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She chuckled and swiped at her eyes. “I’ve never experienced anything so moving as the bonding I just witnessed. You’ve been their true alpha for a long time, haven’t you? You’ve protected them and organized the compound. You saved them.”
“They mean everything to me.” He smiled suddenly. “Your wolf was with me, racing in circles around me while I battled. It gave me confidence that I could see this through.”
She tilted her head slightly. “Did you really need the net? There at the end I wasn’t so sure it was necessary.”
“It was. Even though I’d taken his shoulder apart. Kryder would have found a way, done something. I have no doubt of it.”
Her expression grew troubled, her eyes taking on a pinched look. “Renee was here. She says Kryder will be back.”
Grant nodded slowly. “I’ve already organized security teams for each entrance.”
“You have?” She smiled suddenly. “Well, of course you have. You’ve seen this day coming for six years.”
“That’s pretty much it.”
Ryan appeared at the far-right entrance to the gallery. He flew toward them quickly. “I brought you some clothes.” He thrust a stack of leathers, boots, socks and a tank into his hands. “And I’m here to report.”
Grant quickly donned the clothes while Ryan spoke. “The barbecues are fired up and the bonfires are being lit. Chef is defrosting a mountain of steaks and someone just ordered a vat of potato salad from the supermarket. More importantly, the beer is being hauled out from the compound storage fridge as we speak.” He glanced at Natalie, “You’re staying, right?”
Natalie glanced at Grant. “I’m not sure. I know this is a special time for the pack, so if it would be better for me to leave, trust me I have no problem taking off.” She shifted her gaze to Ryan then back to him.
Grant caught her elbow. “Do you want to leave?”
“No. In fact, I was hoping to share in the moment, but it’s totally up to you. Whatever the pack needs right now is what matters.”
Grant turned to Ryan. “What do you think?”
Ryan laughed as he addressed Natalie. “Get your ass to the bonfires, lady. You’re not going anywhere. We could not have gotten this far without you
and if you think we’ll let you leave, well let’s just say over my dead body.”
Fully dressed, Grant breathed a sigh of relief then extended his arm to Natalie. She moved in close and relaxed against him. “In that case, I’d better come.”
Ryan led the way, though he walked at a rather sedate pace. Grant suspected he had a reason, so he didn’t try to suggest they get a move on. Instead, he took Natalie’s hand and gave himself some time to adjust to his new role.
A sense of euphoria surrounded him and of well-being as though the universe was back on its proper axis. He was glad the celebration would be out in the open. He’d be able to see a star or two in the dark night sky above Phoenix.
At least the pack would be outside, and his security force would keep watch in steady rotations. The compound was secure, allowing everyone to participate in the celebration.
The gallery opened onto a long hall that led to the third level lockers and storage areas. A few wolves were moving large, rolling carts filled with chairs and long tables toward the equipment elevators. Each dipped his or her head as he moved by.
Grant smiled in response. He hoped it would be a long time before the joy of the moment wore off.
All he knew was that he meant to make the most of the next few hours, to howl, to dance, to shift, whatever he felt like doing as a way of expressing his thrill that Kryder could no longer afflict the Meldorin Pack.
He squeezed Natalie’s hand and leaned down to her. “Care to dance later?”
“You dance?”
“Hell, yeah. It’s a wolf thing. We like to move.”
She reached up and caressed his face then kept walking. “I’m in.”
He dipped down again and planted a kiss on her lips. For a split second, he wanted to stop, haul her into his arms and kiss her properly, but he didn’t dare risk it. His skyrocket chemistry with the woman would have him all over her in the time it took to strip off his tank.
I want to kiss you.
Better not, she responded. The way I’m feeling, we’d embarrass ourselves. I don’t think you want to start your new term as alpha by getting caught with your leathers down, literally.
