Page 31 of Alpha Unbound

Eddard’s voice cuts in, deceptively calm. “We’re only trying to determine if Kate McKinley’s involvement with you or her interference in things that don't concern her compromises the safety of this pack.”

"My pack, Eddard. Mine, unless, of course, you'd like to challenge me for leadership."

"No one wants to challenge you, Hudson," says one of the other elders, clearly trying to make peace.

"You know," I say, "I always thought this pack was so level-headed. I thought you'd lost your primal edge. Guess I was wrong."

"Not helping, Kate," rumbles Hudson.

"Not trying to," I retort. "We McKinleys are known for stirring up trouble. I'm just trying to uphold the family tradition."

Hudson growls, then searches my face and begins to chuckle. "You're enjoying yourself."

I shrug. "For what it's worth, so much more so since you arrived."

He shakes his head. "In case you missed it, gentlemen, this little tête-à-tête is over and will not be repeated. You will apologize to my mate and from this time forward will treat her with the respect she is due."

There is silence until Hudson growls low in his throat. It's a sexy sound that really ticks off all my boxes.

"Now, gentlemen."

Eddard studies him for a long moment. Then nods. “As you say, Alpha.”

The three elders, including good ole Eddard, apologize and shuffle their way out.

Once they leave, he turns to me. "Want to explain why I wasn't the first phone call you made after you were summoned?"

"If it makes you feel better, the only phone call I made was Elena to ask her if she could cover my store." I glance at my watch. "I didn't think it would take them long to growl their threats, but I need to get back to town. Elena has her bookstore to run..."

As I move to walk past him, Hudson reaches out and grabs my upper arm. "Kate, wait."

"I'm busy."

He steps closer. “I’m only saying what I should’ve said days ago... what we both know.”

“Damn right you should’ve.” I don’t let up. “At the very least, you should have said it to me first. But if you think you can just claim me like I’m a slice of pie at the diner...”

“You’re not a slice of pie,” he growls low. “You’re the fire I can’t put out. The instinct I can’t override. You belong to yourself, to this pack, and to me. If you give me the word, I’ll burn down the world and anyone that tries to touch you. I meant what I said to Eddard.”

"I know. Is it weird that I found it oddly arousing?"

Hudson chuckles. "Don't worry about the store. I had one of my people lock up for you. I wasn't sure what I was going to find when I got here."

"Did you expect to find me cowering?"

"Hardly," Hudson snorts. "I was just relieved I wasn't walking into a bloodbath of your creation."

"Again, oddly sexy."

Hudson’s smiling even though he is radiating tension and protectiveness like a banked fire wrapped in skin. He doesn’t say a word—just puts a hand on the small of my back and guides me out of the room.

We don’t stop until we’re outside, where the mountain air cuts sharp through the silence. The sun is much higher in the sky than I thought it would be, brushing everything in gold.

I exhale. “So… that was fun.”

He doesn’t smile. “They crossed a line.”

“You think?”

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