Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 194: Caine: Like a Wrecking Ball

CAINE

I hadn’t intended on calling my subordinates into Grace’s camper, but they showed up while I was still here.

As did several nosey Blue Mountain bastards. Not a single whisper carries on the air, probably because their gossip was all done through their pack link as their bastard eyes lingered on my mate.

So I brought my loyal Lycans inside, intending to warn them about keeping Grace safe at all costs.

After all, while Grace insists on keeping our relationship some strange sort of secret, it’s been obvious from the start it will only be a superficial denial. My scent is all over her, these children, and this camper.

But if my mate wants to pretend she has nothing to do with me, I’ll indulge. For a little while, anyway.

So I did as she asked and publicly announced no relationship between us, but for some reason, the woman’s angrier than ever.

And claiming the children to keep them safe from any Blue Mountain bullying only seems to make it worse.

My eyebrows draw together in a faint frown as even Sara tries to deny a connection, only to ease somewhat when she declares, "Daddy will work."

See? Even the children understand the benefit of being adopted into my pack and being under my protection. They’re smart kids, so it’s to be expected.

Grace’s face twists through a parade of emotions. Her left eye keeps twitching, but I’m more focused on the dark circles under her eyes.

She needs rest.

I kept her up too late.

And while it was enjoyable, she’s still recuperating.

"Grace," I say, keeping my voice calm in the face of her somewhat labile emotional state, "you should take a nap with Bun. You didn’t sleep well."

The transformation is spectacular. Her face flushes a brighter crimson than before, as if I just suggested we recreate last night’s bathroom encounter in front of my men. Then all color drains from her cheeks, leaving her pale as moonlight. Finally, her features lock into place, her jaw rigid enough to crack her teeth.

"I’m fine, thank you, Sir." She practically spits the honorific, turning it into something profane.

shifts his weight, eyebrows drawing together as he exchanges a look with

attitude. I’ll have to pull them aside later. They won’t accept her

different understanding. His gaze slides from her to

a subtle nod

of my men. Make sure no one bothers them, I

frowns, his facial scars becoming more

Then again, the kids will need to toughen up. Reggie and Dylan aren’t the only Lycans with scars

over. Yes.

to harm children I’ve declared as mine.

mouth stretches into a thin smile as she stares at me, and a

She’s unhappy.

I’ve done everything she’s

I frown.

seem busy," she says, voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "We don’t want to keep

shift from fury

sound he’s made since I invited the

is it? I ask in his direction, a little

even think about it. I’m not helping you this time. Dig your own grave

"Uh, Da—um. Fath—no. Daddy...?" He cringes visibly and scratches at

mood is immediately pushed to the side as I respond,

our dad, then is

My smile freezes.

My subordinates do, too.

pinches at the bridge of her nose with a long sigh.

frown returns,

ear, "Don’t listen

claim further, and three pairs of Lycan eyes turn

not looking up from

three other pairs—immediately land on Grace, who opens hers slowly and jumps a little

hands immediately. "It

acknowledging Grace as my mate, irritation stirs deep inside. "Are you trying