Eric simply looked ahead and didn’t reply. He didn’t seem too keen on the topic so I didn’t push it.
Many West Pack members milled about in town, most in human form but a few wolves as well. For some reason, I had been expecting everyone to be uptight and strict like Eric was, but the vibe was relaxed and calm. It definitely felt cozy here amongst the pine forest.
A sleek grey wolf suddenly bounded up to Eric from the dense woods. I heard her speak telepathically to him.
“Sir.” She nodded towards me. “Welcome to West Pack, sir Matheson.”
“Er, just Matheson is fine,” I told her.
“Any news of the outskirts, Crystal?” Eric asked.
“No,” she replied, flicking an ear. “There’s been some movement, but nothing we think is suspicious. They never get too close to the border.” She licked her lips, revealing sharp white teeth. “And if they do, we’ll take care of them.”
“Good.” Eric nodded. “Thanks for the report.”
Crystal turned as if to run off again, then gazed at me with mischievous eyes. “He’s a cute one, sir.”
I blushed. Eric grumbled, but Crystal ran off before he could say anything to her.
“Nosy guards,” he muttered.
“What was she talking about?” I asked, trying to forget the embarrassing warmth in my cheeks.
“Don’t worry about it,” Eric said. “It’s not your concern.”
I frowned, not satisfied by the answer but not wanting to pester him for details. “Okay.”
We walked along the path, getting further away from the town in the center of the territory. It was quieter here. Birds and insects chirped and a cool breeze brushed my face, bringing with it the fresh scent of pine needles.
“We’re here,” Eric announced.
I gazed ahead to see a unique building, built almost entirely out of glass. The blinds were drawn so that the entire living space within was visible.
“Whoa,” I said. “You live there?”
“Yes.” He smiled. “And now, for the next ten days, so will you.”
“You guys all have such interesting houses compared to me,” I said. “Next I’m gonna find out that Colton lives in an igloo or something.”
“That would not surprise me,” Eric mumbled.
I’d almost forgotten that a few guards were still with us. One opened the door for us while another placed my bags carefully in the front hall.
“Would you like us to stay, sir?” a guard asked Eric.
“That’s all right. I think we’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Please don’t make me repeat myself,” Eric said.
The guard nodded, then the rest of them took off down the path, leaving Eric and I by ourselves.
“They seem pretty protective over you,” I noted.
Eric grunted. “Sometimes it’s a little too much.” He picked up my bags. “Come. I’ll show you to your room.”
Unlike Ramsay’s barn with its single loft and bed, this was a home obviously meant to accommodate more people.
