Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 54: Caine: Let It Slip

CAINE

"That won’t be necessary," Jack-Eye assures the human with a placating smile. "Give us an hour."

Bob’s shoulders relax. Of course; he’s stood up to us without immediate repercussion. He must be feeling quite pleased with himself. Strong. Capable of fighting back.

My fingers curl into the plastic fabric of the camping chair.

Wait, Fenris says, nipping at my knee. It’s quickly becoming an unpleasant habit. See what Jack-Eye is thinking first.

"One hour," the insipid little human agrees, backing away. "Or I call the cops, okay?"

I bare my teeth. Bob quickens his retreat.

"What the hell was that?" I demand of Jack-Eye once he’s out of earshot. "Since when do we bow to humans?"

My beta looks uncharacteristically serious as he crosses his arms and widens his stance. This is body language I know a little too well; he always stands like this when he’s willfully defiant.

Of course, he usually has a reason.

"You’re trying to get on Grace’s good side, aren’t you?"

My eye twitches. I grunt noncommittally. Saying no is harder than I expected. I’m not agreeing with him; of course not. But I am interested in what ridiculous excuse he’s come up with.

Jack-Eye does have quite the experience with females, Fenris muses. His mating habits are unparalleled among the Lycans.

I study Jack-Eye’s face. It isn’t like I don’t know what he looks like; he’s been by my side for years. But it’s my first time really noting how unmarred it remains compared to most in our pack. His skin is smooth and free of battle scars Lycans typically wear like badges of honor. Or survival.

of us carry the marks

keep his face

face that attracts females, Fenris interjects with a dismissive mental snort. It’s his personality. He knows how to charm them. Makes them feel special before he moves

Hmm.

dryly, oblivious to our side conversation, "dominating

Grace is human. I know this. But somehow, I’ve begun thinking of her as... apart.

fact, I only seem to mention her humanity

gesturing toward Lyre’s RV, "has already earned Grace’s trust. You haven’t. And bullying a campground worker won’t help

don’t bully," I

a skeptical

movement—a flash of rainbow hair. Lyre stands just beyond the glass, watching us. For a split second, her eyes meet mine, and something cold slithers down

can hear. Andrew and Thom are oblivious; they don’t have access

in the strange woman’s direction. "See

human, but for a

never noticed, but Lyre’s

right about that woman," I

she threw us out." But Jack-Eye also frowns at the

eyes? "Could she be some sort of cat

his red hair, squinting at nothing. "No, I don’t think so. We would be able to

leaving." As if I’m going to leave Grace in that woman’s

beta ignores

Jack-Eye commands, turning to Andrew and Thom. "We’re relocating

my beta since the beginning, but his audacity has been growing

breaking down the tent," Jack-Eye continues, not even glancing in my direction. As if my opinion is