Wraith goes still. Not the coiled-spring tension from before, but something sadder. His shoulders slump slightly as he signs,Been busy.
"Yeah, all this drama has been eating up time." I keep wrapping my hands, deliberately not looking at him. Sometimes it's easier for Wraith to communicate when he doesn't feel watched. "You should probably visit soon though. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
He nods, those blue eyes looking resigned. Like he's carrying the weight of the world on those massive shoulders.
"You know..." I finish with my wraps and move to the speed bag, giving it a few experimental taps. "You could take her with you."
Wraith's head snaps up and he blinks warily at me.
I-V-Y,I sign to clarify, glancing at the ceiling when I hear the creak of a floorboard I'm sure is Valek prowling around. "Think about it," I continue, finding my rhythm on the bag. "Perfect excuse to get out of the house. Give you some time together."
She wouldn't want...he starts signing, then stops, his hands dropping.
"You don't know that." I pause my workout, turning to face him fully. "Look, I know Cedarbrook is... personal. But Ivy's not like other people. That much is clear. She seems to understand complicated."
Wraith considers this, absently rubbing his knuckles against his thigh. They're already bruised from his assault on the heavy bag.
You come too?he signs hopefully.
"Yeah, sure. We could grab a hotel together." I return to the speed bag, the rapidrat-tat-tatfilling the silence. "We couldget to know each other better while you do your thing at Cedarbrook."
The relief that washes over Wraith is enough to dilute his still prickly, aggressive scent. Some of the tension he's been carrying since Ivy left drains from his massive frame. He nods slowly, decisively.
When?
"Soon as they get back, if you want." I'm thinking about Ivy's heat cycle, wondering if we need to plan around that or if she's through it by now. But I don't say anything. These walls might not have ears, but with Valek around, I'm not taking chances.
Good idea,Wraith signs, then pauses before adding,Thanks.
"What are brothers for?" I grin, landing a particularly satisfying combo on the speed bag. "Besides, I could use a fucking break from?—"
Wraith suddenly stiffens, his entire body going rigid. His finger flies to his mouth through the mask to silence me as his attention shifts to the stairs, those blue eyes narrowing and irritation driving out all the warmth from our conversation.
Two seconds later, I hear it too. Footsteps. Deliberate. Measured.
Fucking Valek.
He appears at the bottom of the stairs like he materialized from shadow, silver eyes taking in everything. The destroyed punching bag, Wraith's sweat-soaked form, my wrapped hands. That calculated casualness he wears like armor never slips, but there's something predatory in the way he surveys the room with an unreadable expression.
Wraith's entire demeanor transforms instantly. The relaxed, almost vulnerable alpha I was just talking to vanishes. He draws himself up to his full, terrifying height, every muscle in his chest and arms going taut. He shifts slightly, positioning himself between me and Valek without being obvious about it.
Protective. Always fucking protective. He doesn't need to protectme.I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes.
"Gentlemen," Valek says smoothly, descending the last few steps. "I heard activity and thought I'd investigate. The house feels rather empty without the full pack present."
The comment is pointed. He knows Whiskey and Plague are gone. Knows they've been gone all night. And he's fishing.
"Just getting a workout in," I say, keeping my tone neutral. "You know how it is. Gotta stay in shape for the season."
"Indeed." Valek's gaze slides to Wraith, taking in his intimidating stance. "Quite the impressive display of conditioning. Though I couldn't help but overhear something about travel plans?"
Wraith's growl is too low for normal hearing, but I feel it vibrate through the concrete floor. His hands clench into fists and I can tell he's barely restraining himself from putting one through Valek's head.
"Family shit," I say vaguely. "Nothing exciting."
"Family." Valek repeats the word like he's tasting it. "How unfortunate that you have obligations that would take you away from the team. During such a... transitional period."
The threat is subtle, wrapped in concern, but it's there. He's implying we're planning something. Which we are, but fuck him for being right about it.
