“The last time I checked in on him was an hour ago. He’s miles away from here by now,” Avery answers, her hands busy fixing her loosened ponytail. “I don’t know how he got past me. I was right outside the whole time.”
“Yes, it is strange he would have gotten past you,” My dad concurs, giving Avery a stern look. “How do we know you didn’t let this rogue wolf walk out of here?”
“Dad, she’s a hot-head, but she isn’t a total idiot,” I defend her. Avery has saved my ass on more occasions than I can remember. Since we found her last year, she has been a great help to Sawyer and me. “She hates rogue wolves as much as I do. Maybe even more since one forced himself onto her.”
“With all due respect, Alpha,” Avery replies, “You don’t know me very well. I’m a loyal person, and I would never go against my people.” She meets my father’s stare. “I would never betray Ryker.”
“Very well. I will send out teams of enforcers and an alert to the rest of the pack. Every female wolf is to be chaperoned and guarded until we find this threat. And Remi and Pruitt are not to leave this property under any circumstances. The rogue knows we have unmated females in the house, I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to come back and finish what he started.”
A low grumble rattles my chest as I think about him coming back for my mate. I would rip his throat out with my teeth the first chance I got. I wouldn’t bother keeping him alive for questioning if he dared return.
“I’ll leave right now to see if I can track him,” Avery offers, already tearing at her clothing so she can shift without getting caught in her tank top and jeans. “I’ll be back if I find anything.” The sound of bones cracking and popping quickly follows. A dark brown wolf now stands where Avery stood, shaking its coat, And with a huff, it darts out of the shack.
“Pru’s not going to want to stay here,” Ranger starts once Avery is passed the nearby treeline. “She’s already going to feel like she’s over-extended her welcome. You know how she gets.” He looks at my father, who nods in agreement.
I feel a pang of jealousy that my family knows my mate better than I do. I remember the young girl she once was while my family knows the woman she’s grown into. I know I will get to know her again once her aunt comes back and gives us all the answers. But until then, I’m going to have to make do with what I remember. For example, the honey on pancakes thing at breakfast. My heart soared when I saw the look on her face as I handed her the bottle. I was lucky she still enjoyed it, but it was worth the risk to see that look.
“Well, I’m not letting her out of my sight, we’re going to have to come up with something because she can’t leave this property.”
“I’m sure Remi will come up with a plan on how to keep her here,” Ranger offers.
“Yes, your sister can be very persuasive.” Dad nods in agreement.
“And if that doesn’t work, we can always just tie her up in here since that seems to be working out so well for us.” Ranger grins.
“Let’s call that plan B,” I jokingly say.
“Kinky.” Ranger wags his eyebrows, a sly smile on his face. He isn’t quick enough, and my fist connects with his shoulder. “Worth it!”
“Camping?” she questions, her forehead wrinkling in confusion. “You want to go camping?”
“Yes, a sibling camping trip! We haven’t had one in five years since Ryker was off brooding. But now he’s back, and you’re here, it’s going to be perfect.” Remington bounces in her seat on the couch as she explains her plan to Grey.
“Umm, not to point out the obvious, but I’m not a sibling.” Grey leans forward in her seat, resting her forearms on her legs. “And I’ve already been enough of a burden, I don’t need to get in your way anymore.”
“Pru shut your face. You’re coming. End of discussion.” My sister shuts her down.
“You’re not supposed to be alone anyway, doctors orders,” I remind her. “And since your aunt won’t be back until the morning, you’re stuck with us.” With me. But I don’t add that part, figuring it’s best to not add to her confusion right now.
“I’ve never been camping.” Her green eyes widen in worry. “I grew up in the city! The closest I’ve ever been to camping is a tailgate before a concert or football game!”
“It’s going to be fun,” Remi exclaims, “I promise. We’ll take the jet skis out on the water for a bit, and then we’ll cook some dinner over the campfire. And of course, there will be the roasting of the marshmallows.”
When Remi got back from picking up some things for Grey at her house, we told her about the pack-wide lockdown we were on. She was a little upset about having to be constantly supervised but understood why we were doing it. She quickly came up with the idea of going camping as a way to keep everyone on the property but also entertained. We will be camping a mile away from the house, so close enough that we’ll be able to get back quickly if something happens.
“Okay, fine!” Grey throws her hands up. “I’ll go, but only if you promise I’m not intruding on family time.”
“We promise.” I smile at her. I’ve never been more excited to go camping than I am right now. “We want you here.”
I need
