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.

drawing together

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

gaze slides from her to the children, then back

gives a subtle

no one bothers them, I command, letting my authority ripple through

becoming more hideous

the older Lycans away from here. Then again, the kids will need to toughen up. Reggie and Dylan aren’t the only Lycans with scars in our

slight nod as I think it over. Yes. Better

children I’ve declared as mine. More importantly, they’re capable of

smile as she stares at me, and a

She’s unhappy.

I’ve done everything she’s

I frown.

dripping with artificial sweetness. "We don’t want

a fraction of an inch. Her sudden shift from fury to

sound he’s made since I invited the Lycans

is it? I ask in his direction, a little surprised by

time. Dig your own grave and leave

Daddy...?" He cringes visibly and scratches at his

pushed to the side as I respond,

dad, then

My smile freezes.

My subordinates do, too.

her eyes and pinches at the bridge of her nose with a long sigh. "You don’t have to

frown returns, and

as she frantically whispers in her little brother’s ear,

her words only undermines my claim further, and three pairs of Lycan

says carelessly, not looking up from his book, "You

on Grace, who opens hers slowly and jumps a little to see us staring at

hands immediately. "It isn’t

as my mate, irritation stirs deep inside. "Are you trying to abandon