Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 208: Caine: Disdain

CAINE

My overeager steps slow as I approach the witch’s RV, an unwelcome and all-too-familiar scent heavy in the air.

That damned whelp of an alpha was here.

I barely glance at Reggie’s unconscious form sprawled several feet from the camper. I’ll address his failure to protect what’s mine later.

Pacing the perimeter helps keep my boiling blood at a simmer, even as Fenris growls and snaps in my head. He’s been half-asleep all morning, grumpy with the decision to keep him away from Grace and the children, and harassing me every step of the way here to remind me how terrible of an idea that was.

Just shut up and manifest already.

No way. I’m not manifesting until I know she isn’t angry.

Fucking coward of a wolf.

No, I just don’t want to share blame with my idiot soulbond.

Still a coward, though.

The camper door creaks open and my head jerks up, my heart jumping eagerly. I’m like an overzealous pup, desperate for an ounce of affection—but the feeling dissipates almost immediately.

It’s Ron who emerges, shutting the door behind him to close off even a hint of Grace’s scent. There’s the faint scent of blueberry out here, something I’d breathe in deep in other situations, but not when it’s mixed with her spineless ex’s.

Not so spineless if he’s sneaking around behind your back to get to her.

My molars grind together at Fenris’s oh-so-helpful commentary.

He’s not wrong, which only adds to its irritating flavor.

The teenager leans against the doorframe, arms crossed and eyebrows raised in what can only be described as pure adolescent judgment.

I pause. Even Fenris halts his mental barbs.

What the hell is this?

I stop my pacing and level a glare in his direction, though I temper its intensity—no need to scare him. Grace would be upset.

slide, even from a child

of cowering, Ron drops onto the camper steps with casual disregard and lets out

he feels like it?" His tone drips with disdain. "I

eyes narrow as I assess the boy’s unexpected challenge. Something unexpected flickers beneath my annoyance. The kid has balls, speaking to me this way. Most grown men wouldn’t be able

he’s protective of

Good.

glower, I focus

"Raphael was here."

"He’s gone now. Grace was

detail soothes something primal inside me. Fenris

happen again," I assure the kid, reminding myself he’s in need of protection. He’s upset with me because I failed to protect his family; it’s understandable. No point in picking fights with children. "He

his sentry position. I move to brush past him, eager to see Grace with my own eyes, confirm her safety, and breathe in her

kid shifts, deliberately blocking

My back stiffens. "Move."

toward Reggie’s unconscious form, meeting my gaze without

breath, reminding myself I see this child as my own son. He’s usually more responsible and less audacious,

has risen another point.

swear, if Fenris was

illegal under human

grind

"Where’s Grace?"

me. Also, mildly annoying. Does she not want to see me as much as I

"Inside," Ron answers, unfazed.

of my

"No."

be as irritated as I feel, but he seems to

watching

steady, his gaze unwavering. He has absolute faith I won’t hurt him, and

a reason, Fenris says,

Ron explains, still perfectly calm. "There was an

frown, momentarily distracted. Applesauce? "That doesn’t explain

at me like I’m being deliberately obtuse. "Aren’t you supposed

on my face comes half from the reminder and half from Fenris’s