Grace of a Wolf - Chapter 227

Chapter 227: Caine: Voyeur
CAINE

By the way my skin’s buzzing, I’m positive Grace has lost control again. It’s a faint feeling, something I never noticed before—or attributed to her touch without thinking twice.

“Grace,” I murmur against her ear, and she flinches and buries her face further into my neck. “Are you in control?”

“Of course I—oh.” Suddenly, the strange feeling disappears. “Yes.”

The witch seemed to think we should be able to control it on our end. Fascinating. You’re right, it’s as if she’s dampened the connection between us.

It should be a positive thing, but my lips turn down a little at the thought of our connection being reduced in any way. But more importantly, we need to get to the bottom of this transference. If this truly is something I can manipulate, Grace will never be in danger again.

Her hips shift uncomfortably as I run my hand over her back. “Are you still dripping?”

A faint nodding sensation against my shoulder.

“Do you want me to wipe you down?”

Her body stiffens. “No. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Her voice is barely a squeak against my neck, making my lips quirk up. The faint buzzing returns for a second, only to disappear again.

It feels most similar to dominance, the moment a stronger wolf releases their aura. It’s something I haven’t felt in years, but it’s also vastly different from my memory.

You’re right. It’s similar, but not the same.

Obviously. If it was, we would have recognized it from the beginning, and Grace would never have ended up in the hospital. Though if she was never at the hospital…

My eyes flicker to the camper in deep thought, wondering what Owen and the children would be doing now, without us in their lives. It’s a sobering thought.

But then my eyes travel farther, in the shadows between two buildings. Even my enhanced sight can’t pinpoint the body I know is there.

He’s been there for a while, Fenris points out. I know you sensed him earlier.

The new alpha seems disinclined to keep his distance from Grace, but at least he didn’t arrive in time to scent her climax, only its aftermath. Still…

My eyes darken as I press my lips against soft golden hair. “You should go inside.”

Her head moves in another slow nod. “I need a shower. I can’t get back into bed like this. I’m gross.”

She isn’t. She smells divine, and I want to breathe her in for the rest of the night as she sleeps wrapped in my arms. But the thought of Randy or Dylan smelling her in the morning has me agreeing with some reluctance. “You should.”

“Do you want to shower with me?”

And lose her scent? Absolutely not.

“Not tonight. I have some work to finish.”

Grace awkwardly pulls away from my neck, tucking her hair behind her ear and not making eye contact. Instead, her gaze jumps from place to place, but never my face. “Are you at least coming inside to change your pants?” Her cheeks go vibrant red as she asks the question.

She’s blushing over wet pants, but not over demanding I fuck her.

I wonder if she realizes how silly she is.

Hooking my finger over the tip of her nose in a playful caress, I explain, “I’m not going to wake the children for fresh clothes. I’ll change at the lodge.”

She nods, still looking at anything but me as she reaches for the door handle. Of course, she isn’t looking in that direction, either, making her hand grab at air three separate times before I reach around her, popping it open with ease.

Grace scrambles out of the car like my lap’s an open flame, leaving only the memory of her warmth and her sweet, blueberry scent.

I pull my jeans back up properly, fixing myself, and glance up to see her staring at my crotch looking even more crimson than before. Her mortification is clear on her face, her gaze fixed on the wet stain she left behind.

Sliding my tongue over my teeth, I let my gaze wander over her body, barely decent in the moonlight. The scent of her arousal is still strong, and knowing the shredded remnants of her panties are on the floor of the truck…

Hmm. Round two wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

But not with him watching.

“Um, thank you,” she stammers, backing away the moment I hop out of the truck. “I should… check on Bun and Sara. Make sure they didn’t wake up.”

Before I can respond, she bolts for the camper in her bare feet, somehow better able to make her way through the darkness, leaving me behind.

It’s an interesting feeling, to be ditched after sex. My lips twitch as she opens the door gingerly, before waving at me one last time.

Interesting mate you’ve chosen. She takes what she wants and runs.

“Aren’t you the one who chose her?”

Since I’ve been, in essence, discarded after the deed, I circle the truck to enter through the driver’s side this time, letting my gaze drift to the shadows between two buildings.

He’s still there, watching. I can feel his eyes on the camper—on her.

My emotions are calm after a satisfying session with Grace, and I decide to let it slide for now. Let the kid think he’s gotten away with his stalking. His behavior isn’t enough to justify the actions I want to take.

Don’t you dare use Grace as bait, Fenris warns me, his entire body stiffening from his position under the camper.

“I’m not.” Insulted by my own wolf’s lack of faith, I hop back into the vehicle, though I don’t start it.

Closing my eyes, I reach for the pack bond.

Reggie.

Yes, High Alpha?

My fingers drum against my thigh. Grace’s ability to regulate my emotions seems to be getting better, but it doesn’t erase my irritation completely. Why is the Blue Mountain Alpha lurking near Grace?

He’s drunk, High Alpha. But he’s making no attempt to get closer. Just… watching.

I open my eyes again, staring through the darkness at the place where Rafe stands. I can see that for myself. I’m asking why you allowed him to get this close.

It’s a little surprising to hear he’s drunk. It takes significant effort for a wolf shifter to achieve such a state—our metabolism burns through alcohol too quickly. He must have been drinking steadily for hours.

Alternately, he’s gotten his naughty little paws on wolfsbane.

As expected, he’s making my job easier.

My apologies, High Alpha. What would you like me to do? Reggie’s mental voice is carefully neutral.

He isn’t in the wrong for waiting; if Rafe has no intention of approaching Grace yet, it’s better not to reveal his presence. Blowing out a sigh, I reply, Nothing yet. Keep watching.

Will you be returning to the lodge tonight, High Alpha? Or staying here?

The question is asked with perfect deference, making my finger tap a little harder. Reggie isn’t far from the Blue Mountain Alpha, with stronger senses. He’s fully aware of what happened here just minutes ago, but I’ve been very clear about Grace’s status. The man must be confused, and yet he isn’t asking questions. How strange.

Not yet, I finally answer, feeling somewhat disgruntled.As if I would leave when another man’s watching over my mate and children.

Understood, High Alpha.

I settle deeper into my seat, breathing in Grace’s sweet blueberry scent mixed with the heady aftermath of our passion. My body still tingles with the echo of her pleasure, the way she came apart beneath my hands. No, I won’t be leaving her unprotected.

Would you like me to remove the Blue Mountain Alpha with force? Reggie suddenly offers, a hint of eagerness in his mental voice.

He’s probably itching to show his prowess after the massive sucker punch from Lyre’s magical protections.

I chuckle. No. Let him be for now, but don’t let him come any closer. Let him see what he’s lost. Let him understand who she belongs to.

Yes, High Alpha.

I recline the seat slightly, positioning myself for a long night of watch, and allow myself a satisfied smile.