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Rafe’s tone is amiable, but his body language is still closed down. He’s almost in an offensive position.
And he doesn’t ask the wolf in immediately.
“What did you say your name was?” Rafe asks and allows a hint of suspicion to filter into his voice.
“Jaxson Carr.”
Rafe nods, but doesn’t allow the wolf inside. Not yet.
“And do you have any association with the packs of the Kootenay range just east of here?”
He answers without hesitation. “I do not.”
But Rafe isn’t satisfied. “Swear on the Great Wolf you have no affiliation with them and you’re not here at their request.”
The strange wolf answers instantly. “I swear on the Great Wolf I’m here for my own reasons and have no ties with the Kootenay packs.”
If he thinks any of this is peculiar, he doesn’t show it.
Rafe nods and finally lets him inside.
He has far too many layers on for this late in the season. A thick jacket and cotton gloves plus ear muffs, even though it’s nearly May and temps are pretty comfortable for us.
Which means he’s definitely not from here, which dwindles his chances of knowing Drago or any of the Kootenay packs.
Rafe makes the introductions as we all rather awkwardly stand in the front of the cottage.
“I’m sorry about the third degree. We’ve had some security issues.”
Jaxon nods, eyes neutral and observant.
Rafe holds out a hand again, this time for a standard human shake. “I’m Rafe Navarro, Pack Alpha for the Stocklin Pack. And this is Willa Stocklin. My mate and Pack Omega.”
My heart does a ridiculous flutter.
Pack Omega…
I elbow by Mari, despite her unyielding stance, to stand next to Rafe. “It’s very nice to meet you, Jaxson,” I say, shaking his hand and getting a clear whiff of strong alpha pheromones. He’s smokey and sweet with a hint of fresh green leaves, and completely unlike any wolf I’ve ever scented before.
“You as well,” he says with a grin.
“This is my second mate, Jonah,” I say, expecting him to react to the unusual information. But he doesn’t. Maybe multiple mates are more common than I thought.
He and Jonah shake and exchange pleasantries, and I introduce Mari.
She, however, isn’t so keen to accept this stranger.
“What pack did you say you were from?” she probes.
“Laurel Cove.”
She sniffs. “Never heard of them.”
The visitor just looks down at her, gaze calm and unbothered.
“Who’s their alpha?” she asks.
“I am.”
