CHAPTER SIX

"Y ou're going to do what?" Ronan was shocked by Molly's decision to suddenly drive off with Aaron to go visit Henry. It didn't make any sense, and Ronan was seriously starting to doubt his sister's reasoning ability. "Are you completely out to lunch? You hardly know this guy, and I am really questioning your ability to think rationally when a hard body gets near you."

Molly took offense and pushed Ronan backward, and he fell onto his bed. Molly had come into Ronan's room just after sunrise to give him the information that she and Aaron had discussed the previous day while at the hospital. Ronan was up but still wearing his pajamas, whereas Molly was completely dressed and acted as if she were heading out immediately.

"Hard body? Look who's talking? I saw the way you looked at Lance and how you let him hold you. You are just as love-struck as I am." She accused and placed her hands on her hips, still favoring her injured ankle but trying to look intimidating.

"I may be infatuated, but I for damn sure wouldn't head off to Washington State alone with him because I don't know him." Ronan stood and moved closer to Molly, who seemed to be thinking about it with a clearer mind. "Why don't you just call Henry and tell him we won't be coming as soon as we thought. It doesn't need to be a home visit." Ronan continued to stress his argument. He felt like they were deliberately separating them, and he didn't like it. Just as he started to believe that he was reaching Molly, both Aaron and Lance walked into his bedroom without knocking.

"Hey, this isn't a railway station, it's my bedroom, and you could knock. You know it's called manners." Ronan chastised the two men, who managed to look both sheepish and determined.

"I apologize for both of us." Lance crooned, and his eyes sparkled as he stepped up to Ronan and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. Ronan blushed but maintained his indignant stance with his arms crossed over his chest and his chin in the air. "We were in the hall and overheard your heated discussion." He explained with a smile. "It seems you're not on board with Molly and Aaron going to Washington."

"No, I am not." Ronan watched as Aaron moved over to Molly, and once again, she fell into his arms, well, practically. "Molly, I don't think you should go off by yourself." He pleaded.

"She isn't by herself; she's with me," Aaron spoke up.

"And just who in the hell are you anyway?" Ronan was becoming agitated. Lance put his arm around him and pulled him close as he leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"He means her no harm, Ronan. He wants to have her to himself for a day or so; there is nothing sinister or underhanded about his desire to travel to Washington rather than call." He let his lips brush Ronan's ear before straightening and giving his attention to Aaron and Molly.

"We want some time alone," Molly assured him. "Lance has promised me that he will protect you while I'm gone. Please, Roe, I just want to spend some time with Aaron. I want to get to know him better."

Ronan was taken aback by the honesty from both Lance and his sister. Although it hurt a little to have Molly leave him and run off with Aaron. They'd always had each other, and now he was feeling like a third wheel, unnecessary, out of place, in the way. Before he had a chance to wallow in self-pity, Lance grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the window seat.

"They will be leaving immediately, so you and I have the rest of the day to ourselves. What would you like to do?" Lance took Ronan's chin and turned him so that he was looking at him and not staring at the other couple in the room.

"Are you trying to distract me?"

"Yes, is it working?" Lance chuckled and threaded his fingers through Ronan's hair, smoothing it down and back away from his face.

"If this is what you want, Molly, then I guess it's fine with me. But, for the record, I still don't like it." He wasn't completely comfortable with it, but he did trust Aaron. There was something about both Aaron and Lance that instilled trust and a sense of safety. He honestly did not think that Aaron would hurt Molly; it was more a case of jealousy that made him act so possessive. Lance started to laugh and pulled Ronan playfully onto his lap.

"Come on, Roe, stop being such a spoilsport and wish them well."

Ronan maintained his hurt expression for about two seconds, and then he, too, burst into laughter. "Okay, okay, have a good time and say hi to Henry for me." Molly limped over and gave Ronan a hug and a kiss, and an assurance that she wouldn't be gone long. Aaron quickly ushered Molly from the room before anyone could change their minds, and they headed on their way.

Lance righted Ronan on his feet and then stood next to him but continued to hold him with one arm draped around his shoulders. He turned him, so they were both looking out the window. "I would like to show you around town and the Pack lands and introduce you, if that's okay?"

Lance and Aaron had discussed the matter and decided that they would each tell their respective mates about themselves and the pack while Aaron was away with Molly. Divide and conquer was how to handle it. If they were together, they would run to each other out of habit and secure comfort. If separated, they would hopefully be drawn to their mates, and that would help to solidify the acceptance and the bond.

