Snarling, he attacked Tripp and slipped under a swiped paw to grasp it in his jaw. He tugged, and the sound of a break reverberated through the forest. Jude growled a warning, and Tripp lowered to the ground, unprepared to fight against an unknown enemy.
The minutes after the fight were a blur. Janet gave a yip to call Isaac, who would bring Drew. As soon as they arrived, Gale left them to guard Tripp. He was injured and needed to wash and treat the wound to avoid infection.
Gale shifted to his human form to lessen the pain and aid the healing process. He’d reached the car when Jude shifted, emerging into a beautiful naked man.
He might have said something if Jude hadn’t grabbed his clothes, dressed, and pulled out the first aid kit from the glove compartment.
Gale shouldn’t be disappointed, shouldn’t be surprised.
“Does it hurt?” Jude placed the first aid kit onto the hood of the car, pressing hands to Gale’s hips to guide him back.
Gale perched against the bonnet and touched the shoulder wound. “It’s bearable,” he admitted, prepared to refuse painkillers if offered. He wanted to keep a clear head.
In silence, Jude cleaned the two wounds and smeared them with a gel to numb the pain, a relief he appreciated. While Gale sat, aware of Jude’s scent drifting closer to accepting and concerned, he wondered if this care and attention meant anything. Was it guilt over ignoring him? Genuine concern? Or a product of the mate bond Jude couldn’t fight?
In the clearing, Jude had appeared ready to rip Tripp to pieces, despite knowing the plan. That was the reaction of a mate who wanted to step in and scream “You hurt my mate, now I’ll kill you.”
Only…he didn’t.
Gale rolled his shoulder to test the give of the dressing Jude had placed over the bite, relieved it retained good motion. He didn’t expect the hands on his shoulders, or Jude pressing a kiss to the dressing.
Jude examined his abdomen, thoroughly cleaning and bandaging the wound. He sank to his knees, gaze drifting to Gale’s, to run a hand over the bandage and kiss it. “I’m sorry you got hurt,” he said though it wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t be responsible for Tripp running or reacting as he did.
Still, it was nice to see this softer side for a change. His hand drifted through Jude’s hair automatically, and he was surprised when he stood and kissed Gale’s lips.
Maybe he hadn’t entirely fucked up.
Chapter Nine
“To success!” Drew toasted, holding a bottle of vodka and moving around the room to fill glasses. “We completed our list and, other than Eliseo’s bravery and your injuries today?” He tipped his head to Gale in acknowledgement. “?we came away unscathed, and I can keep my promise to return you to Keon in perfect condition.”
“Yes.” Rylee nodded to his boyfriend and raised his bottle of beer. “Thank you for being perfect guests, for reminding us of home, and for doing important, worthy work to make Vihaan safe, one pack at a time,” he toasted, raising a cheer from the fraternity.
As they celebrated, Gale glanced at Jude. He’d gone for a ‘prescribed’ nap after returning from Tripp’s cabin with one more recruit to return home and found Jude crawling into bed with him not long after. A soft sigh sounded in his ear, fingers traced his abdomen, a kiss fluttered over his bandage, and Jude snuggled in. Nothing special or vital, but it meant everything. A true sign of a mate bond.
Drew handed Gale a mask. “This is for tonight. Though I hate to say goodbye, I know you guys are eager to get home. This is for your farewell party, which we’ve disguised as a Halloween party,” he explained while helping him on with the mask.
Gale eyed the identical mask he had handed Jude and snuffed his amusement. A wolf. How typical.
Drew stepped back and raised a glass of vodka. “To Keon!”
“To Alpha Keon!” he called with the rest, downing his shot and letting Drew refill his glass.
If he must attend a human party, he’d need alcohol to survive. Watching Drew flit around the house, organising people, food, and no-go areas was a good substitute. Rylee tried to reign him in as much as possible, but Lorcan helped the most, while Delaware plied Drew with drinks to help him relax.
The one thing he’d learned about Dnara was why Keon stayed. These guys were of varying ages, from various places and packs around Vihaan, but they’d come to this world for a reason. They formed this pack of found family that fought, supported, loved, and took care of every member.
Gale envied them the home they’d made, the freedom, and the happiness. He hoped he could find the same under Keon’s leadership.
“Hey. Are you excited for the party?” Isaac asked, grinning like a fool while Janet rolled her eyes. “Don’t you love the masks Drew gave us?” He tipped his over his face to strike a pose, hands curling into claws.
Gale almost spat out his drink but it was cute. “You’re adorable.” He slung an arm around Isaac’s neck to kiss his head. “Yeah. I guess I am excited,” he realised, glad Isaac would have the chance to experience it. This time in Dnara had been good for him, and he’d soon have the choice of studying here or making an extended visit.
Before, he might have worried. Now, he knew Drew and the guys would take care of him.
*
The party proved to be Gale’s worst nightmare. Music he didn’t understand, dancing, and a group of loud-mouthed humans who liked to grind on anything that moved.
