Grace of a Wolf (by Lenaleia) novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194: Caine: Like a Wrecking Ball

CAINE

I hadn’t intended on calling my subordinates into Grace’s camper, but they showed up while I was still here.

As did several nosey Blue Mountain bastards. Not a single whisper carries on the air, probably because their gossip was all done through their pack link as their bastard eyes lingered on my mate.

So I brought my loyal Lycans inside, intending to warn them about keeping Grace safe at all costs.

After all, while Grace insists on keeping our relationship some strange sort of secret, it’s been obvious from the start it will only be a superficial denial. My scent is all over her, these children, and this camper.

But if my mate wants to pretend she has nothing to do with me, I’ll indulge. For a little while, anyway.

So I did as she asked and publicly announced no relationship between us, but for some reason, the woman’s angrier than ever.

And claiming the children to keep them safe from any Blue Mountain bullying only seems to make it worse.

My eyebrows draw together in a faint frown as even Sara tries to deny a connection, only to ease somewhat when she declares, "Daddy will work."

See? Even the children understand the benefit of being adopted into my pack and being under my protection. They’re smart kids, so it’s to be expected.

Grace’s face twists through a parade of emotions. Her left eye keeps twitching, but I’m more focused on the dark circles under her eyes. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

She needs rest.

I kept her up too late.

And while it was enjoyable, she’s still recuperating.

"Grace," I say, keeping my voice calm in the face of her somewhat labile emotional state, "you should take a nap with Bun. You didn’t sleep well."

The transformation is spectacular. Her face flushes a brighter crimson than before, as if I just suggested we recreate last night’s bathroom encounter in front of my men. Then all color drains from her cheeks, leaving her pale as moonlight. Finally, her features lock into place, her jaw rigid enough to crack her teeth.

"I’m fine, thank you, Sir." She practically spits the honorific, turning it into something profane.

Dylan shifts his weight, eyebrows drawing together as he exchanges a look with Reggie.

Neither of them are impressed with her attitude. I’ll have to pull them aside later. They won’t accept her easily, but they will accept her.

But Randy, younger and a little more open-minded, studies Grace with a different understanding. His gaze slides from her to the children, then back again. Despite his young age, he has a mate and children of his own.

He gives a subtle nod in my direction.

I keep my expression neutral while I reach through our pack link to touch the minds of my men. Make sure no one bothers them, I command, letting my authority ripple through the connection. No one enters this place, and no one speaks to her or the children without my express permission.

Reggie frowns, his facial scars becoming more hideous with the movement. Sara flinches.

Perhaps I should keep the older Lycans away from here. Then again, the kids will need to toughen up. Reggie and Dylan aren’t the only Lycans with scars in our pack.

I give a slight nod as I think it over. Yes. Better to get them used to it now.

Reggie and Dylan may look down on humans, but they’re loyal and wouldn’t do anything to harm children I’ve declared as mine. More importantly, they’re capable of fighting off the entire pack if it comes down to it.

Grace’s mouth stretches into a thin smile as she stares at me, and a vague sense of foreboding traipses down my spine.

She’s unhappy.

And yet I’ve done everything she’s asked of me.

I frown.

"You seem busy," she says, voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "We don’t want to keep you here."

My eyebrows lift a fraction of an inch. Her sudden shift from fury to docility makes my instincts prickle with suspicion.

Fenris snorts, the first sound he’s made since I invited the Lycans inside.

What is it? I ask in his direction, a little surprised by his lack of nonsensical commentary.

Don’t even think about it. I’m not helping you this time. Dig your own grave and leave me out of it.

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