Aaron planned to make the trip last at least two days, so that was how long Lance had to make sure Ronan knew the truth and, with a bit of luck, convince him to stay. There was also the matter of Jordan Randall, but Lance had already put his plan into action as far as that man was concerned. He would be dealt with soon.

"What are Pack lands?" Ronan shifted so as to rub against Lance's side. He didn't understand the sudden overwhelming attraction he had for the man, but damn if he could resist it.

"The Pack owns everything for many miles around, including a good share of the town proper." He turned and looked down into Ronan's upturned face and smiled. "I will answer all of your questions today, I promise." Ronan nodded and shifted his gaze back out the window.

"That was you out there last night."

"I already told you it was."

"Not the man, the . . ." Ronan was cut off before he could finish his sentence when Dean came hurriedly into the room and asked to speak with Lance.

Lance left the room with Dean but asked Ronan to shower and dress and meet him in the kitchen. Once downstairs and away from Ronan, Dean informed Lance of the outcome of his report. "Jamie contacted the department in Michigan and told them where Ronan James is staying." He looked at Lance, concern on his face.

"We can protect Ronan," Lance assured him. "We need to bring Randall here and deal with him in our territory."

"If Ronan finds out you reported him regardless of your intent, he is going to be pissed. I don't know him all that well, but I can see he's a spitfire, and he will not be pleased. It could damage your relationship." Dean warned.

"He isn't going to find out until it's over. He won't be a party to any of this." Lance stressed and hoped to hell he was telling the truth. He was certain that bringing the DA here was the best plan, so why did it make him feel as if he was betraying Ronan?

"Jamie said that ADA Randall called him back almost immediately requesting location and verification that the individual was Ronan James. He said he would be coming himself to take custody of Ronan." That statement had Lance growling in rage, and Dean carefully took a step back from his Alpha.

"He will not come near my mate. He will not so much as cast his gaze upon him if I have anything to do with it. He will be lucky to take custody of his own entrails once I am finished with him."

…

Ronan turned off the shower, suddenly feeling as if something were off. It was the same feeling he'd had last night when he saw the man-wolf or wolf-man or whatever it was. The very air was electric, and the power surged along his spine. Something was very wrong. Last night the feeling was exciting, sending a spark of need and lust through his body. Today although the feeling was similar in the sense of energy sparking around and through him, it was still different. This time it felt ominous, filling him with anxiety and dread.

He quickly dried off and dressed in a comfortable pair of cargo pants and a t-shirt. When he left his room, the anxiety increased with the deathly silence of the house. For being the home to so many men, the place was eerily quiet. He made his way down to the first floor and walked cautiously towards the kitchen. Lance had asked him to meet him there, and then what . . . go for a walk around the ‘Pack Lands'? "My life is so fucked up." He commented softly as he entered the kitchen.

He saw Lance on the other side of the room with his back to him. "Your life is not fucked up, Roe." He turned to him with a mug of coffee in each hand, extending one to Ronan, enticing him to come closer.

"How did you hear that?" Ronan voiced his shock.

Lance didn't answer, just smiled when Ronan took the offered cup and drank deeply. He then pointed to the table. "I made us some breakfast, have a seat." Lance reached out and brushed the hair back from Ronan's forehead before bending and stealing a quick kiss.

"Do you ride?" Lance asked after they were both seated and enjoying the eggs, toast, and bacon

"Ride what?"

That elicited the most lascivious grin Ronan has ever received. "Horses, Roe, horses." Then Lance burst into uncontrollable laughter. "Sorry, love, your expression was too priceless."

"No, I have never ridden a horse," Ronan answered the original question rather than the implied.

"I thought we could tour the grounds by horseback but perhaps later after I teach you how to ride . . . a horse." He laughed again, and Ronan reached across the table and slapped him on the upper arm.

"Not funny, man." He said and began to laugh with him. They finished their breakfast in contented silence, trading glances and chuckles throughout the meal.

Ronan followed Lance out front to a waiting black Jeep. Lance always looked so strong, so confident, and so together that Ronan had difficulty believing that he could possibly be even the least bit genuinely interested in him. That dose of reality always brought him back from the myriad daydreams he had found himself submerged in the last couple of days, just as it did now.

"What's wrong?" Lance sensed the mood change immediately. Ronan shrugged his shoulders and stared at the ground because, really, what could he say? Lance came back around to the passenger side and held Ronan with both hands on his upper arms. "Tell me, I can feel your discomfort."

