Page 12 (1/2)

Zander sighed, turning his gaze to the view of the ht" The "but" was clear in his tone

"Why are you so reluctant to stay? Look, I’ you to sympathize with these fe But I also know that you’re a person who’s rarely daunted by anything So, what’s holding you back? Is your wolf iving me a hard time But I don’t know if he’d help me protect her It’s possible that he’d even object to it What use aer, he pulls back so hard that I’htfully "How did he react when you stepped in to warn away Moore just now?"

"He didn’t react Just stayed back It’s al from her What does that evenyou insane that you can’t solve the ht it was "I don’t like puzzles"

"In ure it out is if you stick around awhile But I’ If you feel you need to go, go--I won’t judge you for that"

Zander snorted derisively "Like I’d leave you on your own" He, Bracken, and Jesse were like brothers; they’d stick together through anything He sighed "I’ll stay It’s what Shelby would wantaould make us like those people who let her down"

"And you want to solve the mystery of your wolf’s reaction to Gwen So do I It’s kind of interesting"

"Glad so the puzzle"

"No, you’re not"

"No, I’et breakfast Then we can go hear Dale’s will"

Zander flicked a look at the wall clock Rory was late Of course he was late Everything had to revolve around hi the hurry, because the heavy scent of new paint was driving his senses crazy Not even the strong smell of his coffee helped

Bracken didn’t see the news on the wall-h the volu allowed Bracken to hear it perfectly, despite the continual ringing of the receptionist’s phone and the noises co from the children in the toy corner

Zander had received a textHe wasn’t particularly surprised He was also glad, because it meant she wouldn’t have to deal with Rory

With an inward sigh, Zander threw the newspaper he’d ski receptionist tried to catch his eye, but he didn’t play the ga of the will Like how likely it was that Rory would be an ass And like the question of whether Nick would sanction Zander’s and Bracken’s requests to stay in Oregon for a while

He didn’t doubt that his Alpha would sympathize with Gwen and the female shifter’s situation, but Nick’s priority was the pack’s safety--especially since that pack included his hter Also, Nick didn’t like outsiders; he wouldn’t put one before the needs of his pack, no matter the seriousness of the situation

The front door swung open, and in walked a male with the same face that Zander saw every day in the mirror Rory looked smart and immaculately neat with his slicked hair, black suit, shiny shoes, and briefcase He also looked a that he didn’t

Rory introduced himself to the receptionist, who blushed as she assured him that she’d alert the attorney of his arrival He then strode over to Zander, halting in front of hi