"I'll call the Pack," Jasmine says.She doesn't move, so I assume she's using their Pack link.
I can't wait for everyone to convene.My mate needs me now.Rushing to the mudroom, I throw open the back door and freeze.Sunlight.There's no way for me to get to him without becoming crispy.
I step away from the door to close it, but Jagger comes up the back steps just then.
"Do you need to feed?"he asks, pausing in the doorway, eyeing me warily.
It's not until then I realize my fangs have dropped.I probably look crazed, but it's not entirely from hunger this time.Although, if I don't get blood soon, the hunger will become more of a factor.I might be getting more control, but I'd rather not test the boundaries of it in the middle of a crisis.
Before I can respond, Jag slowly holds out his arm."You won't be any good to Wyatt if you're feral."
I never expected Jagger, of all people, to let me drink from him.He's such a private person.But I'm not going to question it, because he's right.If I'm going to be ready to help my mate, I need to be in control of myself.
Doing my best to be gentle, I sip carefully, taking only what I absolutely need.I don't want to take advantage of Jag's offering.
"Thank you," I say once I'm done."Truly."
"We'll find Wyatt and figure out what's happening.Try not to worry."He pats my shoulder as he passes me on the way into the house.A wild show of affection from the usually broody man.I hope he and Richard can figure things out.After such an incredible loss, Richard deserves to be happy.
Shutting the mudroom door, I head back to the kitchen to clean up the mess, but the pungent scent of cleaner indicates it's already been taken care of.Likely by Jasmine.I'll have to thank her later.
Members of the Pack are in and out of the house quickly, but with very little talking, so I can't tell what's going on.I've all but been forgotten in the background.This whole waiting at home like a helpless damsel thing isn't really working for me.But until the sun goes down, I don't have much of a choice.
A memory hits me unexpectedly, and I clutch the counter to stay upright.
Snapping.Snarling.Wolves circling.Fangs sinking into furred muscle.Blood spray.Burning flesh.
Jagger, what have you done?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Wyatt
Afterthelastofthe appliances have been installed, I spend the rest of the morning cleaning up any left over construction mess, then head out toward the Pack house to feed Andrew.
It's a beautiful day out, sunny without being overly warm.I let my thoughts drift.Our den is finally complete and we can settle into our life.Get to know each other better.Cement the bond.The lingering scent of the work crew is the only thing that needs to be dealt with, but that is easily remedied.Fucking my mate on every available surface ought to take care of it.
Speaking of scents… there's something…
Halting my walk, I inhale deeply trying to get a feel for what caught my attention.The odor is vaguely familiar, but it's not the remnants of the work crew.Our wards have been relaxed during construction, which is a vulnerability.I want to get back to Andrew, but this calls for investigation.My mate has a back up blood supply if needed.
Tracking the smell, I move into the woods, listening.Whoever is out here doesn't belong, especially so close to my den.
Time feels suspended as I focus on the hunt, and before I know it, I've reached the Warwick property – which is technically now part of Pack land since it belongs to Jericho's mate, Faith.
The scent is stronger here.Keeping hidden, I pause and listen for movement.
There.A heartbeat.
Choosing my footsteps carefully, I let the sound guide me.
"Come out, wolf," a man's voice calls.
I round the tree and face him, getting a first look at my prey.Where do I know him from?
"You're trespassing.I suggest you leave while you still can."
His answering smirk sets off my wolf, and a growl escapes before I can shove it down.
