"Sure, if you want.But I can't trap or block anyone."Most could.It was the next level.Anyone could set a basic perimeter, but it wasn't of much use if you couldn't block attackers.There wouldn't be any shifters entering the hamlet.The larger area had basic wards, but around the hamlet, intruders would be blocked.
"Let's go."Ulric took a step toward the door."Do you need anything?"
"A knife."
Ulric stilled and looked at him."A knife?"
Ezra grimaced.This would be no fun.How big an area did Ulric want him to do?Maybe he'd have to do it in stages."Yeah, a knife."
* * * *
Chapter 6
Rourke couldn't focus.The heat in his chest was unbearable, and he believed he scented Ezra only to realize a second later he didn't.He growled at the computer screen.He hadn't done shit.
"I think it's time you took a break and went to check on your mate."Due gave him an unimpressed look.
"I don't need to check on my mate.I have a pack to run, I don't have time for a mate."
She snorted."Half an hour of snuggling, and you'll be able to focus again.Don't be an idiot."
This time the heat in his chest turned into claws.It was as if his wolf tried to dig its way out."I don't snuggle."At least not with witches.
"Call it what you will, but you need to touch your mate."
Rourke did his best to ignore her and focus on the screen again.Another half hour passed, and he managed to enter a few things into a spreadsheet only to realize they were the wrong numbers.A snarl built in his mind.
"For fuck's sake, Rourke!Take a break, go hug Ezra, then you'll be fine."
He didn't need a hug to be able to work.He flashed teeth at her, and she threw her hands into the air.
"You don't hug Connor all the time."
"Don't I?"
Connor had joined them for lunch, and there had been some hugs and kisses before she came back here.Ezra hadn't been in the dining hall.
Before Rourke could answer there was a knock on the door jamb and Connor stepped inside.He nodded at Rourke, then hurried over to Due and nuzzled her neck at the same time as he placed a cup of coffee on her desk."I'm heading out for a run.I should be back before you're done."Some more nuzzling."Unless you want to come with me?"
Due turned so she could look at Rourke and raised her eyebrows.He waved a hand.If she wanted to run, he wouldn't stop her.He hadn't forbidden people to run alone, but he'd strongly suggested against it.You couldn't trust witches not to nab you when you ventured outside without backup.
"See."She gestured at Connor, who looked confused.
"Go."Connor came to see her daily.He'd never thought much of it.For the most part, they had an open-door policy in the pack, and it never bothered him when people came and went.Shifters needed to feel connected to their pack.Everyone had their place; they were all a cog in the machine that was the Flint Pack.
He remained by his desk for another forty minutes before giving up.He got nothing done.Steering his steps toward the dining hall, he ignored the need to go hunt for Ezra.
It was a mating of convenience, for fuck's sake.It wasn't real, and the sooner his soul got the memo, the better.
Walking into the dining hall, he nodded at Theron who was sitting on a chair and scrolling on his phone with a cup of coffee in front of him."Has Geri sent in the grocery order?"
Rourke didn't know.Geri hadn't been in the office."Not sure."
"I need a few things.I can go into town, but I figured if he hasn't sent in the order yet, I could save the gas."
Rourke nodded.Every penny counted, and he appreciated them doing their best to live frugally."You have to ask him.He wasn't in the office today."
"I think he went hunting with Ulric and Farkas.They're back now, though."Theron pushed up from the chair with a sigh."I'm fucking exhausted."
