The Pack's Doctor by Cooper

Chapter 281

Hacker

I spent a very enjoyable evening with Wendy last night. We worked hard and she’s an amazing assistant. She never once complained, and she seemed to enjoy working with me as much enjoyed working with her.

I tested the waters a bit while we were working, just to see if she is open to something developing between us. Every chance I got, I’d touch her. It might have been a casual touch of my hand against hers, putting my hand on her back as I moved around her, or leaning closer to her when she was showing me something. But every time, every single time I touched her or got close to her, her heartbeat would increase, and

her breath would hitch.

By the time I called it quits for the night, her cheeks had a permanent pink hue, and her sweet scent of caramel apples was driving me insane.

Hijack called last night, wanting to get together this eekend to go over a project we’re working on together. Since I know he can find me anyway and probably already has, I told him that I was in Cyra’s and Striker’s pack working on their security system.

He’d been quiet for a beat. “Isn’t Sphinx in Striker’s pack this weekend?”

“Yes. She’s helping me assess the security, or lack of security as it turns out,” I say.

“I see. I’m surprised you didn’t ask for my help. It seems like a big project.”

“I have Sphinx, and her little sister Yana is a techy in the making. We should keep our eye on her.”

“Mmhmm. Well, let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

I hung up knowing I wouldn’t call him even if I do need help. This opportunity to spend face–to–face time with Wendy alone is priceless.

I wanted to spar with Wendy this morning, but as expected, her father pulled her aside to spar with her. I’m not surprised. Her family is very protective of her. They’re very protective of each other. I respect that. If anything or anyone came after my family, I’d destroy them.

But while I respect his intentions, I think his methods are keeping his daughter from making progress. They’re afraid of hurting her, so they don’t push her. I’m not afraid of hurting her. She’s stronger than she realizes and that’s where she needs to push past her own fear. She needs to regain the confidence she lost in herself when she nearly died.

Over breakfast, I tell Wendy and Yana about my plans for the day. “I need to see the pack lands, all of them so we can decide where to lay cable. We need to connect the two packs‘ security systems and that’s the way to do it.”

Just before we finish eating, Alpha Warren growls out loud. Everyone goes quiet and we wait until his eyes refocus.

“Dad?” Wendy asks.

“Cyra’s uncle and cousin are here.”

I just know the conversation between them

he informs Cyra and Striker

them

them and see what they

1/3

Chapter 281

make sure

who thought it was okay to be a total douchebag to my sister–in–law,” Yana says. She

her body vibrating with excitement that it will just be the two of us again. I’d already planned to make that happen. The training field is in between

to the two

fun intimidating the asshat,”

We do a tour of the packhouse

with Wendy, but this is a job, and I take that seriously. I have a reputation to maintain and my job with the Council is dependent on me continuing to deliver what I promise, and remaining truthful

work.

second packhouse, I

and Cyra are allowing them onto their pack lands,”

bit surprising based on what I heard yesterday,” Wendy

on the property I want to lay the cable as we walk. But when

it aside.

time for

uses my real name when we’re like this. She’s

really, Wendy, we have

of her family, I know how much she struggles

stance. “Show

comes at me. I can tell she’s testing me, seeing how strong I am, but she doesn’t have to worry. I may be a tech guy, but the Academy still trains us to

really starts coming at me, I start pushing back. This is where she freezes on the sparring field. It’s

for her to stop. She impresses me by coming right back for me. This time,

“I can’t,” she says.

can,”

shakes her head and I can see the memories coming back, the fear filling her

you don’t

“I can’t,” she whispers.

2/3