Maverick’s Timber wolves relied on strength.
“To bring order back to my pack. Jackson was sloppy, lazy. The pack suffered because of this. I don’t wish to be enemies. I wish for a truce among our people,” Zeus stated confidently.
They discussed territorial boundaries, pack members, and the boring stuff Alphas talked about, keeping their conversation hushed from the humans’ ears.
As they were shaking hands, leaving The Café, Jasper appeared at Maverick’s side, staring at the large Alpha from the Eastern pack. Zeus ran a knuckle down Jasper’s face as Cody howled in rage. He grabbed Jasper around the waist, hauling him back and taking a protective stance in front of the redheaded wolf.
Zeus roared at the Sentry. “Mine!”
Maverick rolled his eyes. “Fuck”
* * * *
Cody held Jasper in his arms as they sat on the sofa in the den. “Is he really your mate, Jazz?” Cody’s heart was being ripped from his chest. They had been best friends and lovers for over two centuries. Although they both knew they weren’t mates, you couldn’t tell them that.
Tears streamed down Jasper’s face as he nodded. He didn’t understand why fate hadn’t made Cody his mate. Mates were paired together because of needs and compatibility. Cody knew him like the back of his hand. He was his best friend, his lover, everything. This was some fucked-up shit.
Jasper laid his head on Cody’s chest as he thought about a future without his Code-man.
* * * *
Drew answered the door on the second knock.
“Can I help you?” He stood there looking at a tall man with short dark hair and a detective badge hanging around his neck. Drew panicked. He slammed the door in the guys face. Why would a detective come here? Did Oliver’s dad file a missing person report? Was it because of his drug use? What could he possibly want?
The knock turned into banging. Drew ran into the den, yelling for everyone to hide. He yanked at the sleeves of his shirt, praying for his marks to go away. He ran over to Cecil and Johnny, tugging them behind the couch.
“Hey, calm down, Drew. Just tell Loco what’s troubling you.” Drew began stabbing his fingers at the front door as he jumped up and down.
“Coppers! Hide.”
* * * *
Loco chuckled at the hazel-eyed guy biting his nails. What the hell had him so worked up? He heard the pounding on the front door and walked off to answer it, shaking his head.
“Can I help you?”
“Depends. You gonna slam the door in my face, too?” The detective eyed Loco up and down.
“Nah. Drew’s just seen one too many movies. Come on in.” Loco stepped aside to allow the detective to enter. They only had one person to worry about, Oliver. He was the only underage person in the house. Although he was an unclaimed mate, untouched by Micah, they still didn’t have legal guardianship over him. This could get complicated fast.
“I need to see”the detective pulled out his notepad“a Cecil Walters.” The detective looked at Loco as if he should run and fetch him. Loco bit back a growl. This guy was starting to rub him the wrong way, Loco didn’t fetch for anyone except his Alpha.
“Wait right here. I’ll go get him.” Loco stomped off, pissed.
The detective nodded.
* * * *
“Can I help you, detective?” Maverick asked as he entered the foyer.
“Detective Keating, are you Cecil Walters?”
“No. I’m Maverick Brac. Cecil’s…boyfriend. Could you tell me what this is pertaining to?” Maverick had no clue what was going on, but no one was getting near his mate.
“No. Not unless you’re Cecil. I need to speak with him .” The detective growled.
“Very well. Loco, please bring Cecil here.” Maverick’s instincts were telling him to throw this guy out on his ass. Unfortunately, he had no choice if he didn’t want the police department at his door. Besides, he was intrigued as to why a detective wanted to speak with his mate.
“Yes, Maverick?” Cecil eyed the dark-haired man at