Chapter 41

Phoenix

In our wolf forms, Jamie and I sprint along the perimeter of the house, our senses on high alert. We need to ensure no one has discovered the girls' location and is waiting to catch us off-guard. That's why Loki stayed behind.

With Selene's fresh clings to my fur, my wolf literally purring, eager to get back to her. But we had to stay focused. An enemy could be lurking around in the shadows, and if there is one, they need to be eliminated.

The night is calm and quiet, the only sound the rhythmic pounding of our paws on the soft earth. Luke's house is on a large property that he owns, where there isn't another house for a mile from here, but there's plenty of forest.

"I never thought you would've called on Loki for help," Jamie says telepathically as he runs beside me, his gray wolf slightly smaller than mine.

"Yeah, wasn't my decision. Luke asked him."

"Why?" he asks, his voice laced with concern. "Luke knows how unstable he is. Remember that one fresh recruit who pissed him off? He straight up shifted and tore his fucking head off."

Yeah, I definitely remember that.

"If Luke trusts him, I can try to do the same," I reply, though doubt gnaws at the edges of my confidence.

"That's concerning, man. You really trust him alone with your girl? And Makayla?"

"He hasn't fucked up yet, so yeah. I do trust him alone with them."

"But why?" he asks, frustration evident in his tone.

I rack my brain for a legit reassurance. One reason I can trust him, although I don't have to prove shit to Jamie if I don't want to.

Then, I remember the way he looked at Makayla at the bar.

"I can tell he has a past with Makayla and I think he feels protective over her. That's why I know he wouldn't hurt them."

He stops in his tracks, disbelief evident in the tension of his body. "They have a history? What kind of history?"

"I have no idea," I answer honestly. "I just saw the way he looked at her like he knew her."

"What the hell? Makayla has never mentioned him before," he growls.

"Maybe she didn't even remember him until she saw him."

Who knows. Honestly, I don't really give a fuck that he's feeling jealous right now, I just want to finish this so I can get back to my little wolf. We can work through his feelings later.

"Why don't you just talk to her later?" I suggest, before running off, thankful when he's right on my flank again instead of sulking.

When we return to Luke's house, Jamie goes upstairs to say goodbye to Makayla while I speak to Loki. "So, the perimeter is secure, we didn't detect any unfamiliar scents," I tell him.

He simply nods, but it's not like I expected him to speak. He only talks when he needs to, and maybe that's something I should appreciate more. That's a stark contrast between him and Jamie.

Jamie reappears from upstairs, his face a storm of conflicting emotions. He mumbles a quick goodbye to me, completely ignoring Loki as he leaves. His footsteps are heavy with frustration.

Damn. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything about Makayla knowing him previously, but it's also really not my problem. I'm sure Loki wants nothing to do with her anyway; I've literally never seen him with a she-wolf.

Loki stays in the living room while I head upstairs into the room Makayla is staying in. Selene's head snaps in my direction as she scents me, her eyes brightening with a mix of relief and something else—something that sends a thrill through me.

Sam clicks off the tv, and all of them turn their attention towards me.

"I'm glad everyone looks comfortable. I was just letting you know that Loki will need a room, so Selene, you'll be staying in my room," I inform them. Well, mostly her.

Selene's eyes fill with uncertainty, a variety of emotions crossing her faces within a few seconds. After a long pause, she squeaks, "W-What?"

My lips curl into a smirk. "Don't worry, little wolf. I'll sleep on the floor," I assure her, my tone deliberately light.

Of course, I’d do anything to get into her bed—or rather, our bed. The thought sends a surge of possessive desire through me.

"Why can't I just stay in here with Makayla then?" she asks, a touch of defiance creeping into her voice.

Is that attitude I'm detecting?

Our eyes lock, the room's atmosphere thickening as we engage in a silent staring contest. After a long moment, I raise an eyebrow. "Is there a problem with staying in mine?"

She sighs, rolling her eyes. "I guess not."

It's almost like she's begging me to punish her right now, and I'm about to give her exactly what she wants once we're alone. My cock twitches at the image of her bent over my knee while I spank her naked.

"I'm going to go take a shower then," she mutters, getting up and walking out the door, her steps quick and almost frantic.

Sam and Makayla watch as she leaves and then turn to me. "So, when are you going to make things official with her?" Makayla asks, casually sipping her wine.

"Yeah, you should tell her that you want to," Sam chimes in, folding his arms over his chest.

Sam is laying at the top of the bed, while Makayla is lounging in the armchair, legs draped over the side, swirling her wine glass thoughtfully.

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. Damn her nosy-ass friends.

"I-I'll think about it," I finally say, my voice low.

Makayla raises an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with my non-answer. "You can't keep her waiting forever Phoenix. Women like her only come around once in a lifetime."

I know that. Hell, I know that better than anyone.

But how do I even begin to tell her that?

Does she love me too? Could I give her anything she wants? I want to protect her forever and be with her, but does she want that too?