Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter : Caine: Raising an Alpha

CAINE

The moment Fenris and, a few moments later, Randy, report Grace left without any sort of protection, my head pounds.

This woman is going to be the death of me.

Of course, she isn’t alone; my wolf is stalking her without her knowing, mainly because she’d be furious if she did. Thankfully, humans don’t have the superior senses of shifters; it isn’t hard for Fenris to stay hidden.

I grind my teeth together so hard my jaw aches and turn to Dylan. "Pick up Grace. She’s on her way to the laundromat."

Dylan’s weathered face remains impassive, but his eyes flicker. "Which one?"

I stare him down, my patience hanging by a thread. The question strikes me as deliberately obtuse—there can’t be that many laundromats in this backwater territory.

You’d be surprised.

The Lycan clears his throat. "I’ll figure it out, then."

He leaves the room without another word, boots clicking against the floor in retreat.

"What’s going on?" Ron asks curiously, looking up from the stack of reports in front of him. Nothing major, just reports on the different complaints brought up by pack members and notes on what have been done to either pacify or dismiss whatever issues were brought to my people during my absence.

All things he needs to learn if he wants to become a pack alpha in the future.

"Exactly what I said." I keep my voice level, not wanting to spook the kid. "Grace is out alone, and left the children with Randy. Dylan’s going to take care of her."

Ron’s brows pull together, his mouth pulling down into a sharp frown. "That’s strange. Grace wouldn’t leave the kids with a stranger."

I wave off his concern with a sigh. "Randy’s a father. He’s good with children."

Fenris grumbles. Probably better than you with women, too.

am I, but Reggie

would be foolish. Dylan is capable and, while he doesn’t respect humans, he seems to have accepted Grace’s position as someone to be protected. Though I’m sure

with letting your subordinates have a voice. They use them

doesn’t seem like she would trust someone she

open my mouth to point out she’s done precisely that; Lyre’s a

need to tarnish her reputation

stability, and

irritation with her recklessness shouldn’t undermine what she’s

trusts my judgment,"

Hah.

gives me a strange look. He doesn’t believe me, but he’s smart

I

back in my chair,

his education too—learning to articulate his instincts

mind might be often muddled these days when it comes to Grace, but it’s training

strength comes a volatile

so righteous

I rip out your tongue the

As if you could.

hand, as his gaze slips from mine. "I should be with them. With the children." His voice drops, not quite mumbling but close.

listen without interrupting, but he cuts himself off. I tilt

I want to leave Grace

His shoulders stiffen. "No."

destroying, and

and sigh. "The position of an alpha comes with sacrifices," I tell him, keeping my voice even. "The children are fine; they’re watching TV. If Randy reports otherwise, I’ll

thoughts warring behind Ron’s eyes—the need to protect battling with his desire to learn. He hesitates, then his shoulders drop as

must seem pretty

alpha’s protective instincts are strong. We

looks at me with some curiosity. "You seem