The Challenge (The Pack 2)

“He ignored Caleb’s order?” I asked, knowing that could become an issue.

“Yeah,” Dom replied heavily as Trent studied the ground. “He definitely doesn’t have to obey an Alpha’s command.”

Trent stepped back, his fingers making walking motions as he told us, “I’m going to patrol the perimeter. Make sure none of those assholes show up unexpectedly.”

We nodded, watching him walk off before Dom steered me back toward the apartment. I pushed my hand against his chest once we came to the door, stopping him from opening it.

“Dom,” I said quietly and he glanced down at me. I looked up, swallowing as I considered what I was about to ask him. “We got lucky today,” I started, and he nodded cautiously, not sure where I was going with this. “But Monster is at risk as long as he’s not initiated into a pack,” I continued, arching my eyebrow for confirmation and he nodded reluctantly. “So, I want him to be initiated,” I concluded and his jaw worked for a second.

“There’s no rush,” he stated and I shook my head tightly.

“I disagree. What happened today was all the warning I need,” I replied, my eyes begging him to listen. “Initiation will provide a link, a way for him to communicate if he’s in danger.”

“Yes,” Dom said with a heavy exhale. “But it’s a commitment, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’ll affect him for the rest of his life.” I nodded, having figured that much out. When I didn’t back down, he placed his thumbs on either side of my face, stroking my cheekbones. “It’s been a long, emotional day. We can decide tomorrow. We’ll talk to Caleb together, bring it up to your Dad,” he promised and I smiled, knowing he would do exactly what he said and also knowing he’d misunderstood what I was asking for.

“I don’t want you to talk to Caleb,” I replied and the slow stroke of his thumbs stilled against my cheek. “I don’t want to initiate him into the Navarre Pack, at least not that Navarre Pack,” I said carefully as his eyes burned into mine. I didn’t lower my gaze even as his thumbs pressed into my skin as he absorbed what I was saying.

“Jess,” he said, my name barely louder than a sigh as his head dropped to mine, our foreheads pressed together as he kissed the skin next to my eyes. He took a deep breath and I wondered what he was about to say when the door opened next to us.

“There you are,” Dad said, sounding relieved as we turned our heads toward him. “It’s late,” he added, staring at Dom, specifically Dom’s hands on my body.

“It is,” Dom replied respectfully, lowering his hands quickly at Dad’s pointed look.. “I’d like to request your permission to stay here tonight,” he added and I blinked at him in shock. Dad opened his mouth, no doubt to immediately tell him no, or better yet, hell no, when Dom raised his hand and spoke again. “On the couch, otherwise I’ll just sleep propped up against your door.”

His expression was steadfast and as Dad glanced between my hopeful face and Dom’s determined one, he sighed, waving his hand at the couch. “Be my guest. It’s really not that comfortable.”

“Better than concrete,” Dom replied instantly and Dad barely suppressed an eye roll.

“Thanks,” I added, reaching up to kiss Dad’s cheek. “Monster?”

“Curled up in the middle of my bed surrounded by cookie crumbs,” Dad answered ruefully. I lifted my eyebrows and he shrugged. “Kid deserved a few cookies.”

“Not going to argue that,” I replied, hugging him. I released Dad and then hugged Dom, letting go when Dad cleared his throat. “I’m going to go to bed,” I said, pointing to my room. “Anna is staying with me,” I added and Dad’s grim expression eased slightly.

Dom padded over to the couch barefoot and Dad scanned him head to foot before saying, “Do you own a shirt, son?” I bit back a smile, walking backwards to my room as Dom squirmed under Dad’s scrutiny, his cheeks tinged red as he nodded.

“I do. The shifting. I lost my shirt,” Dom fumbled through an explanation as I tried not to laugh.

“You go through a lot of shirts, I bet,” Dad replied, his expression inscrutable as Dom gave him a pained nod. “I don’t like you wandering around half naked. Might give Bunny ideas. What size do you wear? I’ll pick up a few shirts when I go to the store.”

Dom stared at him incredulously but when Dad didn’t budge he finally stuttered, “2x. Big and tall.”

Dad nodded sharply, murmuring to himself, “Didn’t think anything I had would fit you.”

“No, sir,” Dom replied. “Thank you, sir.”

“Anytime, and you better not do any nighttime wandering,” Dad warned, giving him a squinty glare. “Understand, Domin..o?”

Dominic nodded hastily, not missing my Dad’s play on his name as he reminded him he wouldn’t be fooled by a dog in my room. I scurried out the room before I busted out laughing, but any amusement I might have felt quickly died when I saw the open window and empty bed. I scanned the room and bathroom but I knew she was gone.