Page 25 of The Alpha Option
Cassidy examined him closely, clearly noting Jace’s body position with interest. When she lifted a brow, though, Jace grinned like they were having a Sunday in the park.
Another eye roll followed. “Anyway, to make this simpler. Yes, Steph and I know you get furry.”
“Shift.” Jace and Del said the word with the precise timing of synchronized swimmers at a national event.
Because, really, some things required unity.
Cassidy planted her hands on her hips, but her lips twitched. “Fine.Shift. Second, Blue and Jace have offered to help us. Well, Jace must help for legal reasons. I’m sure you agree.”
“What?” The smooth polish vanished from Del’s voice, and raw outrage remained. “What possible legal reasons does he claim—”
“As my caretaker,” Cassidy went on firmly, “appointed to Timberwolf Lodge by the previous owner and notarized by your company, Jace needs to be here to fulfill the requirements of the Very Important Papers you oversaw organizing. Unless…you screwed up?”
Jace had wanted to jump the woman before. Now, as Del physically winced, Cassidy elevated in Jace’s eyes to a glorious queen above all queens.
It took his cousin only a second to pull himself together, the anger pushed down and redirected.
Jace had no doubt it would arise at a more appropriate moment, probably one involving Jace’s skin. Especially when Del smiled and bared his teeth.
“You’re very right.” Del tilted his head toward the basement stairs. “So. Stephanie. She’s delightful. Anything you care to share?”
Out of nowhere, Blue appeared.
More specifically, he appeared from the basement—which should have been impossible because Jace knew damn well there was no way into the space other than the stairs. Plus, he’d left Blue lounging on the front porch of a cabin minutes ago when he’d scented Del and raced in to confront him.
Yet Blue was here, the scent of Stephanie clinging to him as he slouched indolently and faced the badass leader of the Jasper pack.
With zero fear in his eyes, Blue shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’ll go first. Steph’s awesome.”
Del took a deep, slow breath. A low growl started in his belly that cut off instantly when Blue raised a brow and flicked his gaze toward Cassidy.
“Don’t get in my way.” Del was all charming and courteous again.
“Hell, no,” Blue agreed before reaching out and tapping Del on the nose as if they were once again teenagers fooling around by the lake. “But FYI?She’snot your way.”
Jace had seen wolves lose fingers for less. But it seemed when confronted by the pack Omega, even the big bad knew when to say enough.
Del gathered himself then turned to speak to Cassidy. “You know about wolves. I’m glad because that makes some things easier. You’ll need to come meet the pack. Living here and all.”
“Might be a good idea.” Cassidy considered. “Steph and I will talk, and when it works, Blue and Jace can—”
“Jace isn’t invited.” Del said it like death warmed over. “You’ll understand soon.”
“More secrets. Goodie,” Cassidy offered with a fake perkiness. “I think you should go. We have things to do.”
Del considered, then nodded. “I’ll email a formal invite for you and Stephanie. And Blue, of course, comes and goes as he pleases.” A calculated mischief rolled into Del’s eyes. “By the way, Jace. Emma says hi.”
“Emma can bite me,” Cassidy muttered under her breath, which meant all of them heard it.
Jace risked losing one of his own limbs to slip an arm over Cassidy’s shoulders as they stood by the door and watched Del leave.
“Don’t let the door hit you on the ass,” she muttered. “Suave bastard.”
Delightful, Jace thought. What a wonderful day it was turning out to be.
He twisted toward Cassidy with a smile.
Pain flared, sudden and sharp.
