The Pack (The Pack 1)

“I see that,” the man answered, lifting his own hands up easily as his forehead wrinkled. “I’m not in the market for a mate so you can rest easy.”

“What are you doing here?” I bit out suspiciously.

“I came at the request of a friend,” he answered cautiously, still eyeing the gun I held on him. I didn’t lower it, but we were at an impasse. I couldn’t exactly call out for help. Dad would wonder why I’d decided to hold a guest at gunpoint and I didn’t have the nifty telepathy with the others.

“Who’s your friend?”

He didn’t answer, his eyes going behind me as an arm came around me, forcing the gun down.

“Me,” was the answer and I sagged in relief.

“You failed,” he continued and I frowned, not upset with his statement, but at the truth in it. “You should have shot him. No hesitation.”

“Hey,” the other guy cried, finally lowering his hands.

“He could have taken you in a second. Next time, take the shot,” Dominic continued, ignoring the guy as he admonished me. I nodded, shame flickering through me.

“Did you really just tell her to shoot me next time she saw me? I’m staying at this hotel,” the guy grumbled, clearly not upset.

“Motel,” we corrected him in unison and he rolled his eyes.

“Motel, hotel, it’s better than my truck,” he mumbled, hitching his bag higher as he reached out to shake Dominic’s hand. “I’d say it’s good to see you again, man, but you just sic’d your girlfriend on me.”

“You’ll understand when I explain why I asked you to come,” Dominic answered, unconcerned as he took the hand offered. “I appreciate you coming.”

“Anything for you, man.”

“You’re friends?” I asked carefully and they glanced at one another.

“Acquaintances,” they echoed together and my gaze shifted between them questioningly.

“Trent isn’t pack,” Dominic answered, confusing me further.

“I’m a lone wolf,” Trent specified and I shrugged, still lost as to what that meant. Trent glanced at Dominic in confusion, and Dominic sighed.

“Jess wasn’t raised pack,” he explained and if it was possible Trent’s eyes widened so much I thought they would pop out of his head like some type of cartoon.

“She’s a –” Trent began and I raised my hand.

“Don’t say it.” I glanced over my shoulder and up at Dominic. “We really need to come up with a better term than breeding female.”

Trent snorted and said, “I like her, man.” Dominic growled and Trent hastily added, “Not like that though.”

“It does explain your scent all over her though, but not why you didn’t finish claiming her as your mate.” Trent looked puzzled, but I was stuck on his use of the word finish. Dominic caught my glance and gave an unimpressed shrug.

“I’ll explain, but not now. It’s not what you’re thinking.”

“What am I thinking?” I immediately shot back and he gave me a look. He handed back the gun he’d taken from me at some point and said, “Next time shoot him.”

“You really don’t have to,” Trent told me, shaking his head as he followed Dominic toward his room. “You’ve got good instincts, follow them. Thanks for not shooting me,” he called before disappearing into room 206. I shook my head, irritated with both myself and Dominic who apparently had a few more secrets.

I put the cleaning cart away with a reminder to grab some WD-40 for the wheel and went down the side stairs. Right as I turned the corner, a small multi colored wolf darted out at me and I shrieked, falling on my ass as I tried to reach the gun I could feel wedged into my side.

The wolf ducked her head down, bowing to me and some of my panic eased. I had no idea how I knew she was female, but as I stared at the little wolf with the beautiful gray and brown markings, I knew I was staring at Anna.

“Anna, you’re adorable,” I burst out, reaching out to stroke her muzzle, stopping short when she growled, her fur puffing out. She glared at me and gave a stiff legged bounce. “Er, I mean you’re ferocious,” I corrected myself, widening my eyes. “Terrifying, in fact,” I continued and she preened slightly. I bit back a smile at the idea of Anna ever terrifying anyone, but a glimpse of her sharp canines quickly reminded me she was a natural predator.

“I have questions,” I told her and she gave me a short nod, dashing into the woods. Moments later, she emerged, tugging down her shirt.

“Dom’s friend arrived?” she called as she came across the clearing.

“Yeah, a guy named Trent,” I answered with a nod. “A lone wolf?”

Anna nodded knowingly. “Yeah, you don’t see them too often. They’re considered dangerous.” I blinked and Anna read the doubt on my face. “Trent isn’t. Dom would never let him stay here if he was,” she added hastily.