needs to take a moment to get a grip on himself.
His scent is intoxicating. I nuzzle his neck and let my tongue trace the artery, feeling every pulse his heart gives. There’s a sensual chuffing sound and right when it reaches my ears I become aware it’s coming from my body.
The instant I freeze is when I’m being pulled back and meet his blue eyes. “There she is. Tell me you felt it too. Your inner wolf calls to me.”
“I’ve never experienced something like this,” I croak.
Figor places his finger underneath my chin and lets his thumb trace my bottom lip. “Your guardian form was dormant until it was awoken by your mate. It’s not unusual. It shows the unique connection. Don’t stress and don’t force anything, I know for damn sure you’ll be able to shift within a few days. It’s also the reason I wanted you here. Being near each other allows the bond to grow stronger.”
He leans forward and feathers his lips against mine before pulling back again.
“Come on, I have a meeting planned with Caz and Ash.” He leaves me no other choice but to follow when he turns and tugs me along.
We enter a large room with tables and couches, clearly a place where a group of men can lounge. A combination between a bar and a living room.
“This is our clubhouse. The bar where we first met is for drinking and mingling with women. No outsiders are allowed in the clubhouse unless they are part of the pack. With the exception of Tobias.” He shoots me a grin. “But he’s considered a part of the pack already, though the young man doesn’t have a clue. We do have a few rules set in place for him, but the brothers keep an eye on him to make sure he understands them. They’re quite simple. He’s not allowed in the bar, and no alcohol for him while he’s in here either.”
“Thank you. He’s overjoyed with everything. It really means a lot.”
“I meant what I said, he’s a hard and appreciated worker. We will take our time to let him settle in, but I’m pretty sure at some time we will ask him to prospect. He might not be a werewolf but he fits in perfectly. If he survives the shock of seeing one of us shift because it’s easier to have him fully understand our dynamics in the long run.”
I slap my hand against his chest. “You’re kidding, right?”
He slowly shakes his head. “No, I’m not. And I’m very aware humans need to stay oblivious to the supernatural world but there are always exceptions. Tobias is one of those exceptions. I get the impression he will fully accept all of us. He has a big heart, is fond of animals, and has a certain calmness about him that lets me know he would be able to comprehend what we are, but wouldn’t fear. He has an open mind, Opal. He might not have a high IQ but what he lacks in numbers is expanding his heart and mind to open up for other stuff, making him double his worth on this fucked-up planet.”
How can I deny his words when he speaks the truth?
I nod but am prevented from saying something when Caz steps closer.
“Prez.” Caz bows his head for Figor and gives me a casual chin lift. “Opal, good to see you again.”
“Let’s get this over with, I have better things to do,” Figor grumbles.
I step away from Caz and closer to Figor and feel him relax slightly. Caz might respect his president and alpha, and Figor knows this little fact, but instinct is always scratching the surface at every turn. It’s a survival instinct and another jab for me to feel guilty for denying his claim.
Figor places a hand on my lower back and guides me toward a room near the back. A large table dominates the room, allowing about thirty people to take a seat. Ash is the only one in the room and when Caz steps inside behind us, he closes the door. Grabbing a chair, Figor pulls it back and offers it to me.
“Such a gentleman,” I mutter, making him chuckle.
“Seven deaths in total,” Ash says when we’re all seated. “All humans and all linked to scamming people out of their money, all of their deaths ruled as animal attacks and yet the authorities have labeled it as the work of a serial killer.”
I knew of a few victims, but damn. He