Page 38 of Wolf Roulette

I winked at the teen. “Have a good morning.”

Sascha intercepted me at the bottom of the stairs. Humming to himself, he took my hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Was he really so unconcerned?

Did he not look ahead and see us torn apart no matter who won Grids?

I shook off my worry, determined not to ruin the day. Instead, I observed the pack members outside the bungalow. Those farthest from the top table lounged around, enjoying the sun like they could stay there all day. Those Luthers just inside the door darted nervous looks at Sascha and I as we passed.

I had the order.

Alphas, betas, deltas, omegas, and gammas. No way would I have put Grim below Lisa in the pecking order. Just because he was bigger.

“Will you sit with the females today or with me?” Sascha paused by the alpha women.

“Women,” I answered.

He brushed a kiss on the back of my hand and left me to my devices. Eyes were on us.

Ugh.

I loaded a plate and sat in my normal spot at the front. Evelyn smiled, but the other alphas ignored me, and I returned the favour.

“Axel!”

The muddy pup raced through the entrance, chased by a frazzled Jemma.

The pup stopped right in front of me.

“Are you being good for your mother?” I said sternly.

He whined.

That was a whopping no.

“She loves you very much. We should try to make our mothers happy if we can.”

The pup rested a filthy paw on my knee and cocked his head.

Jemma panted. “Sorry, Andie. He’s been at the stream.”

“That’s okay. What are you trying to tell me, Axel?”

The pup shimmied back and sank to his belly, worming closer where he bounded up and rested a paw on my knee again, whining.

“You want to see the saxophone?”

He barked.

“I can show it to you, but you’ll need to wait very patiently while I finish breakfast. Can you do that, big pup?”

Axel planted his dirty butt on the ground and puffed his chest out.

I pressed my lips together and looked up at Jemma. “I can watch him for a while if you like.”

She hesitated. “Are you sure?”

I’d noticed that the women in the pack worked together, helping each other with daily tasks and looking out for the younger members. This was one more step towardadjustment. “Absolutely. I’ll keep him safe.”