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.

even

onto the camper steps with casual disregard and lets out

gonna let her ex-boyfriend wander around her whenever he feels like it?" His tone drips with disdain. "I thought the almighty Lycan King would be able to keep Grace safe. Not looking too reliable from where

as I assess the boy’s unexpected challenge. Something unexpected flickers beneath my annoyance. The kid has balls, speaking to me

he’s protective

Good.

glower, I focus on what’s

"Raphael was here."

gone now. Grace was

primal inside me.

myself he’s in need of protection. He’s upset with me because I failed to protect his family; it’s understandable. No

move to brush past him, eager to see Grace with my own eyes, confirm

kid shifts, deliberately blocking

My back stiffens. "Move."

meeting my gaze without a single flinch. "Take care of

child as my own son. He’s usually more responsible and less audacious, but he’s mine now, and throwing my child

has risen another point. Congratulations on leveling

if

illegal

teeth grind even

"Where’s Grace?"

hasn’t come out and allowed the teenager out here on his own to greet me. Also,

"Inside," Ron answers, unfazed.

out of

"No."

temperature between us drops several degrees. Fenris snickers. Under normal situations, he would be as irritated as I feel,

like watching you

isn’t afraid—not even remotely. His heartbeat remains steady, his gaze unwavering. He has absolute faith I won’t hurt him, and it calms the rising annoyance in my

this for a reason, Fenris

with Bun," Ron explains, still perfectly

"That doesn’t explain why you won’t

me like I’m being deliberately obtuse. "Aren’t you supposed to be keeping your relationship a

comes half from the reminder and half from Fenris’s mocking laughter. "There’s no