Tangled

53 Clayton: His Mate

CLAYTON

The elevator dings and the doors slide open, revealing the penthouse lobby of the Silvermoon Pack’s largest hotel. I step out, my boots sinking into the plush carpet. Xavier and Lucas are already there, lounging on the leather couches like a pair of lazy lions.

“Clayton!” Xavier booms, rising to his feet. He clasps my hand in a firm shake, clapping me on the back with his other hand. “Good to see you, my friend.”

“You as well, Xavier.” I return his hearty greeting with a grin. “Lucas, always a pleasure.”

Lucas stands, his smile not quite reaching his eyes as we shake hands. There’s a tension in his shoulders, a tightness around his jaw. Something’s weighing on him.

We settle into the couches, the city skyline glittering beyond the floor–to–ceiling windows. Xavier leans back, crossing his ankles. “How were your flights, boys? No troubles, I hope?”

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53 Clayton His Male

I shake my head. “Smooth sailing for me. No sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

disturbances.”

Lucas’s mouth presses into a grim line. “I wish I could say the same. Got another report of a dead scout right after I landed.”

The air in the room shifts, the jovial atmosphere evaporating like mist under the morning sun. Xavier’s brows knit together. “Shit. Blackwood?”

“Who else?” Lucas growls, his fingers curling into fists on his knees. “He’s getting bolder, pushing further into

our territory.”

I lean forward, elbows on my knees. “What’s your game plan, Lucas? We can’t let this stand.” The Blackwood alpha has been a massive thorn in the

Northwestern Council’s side for years. There have been several scuffles between the two packs, but

Blackwood has even had run–ins with shifters outside

of the Northwestern Territories.

Lucas drags a hand down his face, his eyes hard as flint. “I’m working on it. But every time I think I’ve got a handle on their moves, they slip through my fingers like smoke. I can’t get my hands on solid proof to bring

12:39

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Clayton: His Mater

to the Council.”

bring to

that’s only if we make this a Council affair. There are other options.” They’re drastic,

“We sent Jessa Grey back to her pack. We used the official excuse that she hadn’t asked for approval and was an

more, too.”

as he takes a deep, steadying breath. There’s a weight in the air, a tension that goes beyond the usual strain of pack politics. This is something more, something personal.

finally, the words hanging heavy

shocked silence falls over the room.

r’s

eyes

mouth parting slightly as if the words have robbed him of speech. I can only

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Clayton: His

to process this revelation.

voice hushed. “You’ve

anguish. “Yeah. We met at the Lunar Gala a few months back.” A rueful smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “You know how

air as unmated wolves gathered in hopes of finding their other half. I haven’t gone in years. To think that Lucas, of all people,

asks,

ours?”

jaw tightening. “She’s from the Blackwood pack.

always been shrouded in

ד דו

happen?” I ask

12

49

Clayton: His Mate

Renard sanction this?”

of me. I’m too dangerous to

knowing glint in his eyes. “You rejected her, didn’t you?” His question

of his head down. “Yeah. We’re working on reconciling. I left for a few days to deal with stuff at the border, came back, and she was

gone.”

the air as

us. I can see the anguish in his face, the torment in his eyes. My gut clenches as I imagine myself in his position.

The mere idea of her being ripped away is enough to make my wolf howl in agony. He’s obsessed with her, and I have to admit that I am too. We don’t have a

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Clayton: His

don’t want to let

hard, pushing the thought

consume me.

Lucas,” I say, my voice firm with conviction. “The Aspen Pack stands with you. We’ll leave

your arms.”

in solemn agreement. “You have our full support, brother. The Silvermoon Pack will lend whatever aid is required to bring your mate home. Ava’s a good

a long breath. “I can’t lose her again. It took a long time to find her. I hear Blackwood started looking for her,

arches. “Back?”