Page 44 of Claimed

I nod. “I know it.”

I hope this is the right thing to do. I know I have to do something, so…here goes nothing…

I shakily dial Wyatt’s mobile number. It rings once and goes to voicemail. I hang up and call the salvage yard’s office line. Greyson fingers a lock of my hair. “If he wants to talk to me, feel free to pass the phone.”

I nod, though I’m not being entirely honest by doing so. Because I’m only calling now because I’m sure he’s not going to answer.

The phone rings four times and mercifully goes to the voicemail greeting, which is my voice.

“You’ve reached Silver Hills Salvage. Kindly leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible.”

It beeps.

“It’s Stacy. Things went a little crazy and um… we need to talk about it. Can you hang tight until I’m able to call you back? Don’t do anything, okay? I need to talk a couple of things out with you. Believe me… it’s worth your while to hang tight and wait to hear from me. Okay? Sorry to be vague but it’ll be worth it. I’ll call you back as soon as possible. Thanks.”

I didn’t get time to think over the best way to approach that but looked at the clock and knew it would likely be the best time to get his voicemail. To buy time. I had to try both numbers or he’d know I’m avoiding him. I’m so very glad he didn’t answer the phone and pummel me with questions and demands. I’m hoping he won’t do anything stupid. That he hasn’t already done something reckless. Hopefully, my dangling it being worth his while to wait will mean he doesn’t do any of the things he threatened to do. And that it’ll make him more open-minded. To what, I don’t know yet. What my next move will be is a mystery for the moment, too.

Heart pounding hard, I hand Greyson his phone. And he doesn’t miss that my hands are shaking.

“Think it’s time you explain things to me,” he states. And his eyes are hardening a little.

My heart is still racing, so I blow out a breath. “Well…”

He looks me over, scrutinizing me for a moment. “Your brother?”

I nod. He knows. It’s obvious.

“He’s the alpha,” Greyson states.

I nod again.

“What should we prepare for? What do you think is coming down the pipe? I can feel the tension coming from youhere.” He thumps his chest with his fist, “As well as see it. Trying to be patient, wife, but I do need answers, and you’ve got me thinking I need ‘em sooner than later.”

He feels me. The confirmation of it and the fact that I know I’m also feeling him rocks my world in the best way, but I can’t linger on this because of the intensity in his gaze.

“I’m hoping that message will help, Greyson.”

His jaw muscles flex before he replies.

“Stacy, you’re my priority, but I can’t forget my pack. I need answers.”

He’s being so wonderful, so patient with me. I don’t want to skirt anything important. I don’t want to handle this wrong. I also don’t want him to get angry. How do I make sure things don’t go wrong? I’m just so… lost on how to handle things.

“I can’t say there’s nothing to worry about. I don’t know what’s up his sleeve, but I am hoping that phone call will help.”

He steps closer to me and takes my face into his hands. “Talk to your mate, woman. Now. Please.”

I blow out another slow exhale and he speaks again.

“I know you don’t know me yet, but you will. I’m meant to be yours as much as you’re meant to be mine. Give me your burdens. Let me help. It’s what I’m here for. To provide for you.Protect you. Let me do that while also protecting my pack.Ourpack.”

He thinks of his pack as ours, but I know he can’t possibly feel that way about the Silver Hills pack. It’s nothing like this pack.

“What amIhere for?” I ask, emotion welling up inside me.

“To help me build us a good life, a family,” he says softly. “To be the source of comfort and pleasure I get after every day out there protecting and nurturing you and our pack.” He touches my face. “You’re my reward. I’m gonna try to be yours by giving you everything that’s mine, supporting your wants and needs however I can. But I need to know what we’re dealin’ with here. Don’t put me in a spot where my pack will come to harm because you’re afraid to level with me.”

“And my pack?” I ask.

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