Her expression told him she expected drama, and she was probably right.A team game centered on trust and friendship.Those two things made a group into an individual unit.It was no different from his army days.They’d learned quickly if they didn’t work together, one or all of them would end up dead.
“I’ll follow you home,” he said.
“No, stay with your family and friends.”
“You are my family,” he said with a wolflike growl that had everyone quietening.“If you haven’t figured that out now, you’re not as intelligent as I thought.”Wow, way to go, loser.That’s sure to keep her at your side.
He watched her carefully, not sure how she’d react.She blinked before poking him in the chest with her forefinger.“Did you growl at me?”
A snicker sounded, but Gerard choked off the sound at a glare from Maia.His green eyes, however, danced with amusement.His friend wouldn’t let Henry forget this moment.
“It’s okay for Levi to act like a wolf.He’s a kid,” Maia snapped.“You have no reason to snap and snarl like an animal.”
Oh, man.There was a moment of acute silence before everyone burst into chatter simultaneously, trying to pretend they knew nothing about wolves and growling.
The furrow on Maia’s brow grew deeper before she shook her head.“I’m leaving now.”
“I’ll follow you.Please, for my peace of mind, Maia.Jenny…” He shook himself and shut his mouth.Her eyes widened, and he saw the moment of understanding.
“Okay.Will we stay at my place or yours tonight?”
Relief that she wasn’t intending to sulk or shut him out had him almost giddy.He gripped the edge of his chair and concentrated on breathing.“Mine, if that’s okay.I need to exercise the dogs and feed them when I get home.”
Maia nodded decisively.“I’ll collect my laptop and a change of clothes from home and meet you there.”
Henry didn’t tell her that there was no way he’d let her stop by her house alone.
Later that night, he held Maia in his arms.She’d fallen asleep after they’d made love, but his mind remained alert and full of questions.They needed a plan.Maia’s coach had sounded horrified, and he’d thought genuine.She’d promised to discuss the situation with management, and they’d take action if they discovered the culprit.Meanwhile, they’d need to tighten security at home.Maia would object, but maybe he could take time off work and surreptitiously trail her.At least then, he’d be nearby should she need help.
A blur of red flashed before his eyes.Hell, he’d been close to Jenny, and her ex had grabbed her so quickly she hadn’t had a chance to escape.
He had to do as much as possible to protect Maia and hope that he’d be present when a confrontation came.Not that Maia was useless.She had a good brain and used it.She was a warrior.His warrior.
Yeah, he needed to use his brain like Maia had and ask for help.He’d talk to Laura, Gerard, and Isabella.He’d ask their advice and proceed with a plan.His heart told him this mightn’t be enough, but it was a start.Other than rolling Maia in cotton wool, there wasn’t much else he could do.
The next morning, he put his scheme into action.He spoke with Maia and told her of his worries.
She frowned.“Most of the stuff has happened at home—the attack and the nuisance stuff.Do you think I’m in that much danger?”
“All I’m asking is that you limit the time you’re alone until Laura gets a handle on the culprit.They’ll make a mistake soon.We have a fingerprint on one of the sweet wrappers.”
“We don’t even know if they’re connected.”
“True, but we’ve found them in several places around your house.”
“I’ll admit that’s strange.Are we sure it’s not kids?”
“We’re not sure of anything,” Henry said.“That’s the worrying thing.”
“I hate having my routine messed up.It plays with my head.Right now, my focus is on my fitness and meeting my looming deadline with my editor.Mostly, I’m training with Isabella when I’m at home.When I need to go to a team training, plenty of other people are around.I’ll come straight home afterward.I’ll travel light, leave my gear on the sideline, and tell the coach.”
“And if it’s raining?”
“I have a waterproof coat I can tuck over my bag to keep out the worst of the rain.And on a game day, I’ll buddy up with players I trust.I can’t do more than that other than ensure my phone is handy and charged.”
Grudgingly, Henry agreed.He couldn’t keep her prisoner to soothe his angst.But instinct whispered to him.His grip on his wolf loosened as fear sliced and diced, and his wolf took advantage, pushing out a frustrated growl.
“Will you cease growling?”Maia snapped.“It’s annoying.”
