Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 67: Caine: Strange (II)

CAINE

The house Marsh leads me to is no different from the others.

Marsh pushes the door open without knocking. No courtesy, not even a perfunctory tap. Interesting.

Inside feels bare, even more than a model home. There are no photos. No art. Nothing personal. Even Halloway’s pretentious display of wealth had some semblance of life to it. This place resembles a vacant rental property.

There is furniture, though.

Jack-Eye emerges from what must be the kitchen with Elizabeth trailing behind. His shoulder brushes against hers, a short-lived point of contact, and it speaks volumes. The faint whiff of her scent clings to him.

He catches my eye and winks, that insufferable smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

"Where are the other two?" I ask Jack-Eye, scanning the barren living room.

"Upstairs." Jack-Eye jerks his thumb toward the ceiling. "The wizard doesn’t like being around shifters. Gets the shakes." He drops his voice to a mock whisper. "I think we scare him."

Elizabeth chuckles.

"And Andrew?"

"In another bedroom."

Confined. Good.

Marsh clears his throat. "If that’s all, High Alpha, I’ll return to Alpha Halloway. We still have the banquet to arrange—"

I wave him off with a dismissive hand. His eagerness to leave is palpable, but I don’t think it’s from my display of dominance earlier. He seems more comfortable now that we’re here.

Letting my gaze wander to Elizabeth, I ask, "Is this your home?"

There’s a tightness around her eyes, and the faint scent of deception. "I hope it

space. "It seems rather large for

meet mine. "Guest lodging when needed. Work space when the den

space would show signs of its various uses. This place

me here in

too strange. Almost as if their families live elsewhere, and their presence here is little more

is too little life in this place. They have another purpose for inviting

Your brain has become exceptional since accepting

now," I tell Elizabeth, leaning into a side of me

act, as he calls it,

the same path,

tone light, but file away her reaction. Another piece in

has been kind enough to offer her home instead of putting us up

"Very."

and Jack-Eye slides an arm around her

pups, her body language says otherwise. She seems a little dazed by my beta’s

like to see where you’ll be staying?" she asks, with a shy glance toward Jack-Eye. "There are four bedrooms.

as he says, "Don’t worry, boss. You won’t have

soft

The moment I show any discomfort, Jack-Eye will ramp up his

wasn’t

But he is.

Unfortunately.

such a

I’ll explore the place myself,

a bright smile on her face. "Of course, High

a couple hours

"Yes, High Alpha."

with Marsh about the hospital contact I requested? I’d like