Page 33 of Mating Season
“He went to get his nieces and bring them up here until someone figures out what to do this season.” Fallon watched me, searching for my response.
“I’m here, aren’t I?” It wasn’t always fun and games being Alpha. It was mostly this, knowing when to stand up and take charge. “I suppose you want me to handle it.”
“I don’t know what you expect me to do,” she growled. “I can’t even stay in control of my wolf.”
My beast started growling in response to her growling and tears streamed down her face as I clenched my teeth. He wanted to fight, but we didn’t have a target. “Do you want me to speak to John?”
“And have him what? Lead the run without me?” She gave a glare promising death by dismemberment.
“It was only a suggestion,” I muttered.
“What part of me not being able to control my beast can’t you understand?” Fallon cried. “She’s lost it. She wants him. I don’t think I can keep her on target.”
I was about to suggest an alternative, but knowing my sister on even her good days, that would not go over well.
“I’ll stay and lead the run,” I said instead, resigning to my fate.
“I owe you.” Fallon dried her eyes on the blanket. “Hopefully on the run I can figure this out.”
“You’ve never owed me anything.” I sighed as I wrapped my arm over her shoulders, giving her a half-hug. We weren’t a touchy family and I could count on one hand the number of times we’d hugged each other, but Aspen was softening me up.
This was a nightmare.
The howls grew louder, echoing off the mountain. I needed to get Aspen out of here before she slipped into the throes of her heat. And that sounded like the worst thing I’d ever done.
Agreed.My beast paced, already anxious to get back to her while the moon riled up the males in the area.
She’d be safe with Jones and Foster away from the show. I had to convince myself of that truth.
My wolf growled.
It’d be harder to convince him.
We’ll go straight to her after the season. Spend the next year courting her properly.
My wolf continued to pace, too far gone in his own anguish for human speech.
These producers had gotten exactly what they wanted. They’d forced my hand. If I was more like Lester, I’d rip their throats out on television and start a shifter/human war. Screw being politically correct.
I shook my head.
That was a dark place to go, even for me.
My sister finished drying her eyes and took a shuddering breath. “This is a mess.”
I nodded. “So… John, eh…”
Fallon elbowed me. “Not a word. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”
“I’ll keep him close during the run and make him work for it then.” I shoved her slightly, sealing my fate with another promise. What was one more in the grand scheme of things? I only hoped Aspen would understand. “You don’t think you can lead the females for me?”
She shook her head. “I don’t trust my wolf. Not with John around.”
I dragged my hand through my hair. It wasn’t unheard of for a female to not help lead, but it didn’t feel right to do things that way.
My sister read the concern on my face. “Aspen is strong enough to do it.”
“She’s not ready.” I stared up at the moon, feeling my beast continue to pace within me. “And I’m not sure when she’ll be.”