Page 19 of Claimed by the Pack

“Thanks, it's nice to know I look like a dog.”

He growled a little and said, “Okay, never mind. I'm sorry I asked. I have to get back. The police are still combing through the scene and asking questions. I'm so fucking tired. We were here all night Friday, most of the day yesterday and they called us back out first thing this morning. Maybe I just need to sleep. maybe I'm just not thinking straight.” I thought he was finished and then he said, “I just ache for her, Gray. I can't even describe it. It's hard to breathe.”

Damn it.

A surge of guilt washed over me.

Ridge has never had anyone. He was told to watch me and for years, that's what he did, alone in the woods. He raised me, he kept me safe, and he never left me to go looking for a mate or a new pack.

If Chelsea and the other alphas had wanted him and not me when they found us, Ridge would have refused to go with them, I know it in my heart. Now he has a chance to be happy, and I can help him, but I'm refusing because I'm afraid of getting into trouble. I'm not a pup anymore. I guess it's time to start acting like the adult wolf and human I am.

“Ridge, wait. I'll go.” There was a long pause and I thought maybe he'd already hung up. Finally he said,

“Really?”

“Yeah, I'll do it.”

“If you're worried about getting into trouble...”

“I am, but I owe you my life. Being afraid of a little trouble makes me feel like a coward and I don't want to feel that way.”

“Thank you, Gray. I promise, if somehow they find out, I'll take all responsibility.” We ended the call and I thought about what he said. I didn't doubt Ridge would step up because that's just who he is. But he and I both know that's not how it works in the pack. Each man or woman is responsible for his or her own actions. I knew what I was doing could get me into a lot of trouble and if I got caught, the responsibility for making that decision would be on me. Period.

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