CAINE
The moment Fenris and, a few moments later, Randy, report Grace left without any sort of protection, my head pounds.
This woman is going to be the death of me.
Of course, she isn’t alone; my wolf is stalking her without her knowing, mainly because she’d be furious if she did. Thankfully, humans don’t have the superior senses of shifters; it isn’t hard for Fenris to stay hidden.
I grind my teeth together so hard my jaw aches and turn to Dylan. "Pick up Grace. She’s on her way to the laundromat."
Dylan’s weathered face remains impassive, but his eyes flicker. "Which one?"
I stare him down, my patience hanging by a thread. The question strikes me as deliberately obtuse—there can’t be that many laundromats in this backwater territory.
You’d be surprised.
The Lycan clears his throat. "I’ll figure it out, then."
He leaves the room without another word, boots clicking against the floor in retreat.
"What’s going on?" Ron asks curiously, looking up from the stack of reports in front of him. Nothing major, just reports on the different complaints brought up by pack members and notes on what have been done to either pacify or dismiss whatever issues were brought to my people during my absence.
All things he needs to learn if he wants to become a pack alpha in the future.
"Exactly what I said." I keep my voice level, not wanting to spook the kid. "Grace is out alone, and left the children with Randy. Dylan’s going to take care of her."
Ron’s brows pull together, his mouth pulling down into a sharp frown. "That’s strange. Grace wouldn’t leave the kids with a stranger."
I wave off his concern with a sigh. "Randy’s a father. He’s good with children."
Fenris grumbles. Probably better than you with women, too.
He’s not thrilled about a younger, virile male being near our mate. Neither am I, but Reggie didn’t work out, and Randy’s the most open-minded of the Lycans here.
Dividing my attention now would be foolish. Dylan is capable and, while he doesn’t respect humans, he seems to have accepted Grace’s position as someone to be protected. Though I’m sure I’ll hear his complaints later.
That’s the problem with letting your subordinates have a voice. They use them a little too much.
Ron shakes his head, unconvinced. "Grace doesn’t seem like she would trust someone she just met."
I open my mouth to point out she’s done precisely that; Lyre’s a walking example. But I swallow the words back.
There’s no need to tarnish her reputation in the heart of a child.
They need stability, and Grace provides it.
My irritation with her recklessness shouldn’t undermine what she’s built with them.
"Grace trusts my judgment," I say mildly instead.
Hah.
Ron gives me a strange look. He doesn’t believe me, but he’s smart enough not to say so directly.
"I think I should go back."
Crossing my arms, I lean back in my chair, meeting the teenager’s gaze. "Why?"
I keep my face neutral as I watch him squirm. This is part of his education too—learning to articulate his instincts rather than just following them blindly. Reasoning through the situation.
My mind might be often muddled these days when it comes to Grace, but it’s training any alpha has from a young age.
That sounds so righteous coming from you.
My eyebrow twitches. Shall I rip out your tongue the next time you manifest?
As if you could.
You say that like you wouldn’t be up her ass if she’d let you. The only reason you’re letting Dylan pick her up is because you’re worried she’s going to tear you a new one.
My eye twitches. And what about you? Why aren’t you showing her you’re nearby?
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Grace of a Wolf (by Lenaleia)
Grace needs to get a grip of herself and starts acting like a responsible adult if she wants Caine to treat her as his equal and trust her being a strong capable woman...
All the things she is thinking in her head, she should just tell him like that. Nothing wrong in saying she wants to be treated as equal, have responsibilities....
Well... i "acquired" as you say this child a couple of hours ago! Obviously I didn't make her overnight! 😅🤣...
Ferris 😍😍 Caine is definitely not the brightest bulb in the pack! 😅Thanks God Jack-Eye is smarter! 😉...
This girl is really slow to understand despite living with wolf for so many years.🙄 Caine is a caveman 🤦🏼♀️...
Yet again the wolf is smarter than the man.... Caine is missing really missing interactions skills!...
Fighting the obvious! I love 😍 Fenris! The escape plan is a dead one, completely...
So his wolf can separate and they speak together? Interesting 🤔😊 that's new...