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Yet.
The full moon drew near and if they were truly mates, he’d expect she’d be tempted. But until she was ready, he wouldn’t force her. Within a pack, they’d all feel compelled to shift, to release the magick within and run with the pack.
* * *
“Alpha.” Julian extended his hand and shook the wolf’s hand. With his eyes locked on his, the men simply acknowledged each other without challenge.
“Comment ça va?” Logan returned his firm handshake.
“Ça va bien. Thanks for having us. I don’t mean to bring trouble to your doorstep,” Julian told him. “We’re under protection from the High Priestess at the moment.”
“You’re always welcome in Acadian Wolves. If Samantha says you’re good, you’re good. Besides, with the full moon coming, no way hellhounds will come sniffin’ around the pack. Our energy is far too powerful together. The place is fresh with wards.”
“You sure you’re cool with this?” Julian asked.
“I insist.” Logan ushered them inside the enormous log cabin mansion. “Out here in the bayou, we’re good, though. We’ve got some old ass magick protecting things.”
“Samantha?”
“She’s warded things but it’s a big area. We must draw on the power of the pack to repel dark magick. Ever since Ilsbeth put a spell on Dimitri…we don’t take any chances. Over time, we added a few tricks to our bag.”
“Ilsbeth?” Julian stopped mid-step; his gut twisted at the sound of her name. “She’s not around though, right? Just checking. I know everyone seems to be enthralled with her turnaround. I’m not one of those people, however.”
“Hell no.” Logan waved off the idea and laughed. “No way Dimitri would ever allow that to happen.”
“You sure? She’s been busy.”
“Hundred percent. Samantha drops by now and then to throw up wards but besides her, none of the witches are welcome around these parts. After what happened to Dimitri, we keep things tight.”
“Can’t say I blame you.”
“We got pack rules now.”
“What sorts of rules?”
“You can fuck em’ if you’re feeling it, but no bringing them around pack. I can’t tell grown wolves what to do on their own time. But when they’re here, it’s a no go. It’s too dangerous. It’s harsh but Samantha knows the deal. She knows what happened to Dimitri, what the hell that witch did to him.” Logan waved them into a huge family room and turned to Julian. “She also knows that if one of her witches falls for a wolf, they could attempt to break the mate bond. Go to Ilsbeth. We might not be able to prevent things from happening but we sure as shit aren’t gonna encourage it.”
Julian nodded as he reached for Cassia’s hand. Her gaze caught his and she placed her palm in his. He shot her a smile, knowing she wasn’t pack. Not a wolf, the clever chameleon shifted into whatever form she wished. For the brief seconds he reflected, his gut told him they were more alike than different no matter their species.
“Cassia Luna.” Logan looked to her and back to Julian.
“Alpha. I’m not sure if you remember. We met several years ago when I first came to New Orleans. Marcel?—”
“Of course, our chameleon. Marcel told me about you. The only one of your kind in New Orleans. Nice to finally meet you.” Logan smiled and extended his hand to her.
Julian nodded, watching carefully as the Alpha touched Cassia. His wolf growled in the back of his mind, but he tamed the beast. Julian and Logan exchanged a knowing look.
“I appreciate you inviting us. We’re trying to sort out what’s happening.”
“Of course. Come sit down. The pack is having a run later tonight. Wynter just got back from the hospital and is upstairs getting Ava ready for bed.”
“You have children?” Cassia asked.
“Yeah, yeah. Ava’s too young to come out with pack. A few more years though. Can’t wait until she shifts.” Logan waved as a ruggedly handsome man entered the room. “Hey, D. What’s happenin’, bro? How was Maui?”
The Alpha and Dimitri exchanged a burly hug. “Bruh … dude. It was killer.”
“Can’t wait to hear about it later. Hey, D. This is Julian. He’s the?—”
