“He’s already threatened to kill me if I hurt you.” He grinned. “Silly pup.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. “He did not.”
John nodded. “Right in front of Bass too. Kid’s got guts. I’ll give him that.”
“Death wish more like,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “You’re not to hurt my brother, John, remember? He’s annoying, but I love him.”
Chuckling, John lifted a cracker piled with cheese to her mouth. “If I hurt you, I’ll let him kill me.”
“Men,” she mumbled around the cracker. “You’re all idiots.”
Smiling, John fed her more food, a deep satisfaction rooted in his soul. His purpose had always been to defend his pack, his alpha, but being with Eva and doing such simple things, it was so much more than purpose. It was fast becoming the reason he lived.
Chapter 26
John
Standing over Eva, John watched her sleep, afraid she wasn’t real. She looked peaceful and perfect curled on her side over his pillow. Running his hand threw the corn silk of her hair one more time, John pressed a kiss to her cheek before leaving a note on the bedside table and padded quietly from the room.
Leaving his cabin into the darkness of night, he made his way toward the only cabin lit with light, snow crunching beneath his boots. The kiss of winter hung in the air, promising the fall of more snow, and as it grew colder with each day, so did the potential for war.
“John, good, I was hoping you’d come find us,” Bass said as he entered the pack office-cum-meeting space. “I came over earlier, but you were busy.” He smirked as the others in the room sniggered.
John narrowed his eyes. “I don’t want to hear it.”
Bass laughed. “I’m happy for you, John, really. So is everyone else.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need everyone scaring her off, so not a word.”
Nico grinned from his propped-up position in the corner, bringing his fingers to his mouth and pretending to zip them shut.
“Why aren’t you in bed resting?” John asked him.
“I am resting,” Nico argued. “Got my feet up and everything.” He pointed to his crossed feet up on a bucket.
Bass glanced at his friend. “I tried to send him away, but he refused to listen.”
“I’m surprised Olivia hasn’t dragged you out.”
Nico shrugged, then winced. “She was asleep. I snuck out. So, let’s get this meeting on the way before she does come and drag me out.”
Bass stood taller, his gaze meeting those in the room. “Jackson wants to send a team to find out if Castor really has gone, as Anna said. I tend to believe in Anna’s gifts, but it would be good to know if he’s moved the entire pack or taken a select few who are willing to fight with him. Jackson has a team of three waiting, and I’ll do the same. John, Tyler, and Noah, you’re to go. Observe only, and then report back. Do not engage or take risks that could lead to your discovery. John, you’re to take the lead, and Cage will be taking the lead for River Run, with Mia and William joining him.”
“We get an extra then.” Noah laughed. “Mia’s ours now.”
Bass’s lips twitched, his gaze dipping to hide the amusement John was sure was there. It was an ongoing friendly argument between both packs and the claim they had over mated pairs.
“No comment,” Bass replied. “You’ll all get along and come home in one piece, please. I need you guys whole.”
“Is Cage ready to leave now?” John asked. “If we hurry, we’ll arrive just before daybreak.”
“Yes, he’s ready when you are. Take vehicles as far as you can, then cover the rest of the ground on foot.”
John nodded, his head swiveling to Tyler and Noah. “Ready?”
“Born ready.” Noah’s eyes gleamed.
Tyler nodded. “Yes, let’s go.”
Leaving the cabin, John pulled out his phone and flicked a message to Cage on his way to collect a vehicle, asking them to meet them out on the road. Ten minutes later and they were pulling away, Cage trailing them with Mia and William.
“So?” Noah poked his head into the front of the vehicle from the back seat. “Have you mentioned the M word to your delicate human yet?”
“She’s not that delicate. She patched Regan up today, who said Eva didn’t even flinch at the blood,” Tyler added.
John smiled, satisfaction settling deep within him. Of course his human wasn’t delicate. She was brave enough to face him, wasn’t she? “No, Noah, I haven’t, and I’d rather no one else did either.”
“What are you waiting for?” Tyler asked.
“Afraid she’ll run?” Noah teased.
“Since when was this everyone’s business?” John muttered. It was bad enough the entire pack was gossiping about them like Dark Shadow was a high school, without his friends sticking their noses in too.
Noah nudged his shoulder, the grin he shot him in the rearview mirror cunning. “Since Mr. I Never Break the Rules was too busy getting it on with his girl to come to the pack meeting.”
“I came to the meeting,” John grumbled.
“Yeah, two hours late,” Noah defended. His laugh echoed within the car.
“Bass could have called if he needed me,” John pointed out.
Twisting in his seat, Tyler shoved Noah backward. “Sit down and leave him alone. You’re just jealous you’re lonely and single.”
“Single maybe, lonely… not.” Noah smirked, settling into his seat, arms crossed.
“Holly,” Tyler coughed under his breath.
“Don’t even go there,” Noah growled, causing the other two men to burst into laughter.
“Were you really waiting two hours for me?” John asked after their laughter faded. He didn’t want Bass thinking his courting of Eva was going to affect his ability to defend Dark Shadow.
Tyler patted his shoulder. “No, pal. Noah’s just trying to get under your
