Page 66 of Taming of a Wolf

Hurt twists in my chest. Kneeling before my brother, I flick some hair out of his face. “He likes you just fine, bud. He’ll come back, and tomorrow, you’ll do your presentation with him.”

“Promise?”

I kiss his forehead. “Yeah.”

The bell jingles. Plastering a fake smile on my face, I turn around. “Welcome.”

A man I don’t recognize steps into the shop. We get our fair share of newcomers to the store, but most are Brooklyn natives. Honestly, he looks like he should be browsing the aisles of a high-end clothing store with the threads he’s got on. I bet his trousers, sleek shoes, leather jacket, and cashmere sweater cost more than my rent. His golden hair is gelled back except for a few strands that flop over his forehead. As his brown eyes meet mine, my wolf lurches within my soul.

There’s something off about his scent. It almost… burns my nose. I don’t like it, and neither does Wolf Jamie. It makes me want to sneeze. Whoever this guy is, he isn’t human. Grabbing Jace’s shoulder, I say without taking my eyes off this guy, “Jace, go into the kitchen and stay there until I come for you.”

Wide-eyed, he nods and rushes away to do as he’s told.

The guy with the odd scent leans on the counter, propping his chin in his hand. He flashes perfect teeth in a smile. “Aww. You hurt my feelings, wolfy,” he says in a British accent.

My heart skips. Yup, definitely not human if he can tell what I am at a glance.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you witches don’t actually eat children? This isn’tHansel and Gretel.”

Shit. A witch. Could he be one of the witches that attacked Anders? My apprehension shifts to boiling rage that has me fighting down a snarl.

“Hello. I’m Arlo. Is Anders in?”

“None of your business.” The words come out sharp as a knife. “Are you one of the witches that hurt him? Get out of my store.”

Arlo’s eyes widen, and he holds up his hands. “I didn’t raise a hand against him, and I’m terribly sorry that the situation escalated the way it did.”

“Your buddies broke his nose.”

Arlo winces. “Again, I do apologize. Being ulfhednar, I assume he healed quickly once he put on his furs?”

I’m surprised he’s saying all this at a normal volume, and I look around to make sure nobody is listening in.

“Relax, darling. I’ve got a compulsion globe around us. They think we’re talking about football.”

“Oh. That’s good, I guess?” I’m not sure I like the fact he’s just cast some weird spell on us. I didn’t even see or hear it happen. “So what is it you want?”

“Anders has yet to visit the Agency to receive the documentation he needs in this timeline.”

“We’ve been busy.”

He nods understandingly. “I’m sure, but it’s important if he plans to live here permanently. More importantly…” Arlo leans on the counter, closing the distance between us. “Has he taken you as his mate yet?”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Again, that’s not your business.”

“I’m aware it’s a personal question, but it is imperative that he claims you. Quickly.”

“I know about the berserker stuff, but he’s been good so far. We’re taking things slow. He won’t hurt me.”

Arlo shakes his head, brows furrowing. “I wish you both had that luxury, Jamie. I do. But the fact is that while you are surely safe around him as his mate, what about those around you? An unmated wolf from an Alpha bloodline is territorial. If he perceives there is a threat against you or your relationship, it might be enough to push him over the edge.”

My mouth runs dry as I remember the day Anders saw Bailey hug and kiss me. “We’ve got things under control.”

“I should hope so.” Arlo’s voice is grave. “I will be observing you both closely, Jamie. If I see signs that Anders’s condition is worsening, then I will have to act.”

“I won’t let you hurt him.”

“I won’t. But my superiors are the ones who make the final decision. Convince him to claim you, Jamie. Please. You will be sparing yourself so much pain and hardship.” He touches my arm, squeezing. The sadness in his eyes makes me freeze before I can pull away. “I know the pain of losing the one you love to their berserker’s rage. It’s something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.”

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