Moon Claimed (Werewolf Dens #2) - Kelly St. Clare Page 0,83

my idea to her.

I don’t like the water.

Do you like dying? Because spicy wants a chomp out of our neck.

Not waiting for her approval, I tugged on the elastic sensation under my ribs as my wolf launched us into the river.

I took over paddling as panic swamped her. We’d barely reached the other side when I heard the telltale splash of the black wolf in pursuit.

In the tree line, as quietly as possible, I climbed a sturdy oak.

The elastic band under my ribs was loosening. Sascha was running to me, rapidly gaining.

We held our breath as the sopping-wet black wolf broke into a run past us. He stopped suddenly, and we didn’t dare move as he sniffed the air.

The Luther circled backward.

Closer.

Shit.

The wolf reached our tree, where he stopped, cocking an ear.

Fuck.

The black wolf looked upward, and we snarled loudly, tail bolt upright in warning. He crouched in preparation of jumping, and we prepared to do the reverse and bolt for the river again.

Greyson’s frantic howl filled the air, and I didn’t possess the restraint to refuse an answer. Tilting my head back, we howled, my wolf giving him details with our call in a way I didn’t yet understand.

His second howl was pure murderous promise.

The black wolf hesitated, and I renewed my snarling, standing on the branch to show him my full size.

He couldn’t beat two wolves.

And he knew it.

The black wolf sprinted for the river and was soon gone from sight.

Up here, I called when Greyson paused beneath me.

His lip curled, exposing his fangs. I thought you were in trouble.

My wolf snapped, We were followed through the river. Our attacker lost his scent.

Greyson sat back on his haunches.

Schooled. I congratulated her.

We leaped down, shaking off excess water so it flew over the massive wolf.

Who was it? he asked in a politer tone.

Black male wolf, we answered together.

Greyson lay down. That narrows things. There are around eighty black males in my pack.

Eighty! I groaned. You can’t smell him here at all?

I can only smell you and my pack. Lake Thana is a favourite running spot. I cannot hear him either, but he could easily hide with the noise of the river.

The world hated me. You have no idea who it is?

I will find out, mate.

We lay next to him and ignored his licking ministrations over our coat.

My wolf growled, How are we meant to run and shift if you can’t keep your pack in line?

Eek.

Greyson stiffened. I am both fearsome and fair. My pack are loyal, and my leadership is respected. Do not judge me by one male. Know that if you join me, your place as my queen will be secure. Our young will be safe. I will protect you, and my mother is ready to give over the rule of our she-wolves into your care without issue. You will want for nothing, female.

Greyson’s fervent words would make me explode into laughter if he wasn’t so deadly earnest.

My wolf licked his snout, working up to his ear.

Uhm, I murmured to her, are we okay with ear licking?

I grimaced as she worked down his neck. Please, stop.

She sat back and studiously ignored Greyson.

Licking and then a cold shoulder. Is this a treat him mean, keep him keen thing? I asked.

Yes. To Greyson, she said, I must leave now.

I will run with you, she-wolf.

From the way she displayed our butthole as we loped back to the river, I’d wager that he’d responded correctly.

Nothing like showing a man your butthole as a reward.

What would you do if Sascha pleased you? My wolf paused on the river edge.

If Sascha called me female, he’d probably receive a slap.

Humans came her reply.

She yelped at a nudge from behind. We toppled, twisting, into the water. I took over and directed us to the other side, listening to her furious tirade.

Greyson just undid all his hard work.

Let that be a lesson about showing your butthole to men, I told her.

We were joined on the other side, and Greyson followed close in our wake as we trotted back to Ella F.

Nose in the air, I inhaled for company.

The black wolf was long gone. Coward.

I shifted back and opened the trunk. Sascha shifted, too, as I grabbed a towel.

“Thanks for coming,” I said. “I know it’s not the best time.”

His jaw clenched, but it was all I could do to keep my attention on his face.

“I want you to bother me.”

Lowering my lashes, I dried my hair. “I didn’t mean to insult you. I just mean that I