Chapter 27
Leo
Watching Ethan smile down at the maid, Tessa, twisted something in Leo’s gut. Sure, he was glad that Ethan had brought the problem with her chores to his attention. That kind of bullying couldn’t be allowed to go on in a healthy pack.
It was only when Tessa hesitated at the door that he recalled that he’d forbidden her from ever entering his rooms.
“Obviously I didn’t mean you had to stay out of my rooms when I tell you to clean them,” he said, scowling. Did she think he’d punish her for following orders?
“Yes, Alpha,” the maid said, bowing.
She hurried out of sight. What was going on with that maid?
Leo sighed and turned his attention back to Ethan. He was glad to see his friend, really. He just knew Ethan’s reputation with women.
“You know, if she annoys you so much, I could take her. My pack needs to build up its numbers after all those Rogue attacks,” Ethan said. “And she’s interesting.”
Leo was surprised. Sure, Ethan was a bit of a playboy, but why take any notice of a random maid? And his excuse about building up his pack was ridiculous. Ethan had plenty of strong wolves, both men and women, vying for a place in his pack.
“No,” Leo said, “Tessa is my personal maid. Anyway, you know I don’t like the idea of alphas trading their pack members.”
Ethan held up his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “No, no I get you. I don’t really like it either. I just think sometimes a wolf doesn’t fit where they start out, y’know? In
nat case it’s good
Leo shrugged. “If: wanted
to
to do so.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll drop it. That’s no hem to have options.”
what
A came to talk abou
anyway,” Ethan said. “The Rogues are up to something.”
Leo frowned. “What makes you say that?”
He didn’t doubt his friend. He’d just hoped that defeating the King would have driven the Rogues into hiding for at least a few more months. He needed the time to build himself and his pack back up to be fit to fight again.
“There have been several attacks. I thought they were isolated incidents at first,” Ethan said, “but my beta was targeted. He nearly died.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. He’s a good man.”
Ethan nodded. “He’ll live. He’s lucky, there was a skilled healer visiting my hospital.”
“That’s good. You said targeted. How do you know?”
“I don’t, not for sure. Except that he was in an area I would have sworn was safe, and they caught him the one time of day he’s ever alone. And if one of our guards hadn’t forgotten his phone, he wouldn’t have been found until it was too late.”
Leo nodded. He remembered the early days when the King had drawn the Rogues around him. Isolated, tar attacks like that one had
been the start of everything.
“Talk to the other alphas,” Leo ordered. “Quietly. We don’t want to start a panic. Or warn the Rogues that
we’re
on
to
them.”
“Got it,” Ethan agreed.
“Your pack is already being targeted, so take precautions,” Leo added. “Double the guards, more frequent check ins.”
“Yeah. Keep an eye on your wolves,” Ethan warned. “It would be easy to slip in a spy with your pack joining up to Arthur’s.”
“I’ll be careful. You do the same,” Leo said.
“I’m always careful.”
Leo snorted and shook his head. “Careful” was not a word often used to describe his friend.
“Thanks for coming to warn me. Stay for dinner?” Leo offered.
“I wish I could but with Jeff down for the count I need to stick close to home,” Ethan said. “I only came to tell you all this in person because I’m not one hundred percent sure the Rogues don’t have some way to tap our phone lines.”
Now there was a cheerful thought.
1/3
Chapter 2?
+25 Bonus
“Good point. Keep all communication direct or through trusted messengers. Do you need an escort home?”
“Nah, I didn’t come alone. I’ll see you soon, hopefully with more cheerful news.” Ethan paused. “And congratulations on the new wife. And the pup. Can’t wait to see you covered in baby puke.”
Leo laughed. “Me either.”
Tessa
I wasn’t sure what to think. Leo had been extremely clear that he didn’t want me anywhere near him or his rooms. But then he’d ordered me to clean them.
He obviously wanted me away from Alpha Ethan, but why? As far as either of them knew, this was the first time I’d ever met Ethan. I couldn’t have offended him just by helping him find Leo.
I wished I knew Leo better. Maybe then I’d understand how he would go from cold and angry to concerned and kind.
Well, the mysteries of Leo’s mind weren’t going to be solved by standing around. He’d given an order. I knew better than to disobey.
I cleaned up the room quickly. There wasn’t much to do. Leo seemed to be a neat, organized person.
When I finished I went to the door, hoping to take the chance to rest. Before I could leave, though, Leo stepped into the room.
“You’re done?” he asked.
I nodded.
“Good. Go start a bath. I like it warm,
I nodded again and hurried into the bathroom.
Did you bring fresh towels?”
have servants help him with every little thing understand why Leo was demanding help with his bath. He seemed too independent to
I filled the tub with warm, not hot, water
undressed. I turned away, blushing.
I he want something more than a bath from me?
shampoo and soap nearby. Leo stepped into the bathroom after a few moments and
Leo stepped into the bath with a soft mumble of thanks. I went to collect his discarded clothing only to find he’d dropped it neatly into the
hamper.
“Would you get my back?” Leo asked.
“Of course, Alpha,” I replied.
It was hard to scrub his back without looking directly at his body, but I managed. I couldn’t look at him without remembering our nights together.
“Stay, I’d like help getting dressed for dinner,” Leo said.
“Yes, Alpha Leo.”
“You can just call me Leo in private,” he said. “I don’t like all that formality from my wolves.”
I wasn’t, technically, one of his wolves. I was still a part of Alpha Arthur’s pack. But truthfully, I think I’d rather be Leo’s wolf.
I waited while Leo finished his bath. I kept my eyes on the floor. I didn’t want to be caught staring.
I half expected to be invited into the bath with him. Part of me wished he would. He was a perfect gentleman the entire time, though.
I offered Leo a towel when he stood up at the end of his bath. It was tempting to sneak a peek. He didn’t seem to care whether I looked at him
or not.
I gathered a nice shirt in a color that would set of his eyes and a pair of black trousers. I hesitated whether to offer a jacket or not. It was a little formal for a family dinner but perfectly appropriate for a meeting between alphas.
I couldn’t help but catch sight of Leo’s shoulders and strong back when he turned to put on the shirt. I watched him fasten the buttons and remembered the feeling of those hands on me. I shivered and held out the jacket.
“Thank you,” Leo said, then asked, “What exactly is your relationship with Ethan, anyway?”