"I feel like I'm on a runaway train just holding on while you and Aaron and the pack run my life for me. I am no longer in control of where I go or what I do. I am no longer in control of my life." Ronan confessed as he raised his eyes to Lance.

"Well, first off, you use way too many railroad analogies." He grinned. "Second, Aaron, the pack and I are responsible for you and Molly. Since you came to our territory and we accepted you and Molly, we are responsible for you. Also, the fact that you two are our mates makes it a done deal. We can do nothing less than protect you and keep you safe. Until Jordan Randall is dealt with, you will have to accept things the way they are." He pulled Ronan forward and kissed the top of his head.

"You are safe with me. I can seem a bit heavy-handed sometimes, but everything I do is for your own good. I am not trying to take over your life. I just want you to. . ." Lance trailed off for fear of saying too much and scaring him off.

"To what?" Ronan leaned back and looked up into Lance's dark gaze.

"I want you to be happy here." It was close but not the complete truth; actually, he wanted to say, ‘I just want you to want to stay with me. I want you to want me with the same overwhelming desire which I have for you. I want you to ache with need for me like I ache for you.' But he could say none of these things, not yet. He pulled in a lung full of his mate's heady scent and then stepped back. "Let me show you around." He opened the door for Ronan and buckled him in before closing the door and rounding the vehicle.

Ronan looked at Lance as he climbed in the other side of the Jeep and strapped himself in. "You know, I probably could have opened my own door and taken care of my seatbelt too."

"It's a mate thing; Roe, just go with it." Lance turned the key, and the Jeep roared to life, and they were soon on their way down some rather rough, narrow passages. Lance pointed out several cabins and told him the name of the family that resided within and the name and number of their children and other extended family members that lived there. He knew every single person that lived within what he referred to as the Pack lands. Ronan was extremely impressed. It wasn't often that you met a mayor or leader who knew the name, occupation, address, and other personal things about every person in their jurisdiction.

They drove and talked for hours, it seemed, while Lance got him familiar with the area, the people, and the town. Ronan was at a loss for the reason he was being so thorough in his descriptions and explanations. It wasn't as if Lance thought he was going to be living here, was it? No. He was flirty and attentive, but long-term, no, couldn't be.

Around one o'clock, they stopped at a very old and secluded log cabin set very far back in the woods near the foothills. Lance pulled the Jeep up close to the structure and parked. It didn't look to be occupied.

"Who lives here?" Ronan got out of the Jeep and followed Lance as he walked to the front door.

"This is my personal cabin," Lance answered as he unlocked the door and stepped in while reaching back and taking Ronan's hand, bringing him into the large open space of the living room.

"I thought you lived in the big house?" Ronan looked around the room, amazed at the decor. The walls seemed twenty feet high, and the ceiling was held up by tree trunks so big in circumference that he knew his arms would not reach around them. The place was breathtaking in the sense of outdoors being indoors. The furniture looked to be handcrafted by a master hand, and they appeared very old, as if they had been here for a hundred years.

"I live at the Manor, the big house, but this place belongs to me. It belonged to my grandfather, who built it, and to my father, who then passed it to me. The big house belongs to the Pack. As the leader or Alpha of the Lonepine Pack, I must reside in the big house the majority of the time, but this is where I come to relax and to be myself." Lance pulled Ronan into his arms and held him.

Ronan feeling the moment, wrapped his arms around Lance's waist and buried his head in his chest, smelling the sexual mixture of musk and man and the light scent of laundry soap in the texture of his cotton shirt. The smell and feel of the man made him relax against him and elicited a muffled groan of pleasure and contentment. Ronan closed his eyes and went with it when Lance leaned down and captured his lips in a soft kiss. After what seemed like forever lost in a dream of taste and touch, Lance pulled back and smiled. "You are mine, Roe. My mate."

"I'm still not certain what that means," Ronan said again, feeling ready for the answer and pretty sure it was going to tilt his world one more time.

Lance held him tight with one arm and let his other hand run through his hair over and over, almost petting him as his eyes devoured him. "What you saw last night was me. The wolf, the man, they were both me."

Ronan looked at him closely, trying to ease his confusion. "What are you saying?" Ronan understood what he was telling him, but his rational mind was furiously attempting to reject it.

"You know, don't you?" It was more of a statement than a question. Lance's eyes took on a fire that wasn't there before. They seem to pierce through Ronan's soul seeing everything he was, everything he knew.

