AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I think you’re right,” I sighed, muttering a curse under my breath. “She took off and now I have to tell Jess.”
“Pretty sure she already knows,” Trent commented, his gaze sympathetic. “Maybe in some ways it’s better like this. At least she wasn’t taken by the Hanleys. That would be a fate worse than death.”
“True,” I nodded. Anxiety coiled inside of me, and this time it didn’t have anything to do with Jess. “I’m supposed to meet with Caleb in a little while,” I told Trent, needing to prepare him for what was coming. He nodded, his expression growing serious.
“I’ll be right there with you,” he replied, already acting the part of my Beta. I swallowed hard as I shook my head.
“You won’t,” I answered and a burst of shocked hurt came across the bond. “I need to tread carefully, Trent. I don’t want to come across as a threat to Caleb, and you know that is a wolf’s first instinct when presented with an unknown pack.”
Trent grumbled, pacing for a minute before pointing a sucker towards me. “My job is to protect your back,” he pointed out, trying to reason with me.
“It is, but there’s something more important I need you to protect,” I answered, my tone stern.
“Jess,” he sighed, lowering the sucker in a sharp motion. “I don’t like this. Just so you know. But I also understand why.” He gazed at me for a minute, testing my determination before finally giving in. “I’ll protect her with my life, you know that.”
“Thank you, but she’s not the only one,” I told him. “Liam and Dylan will need you if something happens to me.”
“Don’t start with that shit,” Trent grunted. “Or I will be here guarding your back. You think I want to face Jess if something happens to you?”
“Nothing will happen, but –”
“Yeah, but. Famous last words.” Trent stuck the sucker in his mouth, crunching down on the hard candy as he started to pace. “You think it’ll come to a fight?”
“No, but I can’t predict what he’ll do,” I forced myself to admit, hating the fact that I’d drifted from Caleb. I hadn’t been serving in his best interest, distracted by my mate and my Pack, a dangerous combination. “I’d like him far away from any of them when we talk.”
“Yeah, okay. I get it. You want to protect everyone but yourself.” Trent paced closer, stopping right in front of me. “But don’t forget, we all live to protect you.”
“I don’t forget. I never forget,” I swore, feeling those words down to my bones.
“Forget what?” A small voice interrupted, surprising us with his ability to sneak up undetected.
I crouched down next to Monster, cupping my hand around his head. “How much my Pack means to me.” I glanced up at Trent and he nodded, scanning the surrounding area. “Monster, would you like to be part of my Pack?” He stared at suspiciously.
“I thought you were part of Caleb’s Pack.”
“I am, but I also have my own Pack,” I answered carefully.
“That sounds like a bad idea,” Monster informed me and I heard Trent choke back a laugh.
“Yeah, it wasn’t exactly planned,” I muttered. “Jess wants you to be in my Pack,” I added, figuring that would be enough incentive for him.
“Does she know you have two Packs?” Monster accused and I heard Trent whistling behind us.
“Yes,” I answered patiently. “She does.”
Monster sighed, “Why does she want me in your Pack and why didn’t she tell me herself?” He sounded betrayed and I realized I shouldn’t have mentioned it to him without her. Monster crossed his arms, staring at me with accusing eyes.
“I’m sure she would have told you,” I backtracked. “In fact, we can talk about it together.”’
“Who’s in your Pack?” Monster questioned, ignoring me. “Besides him,” he pointed to Trent. “I know he’s your lackey.”
“Lackey?” Trent gasped. “I don’t even know what that means, but I’m insulted.”
I fought back a smile. “I have Trent, Liam, and Dylan.” I paused before adding, “And Jess. She’s a part of my Pack as well.”
“I thought only shifters could be in a Pack,” Monster mentioned, his nose crinkling.
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Jess isn’t a shifter and neither am I.”
“You will be one, Monster, and I want to make sure when you go through your first shift that you have us to help you.”
“And Jess?” He asked, persistent.
“She’s my mate which makes her a Pack member,” I declared, knowing it was true as I said it. Trent gave me a nod, respecting my decision.
Monster studied us, “I need to think about it.” I gave him a surprised glance but he didn’t change his mind. “It’s a big decision,” he said defensively and I nodded, my respect for him growing as he stood his ground. “I want to talk to Jess,” he continued, sounding more like the little boy he was and I agreed.
