Page 2 of Claimed By the Wolf
“What?” I ask in exasperation.
Brax shrugs. “From what I hear, Emeric isn’t looking for a mate either. Are you sure about this?”
I grimace at the reminder. The conversation that had led us to this point had been awkward, to put it lightly. Politics is never fun, but it’s a necessary evil in our world.
“Maybe he isn’t looking for a mate, but he knows we need some sort of way to keep peace between our packs. That’s what being an Alpha is about. Making choices you don’t like sometimes,” I snap. “He is the one who suggested the union. Stop procrastinating and go get your sister.”
Without another word, he disappears through the packhouse, leaving me alone with my thoughts at the desk.
It’s been a long few years in the territory. Tensions run higher every day as threats of civil unrest loom in the shadows. But if Brynn does what she’s told, there could be an end in sight.
If.
A knock on the door startles me out of my reverie.
That was fast. There’s no way Brax could be back with Brynn yet. Connor pops his head in, and I exhale.
The Beta and his sister haven’t returned after all.
“What?” I ask.
“We’re heading out to do a quick grid search and grab some lunch,” he informs me. “Want anything while we’re out?”
“No thanks. Just keep an eye on the neighboring ranches for any trouble, and stay out of Willow Grove.”
“Always.” Connor appears perplexed by the order. “Has there been a complaint?”
“No. And I don’t want one.” Not until I can secure our alliance, at least. This tiptoeing around is getting tiresome.
“Okay, Alpha. Text me if you need anything while we’re out.”
Connor heads out, and I exhale with some relief. It’ll be better if no one is in the house when Brynn arrives. This is bound to be dramatic.
I stand and amble toward the window of my office, pulling the plantation shutters aside to watch as my pack members drive off in their respective vehicles to head out for the afternoon.
Dust flies into the humid Texan air and hangs, still for a moment, before settling on the ground, the group disappearing in a roar of motorcycle and car engines along the remote countryside.
It’s a beautiful spring day, sunshine spilling through the cypress and ash trees on the horizon. I have the urge to go for a run, the walls of the packhouse closing in around me. I don’t much care for being confined indoors, even on gloomy days.
In the distance, a vehicle appears on the lone road leading toward the secluded building. The Ember Hollow packhouse is strategically located off-road, yet close enough to the freeway for easy access. Only those who know it know where to find it, for security purposes, but with my heightened sense of sight, I canalready make out the familiar outline of Brax’s blue SUV. It helps that I was waiting for it.
Stepping back from the window, I make my way through the wide halls to greet the siblings at the front of the now empty packhouse.
Empty beer bottles litter the coffee table, and I scowl in disgust. I’m going to have the pack’s asses for this mess.
That’s not the way I run my house, and they know it.
If not for Brynn’s arrival, I would have had Connor come right back and lead the cleanup right then and there. I make a mental note to deal with him later.
Propping open the front door, I lean casually against the doorway, hoping to look inconspicuous as I fold my arms over my chest.
Covertly, I shoot Brax a look from my place, and he shakes his head quickly as if to indicate he hasn’t said anything, while his younger sister climbs out of the passenger side warily. Another image of Brynn flashes through my mind, her last birthday party in that sexy white sundress. I quickly dismiss the thought, shifting my gaze back to her face.
Her golden-green eyes dart over the porch before landing on my face, her lids narrowing slightly.
“Hey,” she drawls, ambling toward me. “How’s it going?”
“Hey, yourself,” I reply lightly, pushing myself off the doorframe to greet her properly.
