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Now that my plan is completely botched, I have no choice but to return home emptyhanded. I shift the gear into drive and pull away from the shoulder, flipping a U-turn around Javi as he waves to me, still wearing that arrogant grin. I don’t wave back. Though when I glance up in my rearview mirror, he hasn’tmoved from his spot in the middle of the road, standing there watching after me as I leave.
3
The Twilight Grove motel is a dump. It has taken days to get this place cleaned up and somewhat livable, but the musty smell still lingers inside the rooms, the carpets stained and the wallpaper peeling.
Suffice to say that we didn’t choose it for the amenities. We chose to stay here purely for the location and the fact it has a generator, and honestly, for as much as the place lacks, it’s still leagues better than the last shithole me and my pack found ourselves in. Beggars can’t be choosers.
Despite our shoddy living situation, we had a good thing going in Nebraska. Most of us worked on a road construction crew for cash and were able to stash enough away to replenish our pack’scoffers and keep us afloat for a while. We were content there, even if we knew we couldn’t stay. Our time was up.
After assuming the role of Alpha, I implemented a firm rule for our pack to change locations every three months. There was some pushback at first, but any grumblings have since died down because staying on the move works; the hunters haven’t caught up to us in years. Abandoned motels in remote locations make the perfect temporary home, and we’re all so accustomed to this lifestyle by now that nobody really complains.
Well, notnobody. My mother has never shied away from telling me exactly what she thinks of the decisions I make for our pack, always in my ear reminding me what our endgame is.As if I could ever forget.But that’s why we’re finally here, aiming to put down roots once and for all.
When I shove through the door of my room at the motel, I’m not surprised to find my mom inside waiting for me, perched on the end of the bed. Nobody else would dare to encroach on their alpha’s private space, but Delilah Cruz does whatever the hell she wants. The woman has no boundaries, especially when it comes to her only son.
“Where were you?” she asks gruffly as I step inside, kicking the door closed behind me.
“Out for a walk,” I reply simply.
She sweeps her dark hair over her shoulders, reclining back to rest on her palms. “See anything interesting?”
I slide her a suspicious glance as I toe off my boots. I used to think my mom just had a way of knowing things; some motherly instinct that always tipped her off when I veered off course. NowI know better. When my wolf came in, it didn’t take long for me to realize what set her apart, because I’m just like her.
When I asked about it, she admitted that our bloodline has a little something extra that most other shifters don’t:tracker DNA.
All wolf shifters have enhanced senses compared to humans, but us trackers have even sharper vision, a keener sense of smell, better hearing… basically, we’re equipped with a rare skillset that exceeds the average, and with alpha blood to boot, mine and my mother’s skills are even more pronounced.
That’s why my first thought is that she’s able to scent my little blonde stalker on me when I walk in, but I quickly dismiss that notion because if I can’t still smell her, neither can my mother. And that scent isn’t one that would escape my notice.
It caught me by surprise, so tantalizing that I couldn’t resist leaning in closer for more. The fresh notes of floral and citrus that greeted me melded into such a unique, delicious combination that I found myself wishing I could somehow bottle it up and stash it away. The girl smelled like fucking heaven.
She looked like an angel, too.
Even as my brain conjures up her image, I’m careful to keep my expression neutral, wondering how much my mom actually knows. I suppose she could’ve snuck out into the forest and spied on our interaction. She’s perfected the art of creeping up on people undetected, and I wouldn’t put it past her to be keeping an eye on me.
But no, I would’ve sensed if I was being watched. Because even though my mom’s good, I’m better. I’ve honed my skills over the years, never settling for just good enough. I’m thebest, damnit.
That’s how I knew the six pack was watching me yesterday when I went to meet them. I quietly cased the area from afar before going in, taking note of their defenses. They keep their security tight with border cameras, patrols… even snipers lying in wait. That last security measure was a new addition compared to my prior recon, and from their position, it was clear they were expecting me. They were prepared.
I was, too. I willingly walked into the trap they set, knowing from their reputation among other shifter packs that they wouldn’t spring it unless they felt truly threatened. I made sure I didn’t come off as a threat. I relied upon my good looks and charm to carry me through, and when I requested to join their alliance, they didn’t turn me down.
Though they didn’t exactly welcome me with open arms, either. I’ve still got work to do to gain their trust, but it’s only a matter of time. I know exactly how to play this, and I’m not giving up until my pack has a place to call our own.
From my silence, Mom must gather that I’m not planning on fessing up to where I’ve been. And rather than pushing me for answers like usual, she actually lets the subject drop, changing it.
“Full moon’s tonight,” she breathes, picking at a loose thread on the comforter.
“So I hear,” I mumble.
“You gonna lead the run?”
“Don’t I always?”
She lifts her chin, tilting her head as she meets my gaze. “This is new territory for our pack. Have you scouted?”
“Of course I have, Mother,” I sigh, pacing across the room to snatch up a bottle of water I left on the dresser earlier. I shoot her an annoyed glance as I screw off the lid, raising it to my lips. “You think I don’t know the drill by now?”
“Just checking,” she murmurs as she watches me gulp down the whole bottle. “Wanted to make sure you didn’t leave it up to that idiot, Hank.”
