Page 33 of Threads of Fate

Seven voices say, “No!” and even upside-down, Luca has the nerve to look disappointed.

Turning to Yasmine, Finn says, “Nice shot.” He means it. It’s no easy feat to hit a fast-moving alpha, intent on his mate and throwing off dominance pheromones.

She is still holding the tranq-gun, and it does not go unnoticed that she has loaded a second dart just in case. She pretends to blow imaginary smoke away from the barrel like a Wild West cowboy after a showdown. “Aw, shucks. I do try.” She gladly hands it to Riordan as she leaves, looking all too glad to be making her escape from the chaos.

“Enjoy your time off, Yasmine,” Riordan teases.

“You have no idea,” echoes after her down the hall.

And then there were four: Riordan, the curious stranger, Jay, and Finn.

His mentor introduces the stranger while the normally easy-going and respectful Jay moves to put himself between her and Nix. This level of aggressive alpha posturing- his nose in the air, hands clenched, and the occasional snarl- is not something Finn often gets to see from his pack alpha—or at all, really.

Sometimes, Finn genuinely wonders about his capacity for stress.

The stranger—Dr. Spencer—nods politely. “Thank you for letting me consult you about your mate, Mr. Rhodes and Dr. Merritt. As Dr. Kennedy mentioned, I am a visiting adjunct fromthe University of Toronto currently on loan to the Were Division of the Vanderbilt Medical School, where I’m teaching a few seminars on the Human-Were transition process.”

Finn is impressed, as teaching at Vanderbilt means she must be well-respected in her field.

“My research primarily focuses on transition hormone disorders. You may be unfamiliar, but sometimes, when humans transition, the hormones that are responsible for secondary gender don’t develop as intended. Dr. Kennedy is hoping I might shed some light on what’s happening with your mate.”

“Thank you for coming, Dr. Spencer. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to make time for our pack,” Finn says, receiving a firm handshake in return.

“Certainly. May I approach your mate, Mr. Rhodes?”

Jay’s wolf had taken a few too many challenges to his position as pack alpha today, and even if they were unintentional, he could not be blamed for being extra-sensitive. Finn’s normally extroverted and smiling leader is scowly and responds with grunts.

The muscle twitching in his jaw makes Finn want to bare his neck. But he can’t do that here, in front of everyone; it’s too intimate. He approaches his alpha so he can hook his pinky finger around Jay’s in solidarity, but Jay is having nothing of subtlety. When Finn is close enough, Jay pushes Finn behind him instead.

Dr. Spencer is nonplussed as she approaches Nix, breathing deeply.

Riordan hands her the tablet with Nix’s chart. Her eyes fly over the rapidly scrolling pages, raising an eyebrow here and there with the occasional hum. Her nostrils flair, and at one point, she closes her eyes before going back to the chart.

Her reaction makes Finn curious about the other alpha in the room. Riordan is doing an admirable job of trying not tolook like he’s smelling the air for Nix’s scent, too. He may enjoy teasing those close to him, but he is always the epitome of a consummate professional. Finn appreciates it, as he doesn’t think Jay could hold his wolf back if someone outside the pack looked like they might take liberties or had thoughts of trying to take Nix from him, even if they are close friends.

Dr. Spencer exudes low-key levels of excitement when she says, “Hello, Nix. I’m Dr. Spencer, and my specialty is hormones. I think yours might be acting up, and everyone’s in a tizzy. I’m going to run a few tests to find out what’s going on, okay? Dr. Kennedy, can we put a full CT on the schedule? I’ll do the blood work analysis on my own. I’d like to perform an ultrasound, too, if possible. I think the sooner, the better.”

Jay stiffens as her tone implies the need is urgent. “Is he okay? He seems better. Is there anything we need to be worried about right now?”

Finn concurs, the urgency in her tone has his anxiety spiking, too.

“He is doing well. I think you’ll feel better with some answers, though, no?” She says kindly. Riordan tries to smile reassuringly before gesturing to Dr. Spencer to follow him out.

The silence is deafening when he’s left with only his scowly alpha, so Finn wrangles Jay back into his chair and sits on his lap. “This chair is going to be useless to anyone else after we take Nix home. Your ass imprint is embedded already.” Pausing, Finn tries to gauge Jay’s state of mind. “Her credentials are impressive.” The tentative approach seems wise, given Jay’s scent is burnt around the edges.

Jay chuckles and then sighs, sticking his nose into Finn’s shoulder and breathing deeply. His high-alert attitude deflates now that Nix is on track to get some further help and some answers. “Missed you.”

Finn has missed him too, and he runs a finger down Jay’s nose and across his lips, pressing down on his plush lower lip and sliding the tip of his finger inside. Jay takes it easily, laving it with his tongue.

“Sweet.” Jay takes Finn’s face in his hands and presses his spit-slick lips to his with a groan. Finn will break his no-PDA-at-work rule just this once for some kisses from his alpha.

Snap.Snap. The sounds are loud in the silence and totally kill the mood. “Is that what I think it is?” Finn turns, elbowing Jay in the chest.

Sighing, Jay confirms it is exactly what he thinks it is. In the chaos, the rest of the pack hadn’t noticed. He shifts Finn so his bony (but still very nice, he’s been told) butt isn’t pressing on his alpha’s uncomfortable semi. “Finn, can I ask you something?”

“You already are.” Jay gently tickles him for a few seconds in retaliation. “Stop. Stop. Yes! Ask away.”

“Rowan and Grayson—they challenged me today.”

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