Page 37 of Taming of a Wolf

“Deep breaths for me, kiddo. I’ll be okay.”

“Do you have to drive?” Tears leak from his glossy eyes.

“No, I can always take the train.”

A sob escapes him. “But what if there’s some bad guy on the train? My friends said somebody got shot in the subway last week. What if—” Croaky sobs heave his shoulders as he sucks in gulps of air.

“Oh, bud.” I hold him close and kiss his soft hair. “That won’t happen.”

“How do you know?” Whimpering, he clutches at me.

I’m at a loss for words. Jace is right. How could I possibly be sure something bad won’t happen? Life just isn’t that simple. We both know how quickly things can change. Sorrow stings my eyes. If our parents were here, they’d know what to say to alleviate his anxiety.

If our parents were here, Jace wouldn’thaveanxiety.

Because of me, my brother is scarred for life.

“Is the lad okay?” Anders occupies the doorframe, head tilted and arms folded across his chest. “Are you?” he adds, the edges of his mouth creasing.

I try and smile, but I’m sure it’s unconvincing. “Anders, I think I’m going to stay in tonight.”

He dips his head. “Ah. What about Jess and Bailey?”

I sigh. “Guess I’ll have to cancel.”

Anders frowns thoughtfully. “I could go.”

That doesn’t sound like a good idea, especially after how nervous he was this morning. “I’m not sure. Won’t you be overwhelmed?”

“Possibly, but… I want to make things right between myself and your companions.”

I’m not sure if I’m on board, but the determined look in his eyes tells me he is. “All right. Have fun with Jess and Bailey. I’ll call an Uber for you.”

Anders nods stiffly. “I’ll try.” Brows furrowing, he adds, “What’s an Uber?”

Chapter 10

Anders

My “Uber” ride is…uncomfortable. I keep my eyes on the driver the entire way there in case he tries anything. So far, things have been confusing but relatively peaceful in this timeline, but I know how swiftly things can go awry. When we stop outside the club, I allow myself to breathe more easily as I exit the car.

As I approach the club, my reservations only increase. The noise coming from beyond the doors makes me gnash my teeth. Already, I want to turn around and demand the driver take me back to my mate and our pup—Jamie and Jace. But it seemed important to Jamie that I bond with Jess and Bailey, and as I’ve learned, I am incapable of ignoring any request of his.

No. Not incapable. I simply don’t want to.

Clenching my jaw, I make my way toward the club. The noise inside is worse than outside, so loud it throbs in my chest. Overhead, colors as bright as the northern lights swirl over the crowd of dancers. The air reeks of sweat and alcohol, clouding my senses. How can humans enjoy this? I feel like prey with my senses so diluted, waiting to be ambushed.

Before I can panic, my gaze lands on Jess and Bailey sitting at the bar, enjoying drinks. My feet freeze in place as I grapple with sudden uncertainty. I’m not as eager as I thought to encounter the woman I shouted at this afternoon. The uncertainty eats away at me, and it’s a feeling I loathe.

Just be yourself!Jamie had said before I left.

But when I’m myself, people tend to die. Or get hurt. Or despise me.

He’d frowned when I’d told him that.

But don’t you have any friends?he’d asked, and the question had given me pause, making me cast my mind back.

Had I ever had friends? I remember aching for friends outside of my pack. Most people fawned all over Wulfric for being the Alpha’s heir. There was no reason to bother with me. It used to upset me how Wulfric captivated others without even trying, simply for having something I didn’t. All the other pups in the village wanted to be his friend, wanted the Alpha-heir’s attention. Never mine.

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