The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates

Chapter One Hundred–Seventy–Two

DOMONIC

“So,” Paul begins, “You’re thinking that if we spend more time in our well forms that maybe we can alter the effects of the forced shift?”

I nod. “Yes, exactly. But it has to be at night. When the nannn is in its wading phases.”

“When its giving power,” Rainier comments. “That makes a weird amouch of sense.”

“It does, doesn’t it,” I say with a grin, watching the girls and Bartlett talk to Goal behind the counter. “We hardly ever run as a pack anymore. And even when we did, we did it because we were forced to by our fathers,”

“Even then, it was before sun down,” Paul adds, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. As if he’s lost in an old memory. “Those were the days, man. Remember?”

“Haha!” Lief says. “Yess! They were!”

Grant guffaws, sitting back to take a deep drink of the beer in his hand You mean, when we used to break off from our training route and scare all the human campers?”

“Yup, Paul chuckles. “What the hell did you think I was talking about? Surely not the few times we followed the rules and stuck to the

woods.”

I turn back to Rainier. “I don’t think Felix should stay here above the bar anymore.”

“I agree,” Rainier states. That’s why I just booked one of Old Bob’s beach houses just down the street from Quinn’s place. She and I will stay there until I find a place.”

“Where the fuck is Quinn, anyway?” I ask, glancing around in confusion “He was here just a few minutes ago. He needs to hear this! We all need to be up to date.” I glare at Timmons. “Where the fuck is he?”

Timmons shakes his head, a sneer on his lips. “You know how he gets. He found a new piece of pussy and left it back at our place. He probably went home to hang her a few times before tossing her out. He knows I won’t let her stay more than one night.”

“You won’t let her?” P

Paul snorts. “It’s his house. How would you stop her?

her up in Blackjack, Timmons says with a snarl. “She was with

rigid with anger. “What?” I meet Timmons‘ eyes as the entire table goes silent. Even Goose is listening now as he approaches our table. “He brought a poacher back to his house and fucking left her there? To come

do you think I was so pissed at him this moming when we both came in? Why do your think we came in separate cars?”

Or some other ride me I’m your roommate, ridiculous shit!” I growl. “I didn’t think, asshole. I didn’t care! But now I do! Call him! I want him back

about the redhead that Gayle attacked this morning? The one you came and told me about?

party! I figured Quinn would pass on her too! When he insisted on stepping between her and Gayle, I thought he was only trying to keep the rest of us safe by keeping the body count down. On account of what happened last night, to homeboy in the parking lot and

1/3

One Hundred Seventy

says. “The girl

to bunt, nor was

the girl in a threat,” Pand seps eftly. Then why dat Gayle attack berse of who they do or do not

are meant to be protected, not executed

want to find the arsonist from five

a crime just by not reporting her companions. You call it turning a blind eye – I call it negligence.”

than anyone seemed to expect coming from her sweet lips. “Arrest her?

hand as she angrily snatches it away from me. “You don’t

embarrassed. “I don’t understand? Is that what you were about to say? That / don’t understand what it feels like to be hunted? Or chased? Or rejected when I finally find the someone who’s supposed

finding you was wrong,” I admit, trying to catch her eye, but failing. “But this girl isn’t anybody’s mate.

angry fire as she gazes around at all of us and one by one my brothers‘ heads dip a little in shame. Even Goose looks a bit sheepish. Right then I finally see it – the Alpha Wolf in her that I never

head. Her eyes float back and forth between me, Rainier, and Koda. “You’re so sure about that, are you? Really? Because obviously Quinn must bring bitches as you called them back

1. me. “He act

he clears his throat,

1. looks at me. actually never

Timmons gaze

in a picture of mock innocence. “How strange then, that

all staring at her in shock. Her implication riding each of us differently as we slowly try to accept what she

help me out here,”

Alpha like that, I’d be picking my teeth up off the floor, right now.