Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 5: Caine: She's Human

CAINE

I want to see her.

My wolf's whine is loud and pathetic in my mental eardrum, but I ignore it. He's had a bug up his ass ever since sneaking into the Blue Mountain Pack's Mate Hunt against my orders.

He was supposed to be checking on the Blue Mountain Alpha's movements, not hunting down some human girl...

The crack of bone against bone echoes through the training room. My beta's fist connects with my jaw, a hit that should knock any other wolf unconscious.

"Your head's not in this." Jack-Eye circles me on the mat, his red hair loose from its tie. "When was the last time I landed a hit that easy? When we were fifteen?"

I spit blood onto the floor. The copper taste lingers on my tongue. "Again."

"Why don't you just tell me what's going on? You've been a prime dick of a boss for days."

She smells delicious. Like blueberry muffins and spring mornings. Fenris's voice drifts through my mind, taunting.

"Shut up," I snap.

Jack-Eye's brow raises. "I didn't say anything."

My fingers curl into fists. The tattoos beneath my shirt burn, a constant reminder of the blessing of the Lycan throne. A blessing that's turned into a curse these past days.

Fenris huffs. You can't keep me away from her.

"Watch me." I launch at Jack-Eye, channeling my frustration into each strike.

He blocks, barely. "Who are you talking to? Fenris giving you trouble?"

A low growl rumbles through my chest. "Focus on the fight."

"You first!" Jack-Eye sweeps my legs.

I hit the mat. The impact shoots through my spine, but I roll and spring back up. Sweat drips down my chest, soaking through my shirt.

us,

It takes only a second to close the gap between us.

back, wheezing. "She? There's a woman

eyes narrow as he abandons all pretense of sparring. "Drop it," I warn him,

hand to his side

how perfect she is.

"Fenris, I swear—"

what you felt. What

You found your mate, didn't you? Your wolf's

"My wolf needs to remember his

place is

fighting against our bond. I grab the nearest wall, steadying

"Caine?" Jack-Eye steps forward.

"Stay back!"

to her. Tonight.

are." The words tear from my

The tattoos glow blue beneath my shirt, pulsing with

happening?" Jack-Eye's voice

cast her out. They've washed away my

"That's not our problem."

problem when you let me protect her that

into the mat. "I didn't let you do

me, his overly friendly

how you watched through my eyes as she curled against

"Enough!"

tattoos flare, and blue light fills the room. When it fades, Fenris stands before us,

the room, flowing out with a pulse of

hate when he does

back here." I push to my feet, but Fenris

done watching you deny what we both know." His claws click against the

been a fated connection between a Lycan and a human, and you know

at the door. "She's