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.

eyebrows drawing together as he exchanges

to pull them aside later. They won’t accept her easily, but they will

from her to the children, then

a subtle

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

his facial scars becoming more hideous with the

will need

think it over. Yes. Better

Dylan may look down on humans, but they’re loyal and wouldn’t do anything to harm children I’ve declared as mine. More importantly, they’re capable of fighting off the entire pack if it comes down

she stares at me, and a vague sense of

She’s unhappy.

yet I’ve done everything she’s asked

I frown.

says, voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "We don’t

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

sound he’s made since I

ask in his direction, a little surprised by his lack

time. Dig your own grave and leave

cringes visibly and scratches at his

immediately pushed to the side

dad, then is Owen

My smile freezes.

My subordinates do, too.

her nose with a long sigh. "You don’t

returns, and Sara

frantically whispers in her little brother’s ear, "Don’t listen to her. Call him Dad,

only undermines my claim further, and three pairs of Lycan eyes turn back

from

hers slowly and jumps a little to see us staring at

hands

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