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“Stop raiding my thoughts every other minute, and I’d be nice more often.”
She leaned over and patted his arm. “I promise I’ve never done anything more than a surface raid—and only then because I’m a good familiar who wants to protect the emotional well-being of her witch.”
“That’s not exactly comforting, you know.”
“So just treat her well, and we won’t have a problem.” She picked up her eggnog and took a drink. “The latest target of Zak’s affections does have one advantage over me, though—the fact that she is a wolf.”
“Yes, but it’s pretty evident she’s after something more than a bartending handyman. Zak’s a good bloke, but he’ll never be pack alpha.” He glanced at her, his expression curious. “Would you accept him back?”
“Hell no. He made a choice, now he has to live with it.”
Aiden’s gaze came to me and I smiled and raised my glass. “Ditto, in case you’re wondering.”
“Then I sure as hell won’t be as foolish as Zak.”
Which didn’t at all comfort me.
It should, Belle said. Unless and until a new wolf comes into this reservation and catches his heart, he’s all yours.
I know, I know. But it still didn’t stop the deep down niggle—the one that already knew I was going to be a mess when he finally did leave.
He finished demolishing the rest of his food and then leaned back with a happy sigh.
“There’s plenty more if you want it,” I said, amused.
“Maybe once I’ve taken your statement.” He took out his phone, hit record, and started asking me questions as I tucked into my meal.
Once he’d finally stopped recording, I said, “How are the investigations going?”
“You do know I technically shouldn’t be talking to either of you about them now that we have a reservation witch.”
“He’s temporary. And I’m prettier.”
“And you also happen to have a friend who has absolutely no qualms about dragging the information out of my brain.”
Belle grinned and raised her glass in acknowledgment.
