Third Person’s POV
Lance knew finding Caldwell’s sister was his biggest regret.
Caldwell had vowed not to seek a mate until he found her.
“Alright, I’ll talk to Adide,” Lance said, “but Craig might not agree. It does sound a bit far–fetched
Caldwell remained calm. “Just ask him through you, Alpha Lance. I won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work
out.”
After discussing a few more things, Lance headed back inside.
Adide had just returned from seeing Melinda and was surprised to hear about Caldwell’s request. I <b>had </b>no idea Caldwell had a missing sister,” she said.
“Since he had Wendy contact Prune, why not have her ask Craig too?” Adide mused.
“Caldwell keeps his work and personal life separate. Having Wendy message Prune was for pack business. Asking Craig is personal, so he wants a middleman,” Lance exined.
Adide understood. “I’ll write to him, but I can’t be sure if Craig’s at Shadow Peaks. He’s always traveling.
“He should be there now. After Klein returned from his trip, he’d want to settle things. Likely<i>, </i>no one’s leaving Shadow Peaks for months,” Lance said with a smile.
Adide’s heart still raced at the mention of Klein, a fear ingrained in her.
Sheughed and said, “Good thing I’m mated.”
“Especially since your mate is Klein’s only beloved student. You probably get special treatment and leniency from him,” Lance said proudly, kissing her forehead.
“Klein is rather protective,” Adide said.
“Not just protective–extremely so,” Lance corrected, smudging ink on his hand and calling for water.
Adide disagreed but then said, “But my mentor is even more protective.”
Lance chuckled. “Oh yeah? When we rescued the Eugenius Scout Team from the southern border, Klein- told me not to cross you. He said if youined to Shadow Peaks, he couldn’t shield me from the whole Training Camp’s wrath.”
“Impossible. Everyone at Shadow Peaks, including my mentor Irene, fears Klein,” Adide said.
“Fear him or not, you’re the beloved of everyone there. If you reported any mistreatment, even Klein would struggle to protect me against the whole camp’s bacsh,” Lance said.
As he spoke, he suddenly said it dramatically, “Even though we’re schoolmates, Irene has a lot <b>of </b><b>students</b>. I’m all alone here. No matter what, I’d be the one getting bullied.”
O
<b>Aug </b>
Adide’s eyes softened with pity.
She tiptoed and flicked his forehead. “So you have to be nice to me.”
As she stood on her toes, Lance’s heart soared–had she finally softened?
But when the “pop” of the flick registered, he realized– nope, she’s even more stubborn.
He pulled her into his arms, cedar pheromones wrapping them in warmth.
Sitting in a chair, he held her waist and asked with warmth, “How’s Melinda?”
Adide shifted, her spruce pheromones rippling with unease.
Getting so close before nightfall felt odd.
She replied, “She’s recovering. Herplexion isn’t as pale, but she’s low–spirited, always crying secretly when we’re not looking.”
Her wolf ears twitched with embarrassment.
“She was expecting that baby for so long. Of course she’s upset. Give her time. Things will get better.” Lance said, his fingers gently stroking her waist.
“Alpha Lance, your coffee’s here!” Beata entered with coffee, calling out before looking up.
Adide immediately stood up, her spruce pheromones tightening. “Uh… just put it down,” she said, her fingers faintly wed from the abruptness.
Beata, after a moment’s thought, pulled Adide aside urgently. “Youe with me. I need to talk to you.”
Adide followed, her spruce pheromones still carrying a hint of unease.
Beata led her to the sycamore tree outside before confronting her. “Luna Adide, Alpha Lance wants to get closer to you. Why are you always resisting?”
“I’m not resisting,” Adide said irritably, her pheromones heavy. “Did you call me out here just for this?” Her wolf tail flicked under her skirt, betraying her unease at being seen through.
“Why did you jump up like a thief caught in the act when I walked in on Alpha Lance holding you?” Beata demanded.
”