Turner (White Wolf Ridge 1)

“It’s a pleasure to meet his second in command.”

“You are now my second,” I tell her. She holds more power than she knows or maybe even understands, but she will one day.

“He’s right. I’m now third. The third wheel.” He winks, and then we hear noise in the kitchen.

“Jacob,” I call out, causing Mark to step to the side. “How are you?” I look, and you can’t tell he has any markings on him.

“Wow.” He doesn’t look like he got into a fight.

“We heal a lot faster,” I tell her.

“Oh.” I need to take notes.

“I can’t believe you’ve mated with him,” he huffs with a tone that makes me want to rip his throat out.

“Him?” I snarl. “If I were you, I’d watch your tone. If my sister is your mate, I’ll make your life a living hell.” I’m nearly in his face, and he takes a step back. The soft feel of Maria’s hand on my forearm is the only reason I don’t lunge at him to teach him some manners.

“He’s got a point.”

“Sister? What do you mean?” It takes her a minute. I never gave her details about the incident.

“That’s why I came here. He kissed my sister. As the Alpha, I can’t just let things go without looking weak,” I inform her.

“It was just a kiss on the cheek to keep that scummy fucking human away from her,” Jacob spits out in disgust, as if the image is planted in his brain. Having my mate by my side, I understand that the thought of another close to her would send me into a rage.

“I get it, but I have to do my job as the Alpha.”

“Well, I’ve got a year, and then I’ll be back in White Wolfe. She’s my mate, and I know it.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“I feel it in my soul. I felt her before I saw her.”

“They said you might, but you need to stay away from her until the time’s right. I don’t think you can control yourself.”

“What difference does it make? It’s not like I can make her mine until then,” he hisses out, popping a seat on the sofa.

“Because you’ll be challenging everyone who breathes near her, and that’s a risk I’m not willing to allow. I’m betting that if you had your way, the little fuck flirting with her would disappear permanently.”

“You guessed right.”

“Only if you promise to protect her. I refuse to be afraid that something’s going to happen to her.” I sense the tension in him.

“Why don’t you come back and work with us?” I look at Mark like he’s nuts, but he just continues. “That way you can keep an eye on Aria while still keeping your distance and getting to know her.”

“What happens if they aren’t mates then?” I remind my Beta, who’s offering up a future in our town.

“Then I’ll leave,” Jacob sighs. There’s resignation in his tone, reassuring me, but I still have to get clarification so there’s no misunderstanding.

“You promise?”

“On my life.”

“It will be.”

“Fine. Just remember—you don’t touch her again until that mating kicks in. You better hope she’s your mate.”

“Turner,” Maria warns me. I grab her and plant my mouth on her lips.

“Yes, my sweet?”

“Relax. I’m going to go pack.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“How about you sit down? Organize who is going to take my truck to White Wolf. I’ll go and deal with getting my things organized. I’ll do my best to hurry.” She kisses my cheek and leaves us guys to talk. I miss her already, but she’s got to get shit together. I’ll only come if she needs me or takes too long for my liking.

“So you can take Maria’s vehicle back home.”

“It’s still at the police station. We can go pick it up and grab her things from her locker there—that way it’s all squared away. I’m not on duty until tonight, so I can drop you off right before I start my shift,” Jacob offers.

“That sounds good.”

“You want a beer?” Mark asks.

“No, thanks. I need a sober head. This mating thing has got me fucked up. I nearly fucked up some human at the resort. The motherfucker was staring at Maria’s ass.”

“Humans,” they say simultaneously.

I hear a sigh come from the bedroom, and I’m already three steps toward the door. “I need boxes.”

“I have them in the other room. I’ll set them by the door,” Mark says.

“Good.”

I’m coming, baby.

You don’t have to.

You’re my queen. I am your servant.

I walk in, and she looks tired. Two suitcases are zipped up and I grab them, testing the weight. No wonder she’s exhausted. They’re stuffed. “How much more do you want to take?”

I look around the room and see a bunch of photos and personal items. “I’m assuming I don’t need to bring any of the furniture, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll need a few more boxes, and I’ll have all my things.” I pull her into my arms, rubbing her back as she rests her head on my chest.