Page 45 of Alpha Hunt

“So this afternoon? This evening?”

“I just said, ‘Who knows,’ Stone. That means I have no idea. Could be a day, could be a week – Alpen’s movements have been unpredictable when he’s gone off on these forays. Plus, the bastard refuses to carry a phone and keeps ditching his comms devices.” Jagger’s brows knit. “What’s this about?”

No phone. Of course not. Why would Edirn Alpen do anything to make life easier for the rest of us?

“It’s just that…I… There’s something I wanted to speak to him about, but he was gone before I got a chance,” I mumble.

“Well, if you want, I could give him a message when he checks in later? If it’s important….” Callum is standing now. He’s joined Jagger on the other side of his desk.

I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of Edirn’s lips, his mouth grazing my flesh. There’s no way Callum could go over any of those details in a call. Not a freaking chance. “No. It’ll keep.” My voice has grown husky. My cheeks are warm. Jagger and Callum exchange glances.

The air feels heavy until Jagger clears his throat. “While you’re here, Stone, I need you to go out and check on activity in the eastern sector of the packlands.” He leans back against the desk, arms still crossed. “I’m sending you out with Tarkin.”

I nod, grateful for the distraction. Anything to get my mind off Edirn and the way he makes me feel. “Sure thing, Alpha.”

Jagger’s expression turns serious. “You know, it’s not conventional for a mated couple to be active on the security team.”

My eyes widen. “What?”

“I’m keeping you and Edirn in operation because I know how much I hated the thought of being pulled off duty when I mated. I won’t do that to you.” His gaze is steady. “But I don’t want your romantic feelings interfering with your concentration.”

“Romantic feelings?” I sputter. “Why would you think this has anything to do with romantic feelings?”

Callum looks amused, but he bites his tongue. Jagger remains stoic. “I need your assurance that you can keep your emotions in check, Stone.”

I straighten my shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on. “I can assure you, I’m fully capable of keeping my emotions in check. This won’t be a problem.”

Yeah, right. I’m already screwing that up.

Jagger nods, seeming satisfied. “Good. Now, head out with Tarkin. Report back if you find anything unusual.”

As I turn to leave, my mind races. Why am I so worried about Edirn being out there alone? Images of his battered body when he first arrived at Steel Lakes flash through my mind. I shake my head, pushing the thoughts away. He’s proven himself to be resourceful, competent, and a strong contender in the field. He can take care of himself.

I square my shoulders, determined to focus on the task at hand. “I’m on top of things, Jagger. You can count on me.”

He eyes me for a moment. “Don’t let me down. Because I don’t need to remind you that you’ll be letting the pack down, too.”

I clench my jaw at this unwanted reminder of my responsibilities. I push down a twinge of resentment.

When have I ever let the pack down? Asshole.

“Aye, aye, Sir!” I snap a mock salute. “I’m on top of things. You can count on me.”

I ignore his narrowed eyes as I turn away. My boots echo against the concrete floor as I stride toward the armory. The familiar scent of gun oil and leather greets me as I push open the heavy door. Tarkin is already there, checking his weapon.

“Ready to roll, Stone?” He grins at me, tucking his pistol into the back of his waistband.

I nod, grabbing my own gear. The weight of my tactical vest is comforting as I tug it on, checking my ammunition and supplies. We move together, a well-oiled machine, born from countless hours of training and patrols.

The sun is high as we exit through the main gate, the rusted metal creaking in protest. I squint against the glare, taking in the abandoned buildings that stretch out before us. As we head away, the old steel mill recedes into the distance; it’s home now, but it’s still a reminder of a once-thriving industry now left to decay.

“So, how’s mated life treating you?” Tarkin asks as we move along a road that’s now pitted and pocked with weeds.

I shrug, keeping my eyes forward. “Fine.”

“Just fine?” He chuckles. “I thought newlyweds were supposed to be all lovey-dovey.”

I shoot him a glare. “We’re not exactly conventional.”