Page 61 of Half Wolf Mate
He shrugged. “Mind telling your guard dog to back off?”
Damian still sneered at him.
“Please,” Sydney begged. “Adam is a friend.”
Damian didn’t stand down until I ordered, “Damian. Back off.”
I almost rolled my eyes at my Beta’s disappointment. He’d been itching to take down the Alpha of the Blood Claws. However, Sydney said the man saved her. I had to show gratitude by at least letting him walk out of here alive.
Sure that Damian wouldn’t pounce on Adam, I pulled Sydney into my arms. I didn’t care that Damian and one of my rivals watched. I crushed my lips to hers, drank her in, and basked in my relief of having her with me. She relaxed against me and kissed me back with fervor. I finally pulled away so we could get some air.
Then my annoyance kicked in. “I almost lost my fucking mind when I couldn’t find you. Why would you leave the apartment, Sydney?”
“I’m sorry, I…really?” she gazed at me wide-eyed.
Scowling, I asked, “What?”
“You said you almost lost your mind. I didn’t think you’d…”
“You didn’t think I’d care?” I growled. “You still think I’m that much of an asshole after all this time?” My molars clamped together. “Of course I care! I swear, I’ve never wanted to kiss and strangle someone at the same time.”
“Jesus, can you two save the crazy romance drama for later? I don’t have all night.”
I turned to glower at Adam, and he quirked an eyebrow. Grudging respect for him seeped in. He was in my home with a stronger- than-most alpha, a ruthless, blood-thirsty Beta, and more guys from our pack close by. Yet he didn’t show a sliver of fear. Adam had nerves of steel for strolling in here with Sydney. He was either brave or extremely stupid, and I didn’t peg him as foolish.
“Cole.” Sydney recaptured my attention.
“We need to get your wound looked at, and then you’re going to tell me what happened,” I said.
“Forget my wound for now.”
“Sydney—”
“Listen to me. I have something important to tell you. Two things, actually.”
She pulled away, putting distance between us. I didn’t like it.
“One of them is big. Huge.” Her nervous giggle made me suspicious. “At least it will be in a few months.”
Adam snorted, and Sydney shot him a warning glare.
That pissed me off. They were such good friends, they shared secrets now? Maybe I’d have to kill Adam after all.
“What’s going on, Sydney?”
She gulped, and that terrified look she’d worn when she arrived reappeared. Unease settled in my stomach as I wondered what was so bad about her news.
Chapter 26 Cole
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, arms folded over my chest, watching Macy work on Sydney’s leg. Of course, I’d ignored her instance that we talk first. Her safety was paramount. We could talk when she wasn’t in pain. I wasn’t sure at exactly what point over the three months the mate I rejected had become so important to me.
She just steamrolled into my life and burrowed her way into my heart with her bold charm and sarcastic humor. Sydney was the last person I thought I wanted as a mate—a mostly human half-breed who didn’t know the first thing about being a Luna.
Tilting my head, I studied her. Sydney had her jaw clenched as Macy put some healing salve on her bite wound. Not once did she make a sound. The woman was tough physically and mentally. The courage she’d shown since I’d known her was commendable. On second thought, maybe she did have the fortitude to stand by an Alpha’s side. My side.
A soft scoff of disgust drew my attention away from Sydney and Macy. Adam, who I insisted stay until I could interrogate him, stood nearby. I wanted him close so I could keep an eye on him. He helped my mate, but one wrong move and I’d end him.
He shook his head as he watched me.