I turn at the sound of Emerett’s voice. “How are you doing?”
I can’t help my grin. “Better now.”
He studies my face a moment before a broad smile crosses his face.You bonded,he sends mentally. I nod. He walks towards me and pats my shoulder. “Congrats, Man.”
“Thanks.”
He shakes his head. “I expect a good game on Monday.”
I smirk. “You and everybody else.”
“Yeah, but the difference is, I know it will be a great one.”
I cock my head. “How do you figure?”
He switches to our mental link.Because you’ve got your mate at your side. You’re no longer facing the weakness fromnot bonding. You’ll be at your peak; trust me. And Monday, you play for her.He shrugs.None of the rest of this really matters.He smiles.And that’s from one happily mated male to another.
I swallow hard at the foreign emotion clogging my throat at his words.Thanks, Emerett.I head into my room with a renewed focus because everything Emerett just said is absolutely true. From now on, it’s just about Tessa and doing everything in my power to make her happy and content and forever loved and cherished. Being on the receiving end of her love is just icing on the cake.
Chapter 46
Slater
I spend all day Sunday preparing mentally and physically for the game on Monday. I make sure to do enough to wear myself out, so I can sleep well tonight. It’s late, and I’m preparing to climb into bed when Zane reaches out.
Slate, I think we’ve got a problem.
I go still.What’s wrong?
I think Sam might have been here.
My gut tightens, and I’m already getting dressed.Why?
I smell a scent lingering. I think. I need your nose to confirm.
Tessa?I ask.
She’s safe. She’s in bed, asleep. She doesn’t know anything. I was just locking up for the night and checking outside when I caught the slightest whiff of something. Maybe it’s not even that, but I want to make sure.
I agree.
I’m sending Quint to pick you up.
Thanks.I could run in wolf form, but it would cost us precious time. I need to be there now, and the fastest way is by car. I pocket my phone and slip out of my room. By some miracle, Diego actually went to bed before midnight; so, it makes this part easier. I slip out into the hallway and take the stairs down, as it’s less of a chance of running into anybody. I slip out a side door and wait for Quint to arrive. Thankfully, he arrives less than five minutes later.
“Thanks,” I say as I climb in.
“Sure thing.” It’s always a bad sign when Quint is serious.
“Did you scent anything?”
“Not really, but my nose isn’t as good as yours or Zane’s.”
I take that in, wondering if Sam was there hours ago. Quint’s nose may not be as good as mine or Zane’s, but he still has a wolf’s senses. He can smell much better than a human. The fact that he’s not picking up on anything means she’s probably long gone, if she was here at all. The drive back is made in silence. When he parks, I make my way inside quietly. I just need to set eyes on Tessa for just a moment. Zane stands just inside the doorway. He doesn’t question what I’m doing; he’d do the same for Evie. I make my way to her room and quietly open the door. I let my wolf’s vision come into focus, so I can see her in the dark. The pain in my chest eases at the sight of her safe in bed. I take a mental picture to keep with me and close the door quietly behind me. I make a pledge right then and there to find Sam and finish this. My girl’s had too many nights she can’t sleep in peace. If I can end it tonight, then I will. I meet Zane’s hard gaze and together, we head outside. I step off the porch and close my eyes and let my wolf rise to the surface. I scent the air deeply. Instantly, I know Zane is right. It’s faint, but it’s there. I can barely keep my growl in my chest; but I stay quiet.I’m going to shift,I send to Zane.
I need to stay at the house to protect the girls,he sends back.
I know. Thank you. Quint can go with me.I send my thoughts to Quint next.Zane is going to stay here with the girls.
