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?”

19

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 the Council, my hands are

But that’s only if we make this a Council affair. There

his shoulders and the shadows under his eyes. “We sent Jessa Grey back to her pack. We used the official excuse that she hadn’t asked for

more, too.”

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

mate,” he says finally, the words hanging heavy between us. “She’s gone

falls over the

r’s

eyes

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

109

His Mate

to process this revelation.

voice

of awe and 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 they say it hits

of finding their other

she?” Xavier asks, leaning forward. “One of

ours?”

head, his jaw tightening. “She’s from

sends a ripple of unease through me. The Blackwood Pack has always been shrouded in

ד דו

ask my mind whirling.

12

49

His

Renard sanction this?”

know Renard better than that. He’s been sending Jessa after Kellan instead of me. I’m too dangerous to keep around, even mated.” He

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

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

gone.”

hangs in the air as Lucas

see the anguish in his face, the torment in his eyes.

my wolf howl in agony. He’s obsessed with her, and I have to admit

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5/9

His

don’t want to let

swallow hard, pushing the thought

consume me.

Pack stands with you. We’ll

your arms.”

in solemn agreement. “You have our full support, brother. The Silvermoon Pack will lend whatever aid is required to

It took a long time to find her. I hear Blackwood

brow arches.