Tapping her nose with his fingertip, he said, “Now then. That’s better.”
Carla stared at Frank’s mouth. Those lips were maddening. The manner in which he spoke to her always left her longing for his kiss. She wanted him to take a trip around the world, kiss her from head to toe, all because she sensed that guttural ache in his voice.
“Grant,” Jock said, breaking through the sexual tension in the air. “I think you know Frank Smith.”
“Nope, siree. I haven’t met him. Just heard the rumors about him and his good-for-nothin’—”
“Grant,” Jock interrupted him and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “We’ll be spending a lot of time with Frank now.”
“I’m looking forward to it, Grant,” Frank said, reaching for the other man’s hand.
Reluctantly, Grant shook the hand offered. Then, he turned his complete attention to Jock. “I was in a stew. Frank’s pack has been howling like wounded pups. Our men ain’t back from the border. They’re still a day or two out fetchin’ supplies and I was afraid—”
“Grant,” Jock said evenly. “There’s nothing to fret over. Frank and I have come to an understanding.”
“We have?” Frank asked, a little play in his voice.
“You have?” Carla asked, hopeful. While Frank and Jock were in the barn, Carla had nervously prepared her cabin, wondering if Frank and Jock would later join her there or if they had something more exciting planned for her out in the barn.
Jock cupped her cheek and turned to Grant. “I don’t know why or how it happened, but Carla is mated to two shifters from different packs.”
“Ah no!” Grant bellowed, slapping his hand against his forehead. “This can’t be! Don’t you see, Jock? We’re done for if this is true.”
“It’s true,” Frank assured him.
“I’m tryin’ to talk with Jock and this ain’t your concern,” Grant snapped, turning his back to Frank.
“Grant, this probably isn’t the first time two packs have joined,” Jock said.
“The hell you say!” Grant clenched his fists. “History will show this sort of cohortin’ around don’t work out. So Frank walked up while you and Carla were in the middle of your goings-on. That don’t mean a thing, Jock. Not one iota.”
“Actually, it does.”
“Frank walked up when you were fuckin’ Carla. That don’t mean you’re in the marriage way to him, too!”
Jock groaned. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”
“You don’t believe me? Well, what do you reckon it meant?”
“I imprinted on Carla.” Jock acted as if his lone statement solidified everything.
“There ya go then. She belongs to you. End of story.”
“I imprinted on her, too,” Frank told him.
Grant stumbled backward and took a seat on Carla’s bed. “This can’t be happening. Just where does this leave me then?”
Jock’s lips twitched. Frank shot Carla a wink.
“Where do you want this to leave you?” Frank asked him.
“I ain’t figured all that out yet,” Grant replied, dragging his hand across his face before focusing on Jock. “I was always at your flank.”
“And you still will be.”
“How’s that gonna happen with Carla and Frank here sharin’ the same bed as you?”
“Carla is my mate. Frank is her mate. My pack and his will join together as one and we’ll work out the rest as we go along.”