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

to the Council.”

expression is grave. “Without evidence to bring

Council affair.

in the droop of his shoulders and the shadows under his eyes. “We sent Jessa Grey back to her pack.

more, too.”

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

he says finally, the words hanging heavy between

shocked silence falls over

r’s

eyes

the words have robbed him of speech. I can only stare at

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Clayton: His

process this

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

few months back.” A rueful smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “You know how

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?”

his jaw tightening. “She’s

a ripple of unease through me. The Blackwood Pack has always been shrouded in secrets, their motives inscrutable. To have

ד דו

did this happen?” I ask my mind whirling. “Did

12

49

His Mate

Renard sanction this?”

dangerous to keep around, even mated.” He

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

down. “Yeah. We’re working on reconciling. I left for a few

gone.”

hangs in the

words settling over us. I can see the anguish in his face, the torment in his eyes. My gut clenches as I

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

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His Mate

I don’t want to let go.

the thought away before

consume me.

“The Aspen Pack stands with you. We’ll leave

your arms.”

whatever aid is required to bring your mate home. Ava’s a good child,

know.” He lets out a long breath. “I can’t lose her again. It took a long time to find her. I hear Blackwood started looking for her, too.

arches.