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 as he exchanges a

with her attitude. I’ll have to pull them aside later. They won’t accept her easily, but they will accept

her

gives a subtle nod

I command,

his facial scars becoming more hideous with the movement.

again, the kids will need to toughen up. Reggie and Dylan aren’t

I think it over. Yes.

anything to harm children I’ve declared as mine. More importantly,

she stares at me, and a vague sense

She’s unhappy.

done everything she’s asked of

I frown.

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

shift from fury to docility makes my

first sound he’s made

ask in his direction, a little surprised by

think about it. I’m not helping you this time.

He cringes visibly and scratches

is immediately pushed to the side

be our dad, then is

My smile freezes.

My subordinates do, too.

of her nose with a long sigh. "You don’t have to call

returns,

brother’s ear, "Don’t listen to

in her words only undermines my claim further, and three pairs of Lycan eyes turn back toward me

from his book, "You haven’t

pairs—immediately land on Grace, who opens hers

up her hands immediately.

the first time since acknowledging Grace as my mate, irritation stirs deep inside.