There was no other position he would be suited to within a Pack. No other option for him but to be in charge, to protect, to fight for others. It was ingrained in him and if he remained then that’s what he would be . . . Alpha.
However, if Maisy requested to leave then he would do as she wished, and yet again he was dumbfounded at the change a mating could bring. Never would he have put another before himself in such a manner . . . well, damn it . . . now he knew how Shade had felt and why he’d called in that damn favor.
Maisy leaned into his body, raising their joined hands to kiss his fingers. “I’d like to stay and help the Pack become strong again. If that’s all right? If you don’t want to then I’ll go wherever you want, Zohar. So long as we’re together, that’s all that matters. Right?”
Zohar spun around, scooping her up in his arms and cradling her against his chest. Carrying her through the forest. “I hope you got plenty of my strength through our bond, Maisy.”
She looked confused. “Um, why?”
He chuckled. “I’ll stay, and I’ll ensure the Pack grows, gets strong, and profitable, but there’s only one position for me and that means there’s only one for you too . . . Alpha.”
He saw the moment his words sank in, her mouth forming a circle as she gasped. “Oh.”
“Indeed.” He winked. “Are you ready?”
Maisy nibbled her bottom lip for a moment before she looked cheekily up at him. “Maybe after a couple of days alone time I will be.”
Laughter erupted from him as she giggled in his arms, the sound like tinkling glass. “I’ll always be right there beside you and you’ll have my strength to lean on.”
“I’ll need it.” Maisy shook her head. “Shit, I can’t believe this. Everything’s happening so fast and my head is in a spin.”
Her smile dropped from her face, sadness filling her eyes, her head falling to his chest. Zohar strode quicker to reach the camp as he asked, “What’s wrong? Are you ill?”
“No,” she whispered. “I just wish Libby was here. She’d be so proud to see me not being a gibbering scaredy cat.”
Zohar gave her a squeeze, not sure how to respond but knowing she was in pain forced him to try. “I’ve seen things during my time as an Enforcer, stuff that can’t be explained, so I’m sure your friend is looking down on you and knows you’re now safe and happy.”
It sounded lame to him but Maisy seemed to like it, her fingers reaching up to entwine in his hair. “Thanks, I hope so.”
“We’re not far from where we undressed earlier.” Zohar remembered exactly the spot where he’d first seen Maisy’s golden beast.
“Good, because I don’t think we should parade through camp stark naked.” Maisy slapped his tattooed chest. “I might get jealous if anyone sees this fine body of yours, especially this rather sexy ink you’ve got going on.”
“I’m liable to rip a throat out if you’re seen naked, Волк Мой,” Zohar replied, his voice suddenly hoarse. “I’m not sure how I’ll react if another male comes near you right now. This mating thing is rather intense.”
“I agree.” Maisy nuzzled his neck. “It’s why newly mated couples stay locked away for a while. Keeps them, and everyone else, safe.”
“Good, because I have plans for you,” Zohar growled as he stopped where Maisy’s clothes lay, but before he released her, he dropped his lips to hers with a searing kiss full of scorching heat.
His focus on her lips, her taste, her scent, so much so he wasn’t aware they were no longer alone until an embarrassed cough had him dropping her roughly to the ground and pushing her behind him. His face contorted in a vicious snarl as he spun to face the interloper.
Danko’s bowed head his saving grace. If his long-time friend’s eyes had landed on Maisy’s naked body Zohar was certain he would not have been able to stop himself from attacking, instead a growl rumbled up from his chest, breaking free as he crossed his arms. “What the fuck, Danko? You looking to get your head parted from your body?”
“My sincere apologies.” Danko kept his eyes down as he talked. “I only wanted to warn you that the camp is full of people and thought you might want to skirt around rather than walk through. I’m aware you’ll be . . . well, not quite yourself, Zohar.”
Maisy’s hand softly caressed his back, calming Zohar, both man and beast, taking in a deep breath he forced himself to respond. “Thank you, I’ll take that advice. We’ll be going to Maisy’s for now. I expect to be there for some time and I do not want to be disturbed. Not unless there is an emergency.”
Danko’s head bobbed in a short nod as he backed away. “Understood, and I’d like to be the first to congratulate you both. I wish you a long and happy life together.”
Maisy stuck her head around Zohar’s side. “Thank you.”
Zohar pushed her back. “Thank you, Danko, that’s all for now, you can leave.”
“I’m going,” Danko answered, quickly backtracking. “I’ll see you at the celebration, until then, I’ll ensure everything is taken care of.”
“Thanks,” Zohar said with more feeling. “I appreciate it.”
“No problem,” Danko said as he disappeared.
Maisy popped around, her arms attempting to wrap around his waist, however, he was much too large and her reach didn’t come close. “Zohar, he’s so nice helping out so we can have time together. I’m just thinking . . . if you decide to stay, and well, you’ll be Alpha and all . . . won’t you need a good Beta?”
Zohar cocked his head, the thought swirling around in his head. “That’s a good idea, however, I’m not certain Danko would want to stay. If I leave the Council, then he’ll be next in line to take my place as their top Enforcer. That
