The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) - Susi Hawke Page 0,76

If I wasn't already mated, I would do something awkward like hug you."

She laughed and gave me a quick squeeze. "Hugs are never awkward, Eli. I figured you could use some sugar before the adrenaline crash, which I'm sure isn't far behind. Listen, I know it's supposed to be my day off, but you need me more than I need a break. I doubt I'll be able to pull you away from the Alpha's side anytime soon. But how about I take these two home? The party's breaking up anyway, and I think we can agree Noah could use a bath."

Noah. Bath. Right, he was covered in chocolate. Groaning, I glanced down at my shirt and saw a big chocolate smear where I'd held his sticky little face against me. I allowed myself an eight-second pity party before shaking it off. Messy kids were a fact of life. I looked at his dirty face and wrinkled my nose. "Brenda's on the money, short stuff. You need a bath. What do you think, would you like to go home with Brenda? Matt and I have some boring stuff to handle, and we’re going to be here talking to adults for a while."

While Noah pursed his lips and looked longingly at my brownie, Saul was already on his feet, obviously done with today. Leaning over Noah, he gave me a quick hug before skirting around to join Brenda. "I'm gonna go with, in case Brenda needs a hand." A flash of his future adult self appeared as he looked at Noah with a stern expression. "Leave Eli's brownie alone. He's eating for two, and our nephew needs the chocolate more than you do. Come on. It's rude to keep Brenda waiting."

Managing to keep a straight face, I thanked Brenda for her help. Thankfully, I enjoyed my treat and downed the liquid refreshment before Ash pulled up beside the now-abandoned Escalade. This time, I walked hand in hand with Matt as he went to deal with our new guest. At least this one was invited. Efficient as ever, Jared found a pair of jogging pants for Matt and three more for the other guys, so at least he wasn't naked as he greeted Ash.

Ash took one look at the dead wolves and the SUV before shaking his head in disgust. As he came forward to shake our hands, he blew out a breath and shoved his sunglasses to the top of his head. "Good afternoon, gentlemen. I swear, Matt. You must have a target on your back or something. I haven't seen this much activity around here in years." He motioned toward the dead wolves. "I'm sorry as hell, Matt. You were well within your rights to defend yourself, so there won't be any official investigation necessary. Especially with an outright act of war, considering Alpha Macklebee is officially registered as an ally to your pack."

"Yeah, I figured as much. Thank you for confirming it, though. Do you know who these other households were?" While Matt spoke, the other guys shifted back and slipped into the pants Jared offered them before walking over to join the conversation.

Nodding, Ash pointed at Bart. "Let's go one at a time. First, did you personally deliver the killing bite to each of these men? I only ask because I need to know who is taking over their packs."

At the horrified look on Lucian's face, I would’ve laughed. The unclaimed alpha who thought nobody wanted him was getting a pack of his own. And a rich one, from what I'd heard. Smiling sympathetically, Matt motioned to Lucian. "Ash, I'd like to introduce you to Lucian Smith. I think we both know I couldn't have taken out four alphas on my own, no matter what the legends swirling around the territory have to say about me. You have Lucian to thank for relieving the world of Bart Macklebee the Third."

Ash took one look at Lucian's unmarked chest and whistled as if impressed. "Well, I guess we can all agree you never expected to be in this position. Good for you. Any friend of Matt's is a man I'm willing to trust. I don't care where you came from—I just want to know if you can handle a pack. What do you say, are you willing to accept what's rightfully yours according to our governing laws?"

Lucian considered it before nodding at Ash with a cocky grin. "What the hell. It'll be fun to put those rich fucks in their place.