the air. “It doesn’t smell like you chose him. You are not claimed by him or anyone else from what I hear. Until you are, formal challenges can be made.”
She looked in disbelief from Rodrigo to Grey to Brian and back to Rodrigo. Had they missed the memo that it was the twenty-first century? “This is barbaric!”
Grey sat again with his hands behind his head and his long legs stretched out. A slow smile spread across his face as if he was enjoying the show.
“Silver Wolf—” Rodrigo started.
“My name is Morgan, you ass hat.” This guy was really starting to piss her off.
“Morgan,” he amended with a frown tugging at his full lips. “This is no way for a silver wolf to act. Formal challenges are issued often. I understand you are a new wolf, but this is the way it has been for hundreds of years.”
Aw, hell no. He did not just tell her how she should act. She eyed the chair, debating whether to fling it at him, but the sound of Dean’s truck coming up the road interrupted her maiming plans. Grey arched his eyebrow at the chair she had taken a step closer to and shook his head slightly. Well, he seemed confident he would come out of this okay, but what if he was wrong? Would she have to leave with this man? She’d sure as sugar rather lick a port-a-potty than be a kidnap victim again. Her heart rate cranked up to panic mode, and it suddenly felt like a horse was sitting on her chest.
Grey cocked his head and eyed her thoughtfully. “I need a word with my fiancée, if you don’t mind.”
He didn’t wait for Rodrigo’s answer. Instead, he stood immediately and took her by the elbow. His work boots made hollow sounds against the porch as he led her to a shaded area against the house. It wasn’t completely out of hearing range for a werewolf, but at least it felt more private.
“Is it to the death?” she asked, a new wave of panic threatening to overwhelm her.
“It can be, if no one gives up.”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
Grey snorted indelicately. “You don’t have to watch this. Go on and wait inside if you want, and I’ll come get you when we are finished. I’m not going to let him take you, Morgan. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
She wasn’t convinced. Stretching up on her toes to kiss him, she slid her arms around his neck. He obliged, gentle with her until she deepened the kiss. Hell, if she was honest, she wanted to hop up and hump his leg right in front of that rat-faced Rodrigo. She settled for flipping the bird behind Grey’s back. A silver wolf she might be, but no one would ever accuse her of being a proper one.
“I’m staying,” she growled against his lips. Retreating an inch, she said, “Kill him if you have to.” It would serve the idiot right for trying to take her away from everything she’d fought for.
Grey chuckled. “Look who’s turned into a bloodthirsty little werewolf.”
He squeezed her ass with a smirk and sauntered off to meet Dean, who was pulling up in front of the cabin. Some of the tension left her shoulders when Wade and Jason also stepped out of the truck. Grey had backup if something went wrong. Surely, Dean wouldn’t let this barbarian take her away from her new home.
Dean introduced himself and the others to Rodrigo and his second. Dean’s introductions were formal, but not friendly enough for a handshake or even a smile. In fact, Dean, Wade, and Jason looked pissed. Good, because if she had to bet on who the biggest, baddest wolves in town were, she’d bet on her boys any day.
Reaching back, Grey pulled his shirt off and Rodrigo excused himself to Change in the privacy of the trees. Grey shucked his pants and pulled Wade to the side. Morgan strained her ears to hear what he said.
“If this goes south, throw a formal challenge at him right away. Don’t give him time to breathe. Make sure they are taken care of.”
Wade nodded and clapped Grey on the shoulder. “It won’t go south, but we will make sure they are taken care of. Go get him.”
So Grey was more worried than he was letting on. A fresh wave of panic sent the first tingles of the Change through her body. She stifled her wolf, eliciting a slow carnal growl