In the Alpha’s Arms

Stretching Bonds Thin

Ace threw the office chair against the wall with enough force to crack the plaster covering the concrete.

“Cut that the fuck out! Cole boomed, “She still hasn’t spoken to me about Jaz, What do you want me to do, male her? After all she’s been through… She’s hardly talking to me at all as it is. I’m not going to push the whole your friend who betrayed your trust wants to know if she can get let out of her cage… You’re the one that’s runs drills with her, why don’t you ask her?”

“She doesn’t talk to me much during training either,” Ace rubbed at his temples, ‘I don’t feel good about bringing it up. And I’m usually trying to work off my own shit.” He cleared his throat, ‘But Jaz can’t stay locked up in the cabin forever. I know she has all her hasic needs met and shes being monitored by Andres‘ men. But it’s not right to isolate someone indefinitely like that. Can’t you force the issue? The others have all agreed that they can forgive her but of course, it only matters how you two feel. Cole ignored the bitter twinge to that last statement. Ace was in a precarious situation As another blooded Alpha, he could easily start his own pack. But he was floudering. Cole wasn’t even sure Are wanted to. He’d never shown any to lead. But Jaz… and what they decided to do with her could be enough of a catalyst for him.

desire

Cole glared at his friend, bending over to pick up the shards of the chair from the floor. “The next time I can, I’ll try to talk to her, okay? Listen, since were on the subject… how are you handling everything?”

“Don’t start with the psychobabble bullshit man,” Ace snapped. “I hear we’ve already got enough of that going around. I’m fine. I’ve been betrayed before and I’m sure I’ll be betrayed again. It’s not like we’re mates or something.” Ace’s tone couldn’t have sounded more defensive if he tried. He probably should talk to someone but Cole had no idea how to broach that subject with another man. A werewolf Alpha male at that. He gritted his teeth. Cole knew what the real issue was because he’d gone through it himself

“Uh–huh,” Cole deadpanned. “And you realized you were in love with her before or after all that not–giving–a–shit?”

Ace’s mouth parted in shock for one whole second before a flurry of curses came out. “She’s just–I don‘… just fucking drop the whole topic okay? Forget I said shit.”

you brought it the hell up. I just figured I’d ask while I could… Jeer you’re

Your balls are so blue they’re making us all cringe. You don’t think

e can see yo

Lita? Fix that

watch how the fuck you talk about your Luna. Our relationship is absolutely none of your fucking business. She’s traumatized and scared. You don’t even know half the shit you just brought up without thinking!” Cole had risen to his full height without even thinking about

know man, fuck. Let’s just table this shit. Talking about jaz gets my head messed up,

Ace scrubbed his

me, asshole. Cole tossed the scraps of wood into the trashcan and headed back out into the main gym. Lita passed him, giving him an easy wave as she stripped out of her boxing gear. He pretended not to see the dark circles under her eyes as he smiled, forcing all his love and warmth to the surface for her. As he swiveled his head to

more housing and Maxim’s money meant they didn’t need to accept external memberships anymore. No one was allowed on the premises outside of wolves and trusted humans. He had enough men for a constant guard relation on the border and with the extra finances, he’d gotten a new arsenal

families and children. An actual home. A community that had the potential to really thrive. Hell, even had Alex working on a new community center with a playground. A phrground! He

as Lita went to talk to some of the females. They were from Maxim’s pack but they weren’t the enslaved females. Those ones be’d hardly seen heads or tails of unless it was at the dining hall. And even then, they never spoke. Never made eye contact. He wondered often if taking them along had been a mistake. If they didn’t want to be here, he wouldn’t force them. That’s something his father would have done and every day Cole spl above ground, was a day he would be the opposite of his father. He’d gotten reports

pups that were currently old enough to do chores. Some had pups still hanging on their hips at the machines Some were swaddled on their backs. Again, Cole felt pride fill his chest. Lita smiled as a little girl pulled her braid and two small boys tan under her Jegs, playing

Stretching Bands Thin

others and they seemed happy at least. Eager to be a part of everything. Within a few days

Cole glanced at the clock. Shit. They needed to let their wolves out before it got too late or the kitchen staff would have a fit. Late dinner