Page 28 of Forbidden Moon
He had to give her up.
As if sensing his decision, his despair, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry for the pain you’re feeling. Is there anything I can do?”
Reflexively, his arms went around her, and he held her tight. This might be the last time he held her. He had to let her go, let her be free to find another mate and be happy in her life. After a solid minute of holding her, he loosened his arms and stepped back.
“You were right. About everything. About the pack, the attack, our mating. It was all a dream. But reality is a bitch, Maya. A stone cold bitch.”
She frowned. “What do you mean? Sure, I was right about the attack, but we don’t have proof, not yet. And we can work it out for our mating. We can find a way. I love you, Garrett. You can join Dirigo. You know you can. We let the Tri-State in. We would let you in too.”
He cupped her cheek and let his thumb trace her lower lip. She was so naïve. He doubted her pack would let someone from Saranac, a Colvin no less, join their pack. But he’d let her believe that for now.
“Sure, we can talk to them. For now, let’s get back and I’ll do what I can to find the pups on our side. I suspect where they might be and who might be involved.”
Her eyes brightened. “What do you mean? Do you know something?”
“No, but I have suspicions, no proof. Let me check into it and I’ll share with you as soon as I know for sure. I promise. Trust me, Maya.”
She nodded, her eyes fixed on his. “I trust you with my life and the lives of my pack.”
He really hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
They got back to the hotel that acted as their central location and checked in. They updated Charles on the news from the Tri-State pack and got no response from him about the original attack on that pack from Saranac, other than a distracted nod. Maya wanted to argue with him, but Garrett pulled her from the room.
“Now is not the time. We have pups to find. I’m going to do some investigating with my pack. I’ll check in when I can.”
“I don’t think you should go alone. Where are Caleb or Rafe?” Maya worried Garrett would get into trouble and his pack wouldn’t care that he was family.
“If you find them, Caleb will know how to find me. We were partners for years. Trust him.”
She hugged him, hoping it wasn’t the last time she saw him. “Be safe.”
He slipped from view and headed out to the door. She turned to go back inside, determined to talk to Charles, when a voice stopped her. “Touching scene. I knew there was more going on between you than my nephew said. Are you mates?”
Linc Colvin’s voice sent shivers of revulsion down her spine. She steeled herself and face the older male. “That is none of your business.”
He towered over her. “That is entirely my business, little bitch. Everything that happens in the Saranac pack is my business. No one can mate without my permission.”
“Don’t you mean your alpha’s? Isn’t he the one in charge of the pack? Aren’t you just his bitch, following his orders, doing what he tells you?” She couldn’t resist the taunt, knowing it was risky, given his volatile temper.
He raised his fist, but another voice stopped him. “I know you’re not about to assault another pack’s female wolf, Colvin, correct?”
Two males stood in the conference room doorway. Charles, the Council Beta, and Duncan MacKinnon, her Alpha. Shit, she’d goaded another pack’s Beta in front of other males. Not at all the actions of a professional. She should have known better. In fact, she knew better, but couldn’t resist.
Linc slowly lowered his hand and a fake smile cross his face. “Of course not. I was just educated this wolf on what to expect when she joins Saranac after her mating is complete with my nephew. See you soon, niece-to-be.”
He chuckled and pushed past her, leaving the foyer. She looked at her Alpha and Charles, who appeared startled. Charles recovered first, looking tired. “You’d better come inside, Maya.”
She walked past them, and they shut the door. They sat around the table facing her. Duncan spoke first, looking sad. “Is it true? Are you a mate to Colvin’s nephew?”
She nodded. “We felt the mate bond kick in. We’ve been fighting it, but it’s strong.”
Charles and Duncan exchanged glances. “Tell us which nephew to be very clear.”
She was confused. “Garrett Colvin. Oh, goddess. Not Brandon. He’s a nightmare.”
They both looked relieved, but it was Duncan who spoke, reaching across and taking her hand. “Maya, that’s better news. Brandon Colvin is a concern with his actions. But Garrett shares the Colvin blood. He is part of the pack and destined to be one of their top leaders. None of the Colvins have been anything but rotten to the core.”