She stared past him at his old-as-dirt Ford truck. The tailgate was missing, had been since the first time she’d laid eyes on the junker, and the only reason the sides of the truck were still attached was because Blake had strung a rope between them, keeping them from swaying too far and snapping off.
“And I can’t believe you risked helping with that.” At least eight other boxes were in the bed of the truck. There was no telling how many he might have lost on the highway.
“What? This is what trucks are for. Helping friends move. I saved you at least three trips.”
“You just want me out of the house fast so you can move in.”
He grinned. “I already have the party planned.”
She gave him a frosty glare. “Just put that in the kitchen.”
“Sure,” he said.
She just shook her head and walked to the truck. He had saved her a lot of time. The boxes contained most of her closet and bedroom. New furniture would be delivered tomorrow or the next day, and before the full moon, she expected to be completely unpacked.
She grabbed another box, took it inside, and set it on the counter next to the one Blake had brought in. He was standing in front of her open and empty fridge, a scowl on his face.
“If you had called ahead, I would have told you to pick something up.” She would have told him she didn’t need help. It was too soon to be around other werewolves.
He shrugged and closed the fridge.
“My dad told you to come, didn’t he?”
Blake gave her a half smile that did not at all come off as repentant.
Nora rolled her eyes. “You can go now.”
He crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter. “You played him.”
She turned to the nearest box and opened it. “What do you mean?”
“You didn’t have to move in today.” He waited for her to say something, but she kept digging through the box. “You were supposed to end it.”
There was no point in pretending ignorance. “You said not to make it a habit. I haven’t.”
“It’s enough of a habit that you’re avoiding the pack. He notices.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“It will become one if you don’t stop.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “It’s not like I’m the only werewolf who has ever slept with a vampire. You’ve slept with vampires.”
“I’m not Lehr’s daughter.” He pushed off the counter and stalked closer. “I can’t keep covering for you. If you don’t end it, you will get caught. Lehr’s hoping this move pacifies you. If it doesn’t, he’s going to be your alpha more than your father. I don’t want to see that.”
“You won’t.” She said the words with confidence, but she had to regulate her heartbeat and her scent. Keep her muscles loose, but not too loose. She hadn’t spoken a lie. Blake wouldn’t see her father tightening his control over her. He would see her walking away from the pack.
Away from the pack and into Jared’s arms.
22
Jared led his new vampire up the compound’s thousand steps and to the house at the surface. Outside, only one car waited. Deagan leaned against the Tesla, arms crossed, coat flapping in the cool wind.
“Master.” He opened the passenger door. Jared felt his scrutiny, his not quite hidden concern.
“I will drive.” Jared walked to the driver’s door.
“Shall I send the youngling away?” Deagan asked.
