Peri heldthe phone to her ear as she stared at Maxim. The male was huge, not unlike most of theCanis lupusmales. But he was also big simply because of his demeanor, the way he carried himself. It would be interesting to see how he responded to the other dominant males in the pack. Hence why she was calling Fane instead of simply flashing into the office.
Fane answered the phone. “You found him?”
“Well, hello to you, too, Alpha,” Peri said dryly. “Yes, I am doing fine. Thank you for asking. Although I could use a vacation, so if you could pencil me in for one soon, that would be great.”
Fane was quiet. And she could practically feel him rolling his eyes. Seconds ticked by. “You’re not any fun anymore. Have you been hanging out with my mate?”
“Peri.” Fane’s voice was a deep, controlled growl.
“Fine, fine.” She sighed. “Yes. He’s here with me. Just outside, actually. I didn’t want to flash in without preparing you all. Considering the house is full of pregnant females with mates on high alert, like squirrels on crack.”
“That was oddly considerate of you,” Fane acknowledged.
“Don’t get used to it,” Peri warned. “This is a one-time deal because one of my healers is on the brink of death, and I don’t need any more complications than I already have.”
“Naturally. Bring him in. I’ll keep the males in check.” The call ended, and Peri slipped the phone into her pocket.
“I am plenty fun,” Lucian said from beside her. She looked at his stoic, handsome face.
“Yes, my love. You’re an absolute riot.” Then she looked at Maxim. “Are you ready to meetthealpha?”
ChapterEleven
“My life will never be the same. I can’t decide if that’s a good thing or bad thing. Only time will tell.” ~Maxim
Maxim braced himself as the fae woman’s piercing gaze turned to him. Was he ready? Honestly, nothing could have prepared him for the turmoil that finding out about his true mate had unleashed. But he would not falter now. Maxim had lead a rogue pack for decades. Under his care as alpha, he’d kept them fed, safe, and healthy.
“I’m ready,” he rumbled. Alice needed him. Nothing else mattered. He’d deal with his jumbled emotions about Fane Lupei later.
The female fae gave a sharp nod. Anticipation and something like sympathy flashed in her violet eyes. Then the world blurred around them. When it steadied, Maxim found himself in a spacious office. He only had a moment to take in the assembled pack before colliding with another mountain of a male.
Pain burst through Maxim’s jaw from the blow. He snarled, grappling with his attacker. The need to dominate and defend arose, red fury hazing his vision.
Until a commanding voice cut through the chaos, stilling them both. “Enough!”
The wolf with which Maxim grappled immediately released him, his eyes lowered in submission, but not to Maxim. The newcomer blinked, his own fight instinct receding. These were not enemies.
Perizada made a disparaging sound. “I did warn you they were on high alert. Honestly, Maxim, getting decked was inevitable. Although, I am a little surprised it wasn’t one of the males that’s expecting a pup.”
Maxim turned to the tall, solemn man from where he could feel the calming power emanating. Power and confidence marked him as the alpha.Fane.
The man met his gaze steadily. “My apologies for Decebel’s overzealous welcome. We are, as Peri said, all on edge.”
“Can’t say thatI’msorry.” A blonde female pressed closer to Decebel. “It’s hot when he gets all caveman.” She held up a hand. “Not with me, of course. That crap is annoying. But when he’s feeling the need to defend me, that’s H-O-T.”
“Jen, stick a cork in it.” A redheaded woman stood next to Fane. It was clear, not just from the way he kept his body slightly in front of her but by the power and presence surrounding her, that she was Fane’s mate.
Maxim worked his jaw and then dipped his chin, first to Decebel, then to Fane. “No harm done.” He understood a mate’s need to protect. It was as much a part of their DNA as their hair or eye color.
Fane’s lips quirked. He gestured to the others. “My pack and allies. We all share the goal of bringing down Cain and freeing your mate, not to mention the first hybrid and her mate, as well as all the dormants he’s captured.”
The reminder focused Maxim fully. He would work with the devil himself to save Alice. These wolves were infinitely preferable, even if he had been sucker punched.
Fane introduced his pack one by one. There was a warlock, Gerrick, who was mate to a fallen djinn, Myanin. She immediately asked if he had cotton candy.Weird.Then there was Adam, a fae warrior mated to Crina, a wolf female. Next was Sorin, a wolf warrior, and mate to Elle, a female fae. On and on it went until everyone had been introduced, each of whom nodded to Maxim respectfully.
“I’m Andora.” A beautiful woman with ancient eyes full of wisdom stepped forward. “Queen of the sprites.”
He bowed his head to her. Maxim had never met a sprite before. Just like other supernatural species, she was stunning, and no doubt at least triple or more the age she appeared.
