hand on Gabby's shoulder protectively. "So, a convert, huh? Kinda explains why you're so willing to live with other bears."
"Wasn't as easy to convince them," Vic admitted. "Jax took to the idea easier than Scott, truth be told, even though Scott served a few years with the Marines. But we were all crammed onto the same hillside, all trying to avoid each other, and it wasn't working so good. When the notices of bears in the area started going up, I knew it was time to leave, but they weren't as convinced. Scott took a bullet in the flank, and that changed their minds pretty quick." Then he jerked his chin at Gabby. "You got a title, Miss?"
Ian answered for her. "Next Alpha of Wolf's Run. This is my mate's pup. She turned late last year, and she's got some ideas that might help you."
Vic looked from Gabby to me. "I can see the family resemblance. So... I came alone. The guys said I'm an idiot, but Ashley gave me her word that this isn't a setup."
"It's not," I promised. "Trent? Pax? How's dinner coming?"
"Almost done," Pax assured me, making it clear that they'd also stepped in to get a glimpse of the bear.
"I feel like a spectacle," Vic admitted.
So Bridget pushed her way forward and offered her hand. "Well, I'm Dr. Bridget, the physician around here, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Victor."
"Just Vic," he corrected. "And the pleasure's all mine, Doctor."
"Relax," she told him. "Wolf's Run is a safe place, and you were invited. It's just dinner, and it's just to talk. We simply want to figure out how to make this work without causing more and bigger issues."
Which was when Ashley returned. "Table's set, looks like we have just enough room, and the only one who isn't drinking tonight is Gabby. We'll eat first, and then we dive into pack business?" She made a point of glaring at every single wolf in the house, including me. "If any of you hurt him, just know you're breaking my word. Vic is my friend."
Ashley's words were mostly for Vic, not our pack. I watched the guy's shoulders relax, so I decided to help Ashley a little. Hopefully, if both of us were on his side, then my guys would hold their tongues just enough to keep this from crashing and burning before it had a chance to become something.
"Just like me," I reminded the wolves in the room. "You all gave me a chance before I knew about any of this. So, let's give Vic the same respect." Then I gestured toward the dining room. "Shall we?"
From the corner of my eye, I caught the look Vic gave Ashley. She, however, didn't. His eyes raked across her and a wistful little smile touched his lips. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he still held a bit of a candle for my best friend, and I was going to help her out, one way or another. After all, I did owe her for pushing me at Ian.
On the way to the table, Trent and Pax broke off to head for the grill outside. Seth went for the kitchen. I wanted to help, but Lane grabbed my hand, towing me to my seat and all but forcing me to do nothing. Vic chuckled, making it clear he'd noticed. And that was when Gabby walked right up to him and inhaled deeply.
"You smell good," she said. "Cologne or bear?"
"Bear," he admitted as she made her way around to sit beside me. "You smell like evergreens, little wolf."
She grinned. "I can handle that. So, does being around so many wolves make you nervous?"
"More than you can imagine," he told her. "How old are you anyways?"
"Fifteen on Monday." And she lifted her chin, looking right in his eyes. "How old are you?"
Vic actually laughed this time. "Forty. You are definitely an alpha wolf. Didn't think that was possible for converts."
Gabby just shrugged it off. "Mom and I are special. I think it's because we have good teachers. I'm going to be the first convert to lead a pack."
"Once she learns how to defend herself," I said pointedly. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Gabby."
Vic just leaned closer. "Well, I'll stand with you if I'm allowed in. I think you've got the spunk for it, because it sounds like I'm the first bear you've ever met, and you don't seem scared of me at all."
"I'm not," she said. "See, being different doesn't