Page 16 of The Wolf King's Demand

The other alpha barked out a laugh. “I don’t doubt that for an instant. Nonetheless, these young fools might still try their luck.”

He hammered down his anger enough to remember why he’d come here in the first place.

“I still have information saying that someone out of here is paying rogues to attack,” Tyler reminded the other alpha.

Hugh sighed and shook his head. “Someone at the outpost very well could have paid off some rogues to go wreak havoc. That doesn’t mean they’re still here. If they were smart, whoever you’re looking for probably came here to hire rogues and then bailed after that.”

Tyler let out a growl of frustration. Hugh was probably right. Which meant this had been a dead end.

He nodded in acknowledgment toward the other alpha. “Thank you for your cooperation.”

Hugh dipped his head. “Happy to oblige.”

Tyler turned swiftly from him. He needed to get back to the capital city now.

On the way back, he contemplated calling ahead and making sure Addison was okay. Or better yet, having several of his best shifters take her to a safe room and guard her. However, she’d be furious if he did.

A million possibilities swirled in his mind of how she could be harmed. One of the rogues could have broken free. What if they hadn’t really captured all of the pack, as he had thought?

Maybe he should make that call. But Addison would protest about whatever plans he enacted to take her away from the women and children. She was home on the castle grounds, which was one of the safest and most secure places she could be. Her guards should be sufficient for the time being, and she was committed to taking care of those they rescued. If he tried to derail her now, he would never hear the end of it.

He would see to her safety himself when he arrived and make her understand the danger she was in.

And he would keep her safe.

In record time, he arrived at his castle in the capital city and saw his beta waiting for him. Tyler quickly marched up to him.

“Has Addison been in sight the whole time? Are the guards keeping an eye on things?” he demanded.

His beta nodded. “Of course. All is well here, though the guards have to keep pretty quiet and stay out of her way. She doesn’t like knowing they’re following her all the time.”

A tension that he hadn’t even realized had been building in him was suddenly at ease. Good, no one had tried anything again. At least not yet.

“Where is she now?” Tyler asked.

“She’s helping the women and children settle into their rooms. For now, she’s given them all a place in the castle in the guest wing. I think she’s started a list to make sure everyone has what they need.” Louis told him.

Tyler nodded. “Thank you.” And then he quickly went off to find his betrothed.

Just as Louis said, she was talking with the women. The little girl, Cassia, clung to her side.

Addison noticed his approach and gave him a questioning look. Tyler came up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “I need to speak with you for a moment. Alone.”

She frowned but began to extract herself from the circle of women. Cassia let out a noise of protest, and Addison smoothed her hair and smiled down at her. “This will only take a moment. I’ll be right back.”

The girl seemed satisfied enough with that answer and released her hold on Addison. Tyler pulled his betrothed off to the side and pulled her close to him. He’d done it so the others wouldn’t be able to hear, but it was almost intoxicating now that she was so close. Her scent was so utterly perfect that all he wanted to do was draw her even closer.

He mentally kicked himself. He needed to focus. There were more pressing matters right now.

“Did you find out who was behind all these attacks?” Addison asked.

Tyler shook his head. “No. I did, however, find out something dire. Someone has put a bounty on you.”

Addison stiffened.

“We need to figure out a plan to protect you,” Tyler continued. “Something to ensure your safety.”

She nodded, still looking a little shell-shocked. “Yeah, I guess so. What did you have in mind?”

---