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

ZTE

<

His Mater

to the Council.”

expression is grave. “Without evidence to bring to the

a Council affair. There are other options.” They’re

his face, and I can see his exhaustion in the droop of 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.”

my eyes locked on Lucas as he takes a deep, steadying breath. There’s a weight in the air, a tension that

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

shocked silence falls over the

r’s

eyes

slightly as if the words have robbed

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Clayton: His

to process

mate?” I echo, my voice hushed. “You’ve found your

months back.” A rueful smile tugs at

swirl of colors and music, the thrum of anticipation in the air as unmated wolves gathered in hopes of finding their other half. I haven’t gone in years.

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

ours?”

head, his jaw tightening. “She’s from the

has always been shrouded in secrets, their motives inscrutable. To have one of their

ד דו

I ask my mind whirling. “Did

12

49

His Mate

Renard sanction this?”

lips. “You 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 looks down at

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

working on reconciling. I left

gone.”

in the

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

howl in agony. He’s obsessed with her, and I have to admit that I am too. We don’t have a

12:33

5/9

His

don’t want

pushing the thought away before

consume me.

her, Lucas,” I say, my voice firm with conviction. “The Aspen Pack stands with you. We’ll leave no stone

your arms.”

“You have our full support, brother. The Silvermoon Pack will lend whatever aid is required to bring your mate home. Ava’s a good child, very different from her family and alpha.

breath. “I can’t lose her again. It took a long time to find her. I hear Blackwood started looking for her, too. That’s why I think they took her back.”

arches. “Back?”