"How can it be true? It can't be true. Did we drive into another dimension?" Ronan scrambled, knowing full well what was being discussed. It was outrageous, it was unbelievable, but it was the only explanation; in his heart, he knew it was true.

Lance did not respond but waited for the answers to present themselves one at a time in the expressions that played across Ronan's face. He was starting to get it but was still struggling to believe. Lance allowed his eyes to completely shift and his claws to present themselves as he ran his fingers through Ronan's hair, comforting himself as well as Ronan. His wolf needed assurance. It needed to know that its mate understood and accepted.

"You are the wolf; you're a shifter. The Pack you speak of is a pack of wolves, and you believe that I am your mate, that I'm a wolf's mate." Ronan ran the words through his lips as his brain processed them. He glanced up at Lance and saw his eyes and his teeth and then focused on his claws as they touched his scalp.

The truth of it settled, and strangely enough, it didn't scare him as he thought it should. The thought had crossed his mind more than once over the past day, but until now, he couldn't express his suspicion for fear of everyone denying or acting like he had lost his mind. "I knew it, but still I can't . . . believe it. This has got to be a trick or a joke or . . . or. . . I don't know."

"You know, Ronan, you know the truth. Just accept it." Lance said softly as he let his lips caress Ronan's cheek. He pulled him closer and then took his lips in a tender, loving kiss. "Are you afraid, Ronan? Do I scare you?"

"No, I'm not afraid, although I probably should be," Ronan confessed as he let Lance continue the ministrations. "It's true," Ronan watched as Lance nodded and then ran his tongue across Ronan's bottom lip, tasting him again. "You're a wolf. I saw you, and you were . . . beautiful." Ronan couldn't lie; Lance was beautiful, and he couldn't hold back telling him so. It seemed very hard for Ronan to keep much from Lance. The man had a way about him that just made you spill your guts no matter the issue or consequences.

Ronan's calm declaration of acceptance thrilled Lance, and he began to make love to him in earnest. He took him to the floor in one fluid motion and covered his body with his own. "I know you've been hurt, and any physical declarations of love might scare you, but please understand how much I love you and that I would never hurt you. Please, Roe, give me a chance to show you." Lance pleaded as he peppered Ronan's face and neck with hot, wet, sucking kisses.

"How do you know that you love me? We only met yesterday. You know very little about me and who I am?" Ronan gasped as Lance took his lips in a deep, devouring kiss. His tongue whipped inside Ronan's mouth fast and determined, mapping, tasting, and experiencing the excitement of possession and ownership.

"You are my mate. I recognized you the moment I saw you on the street with Aaron and the officers. I'm drawn to you like no other ever before or ever after. Wolves mate for life with one person, and for me, that person is you. You called to me that day in a way no one ever has, and I will never let you go. I know who you are, baby. I saw the determination in your eyes when you ran to protect your sister. I saw your pain when you explained the situation with Jordan Randall." Lance kissed his cheek and along his jaw.

"I believe the fact that you trusted and looked up to him hurt much more than the actual assault, and that tells me who you are. You are someone who loves deeply with an inner strength that knows no limit, and you are loyal to the end to those you cherish. I've waited so many years for you, sweetheart. You are my precious gift." He continued to whisper to him, and Ronan listened. Lance ground his erection into Ronan's thigh, eliciting a deep moan from both of them.

Suddenly Ronan reacted, unable to hold back anymore, and wrapped his arms around Lance and pressed himself as close as possible while he took his mouth in a kiss that shocked and aroused. Lance was surprised but pleased with the aggressive nature of Ronan's embrace. Whatever thoughts or feelings had brought an end to their lovemaking yesterday were not an issue today. Ronan was energized, eager and ready to take what he wanted, and Lance was elated.

Lance took over, dominating the kiss and pressing Ronan to the floor. He pushed Ronan's t-shirt up and ran his hand over his chest, relishing the softness and heat of his body. Ronan wasn't buff, but his body was beautiful and soft in the right places and firm in the right places. Lance could not have asked for a better or more accurate physical example of his deepest desire for a mate. Ronan was the complete package for him, his build and his strength of body and character, along with his dedication to his family. Ronan would be the perfect Alpha mate for the Lonepine Pack of Wolf shifters.

Ronan rolled beneath him, reveling in the sensory experience. He'd never trembled at the very scent and feel of another person, but Lance caused his breath to catch and his hands to shake. He felt Lance reach between them and unsnap his jeans and pull at the opening in order to release the ramrod stiff erection that Ronan was sporting.

"This belongs to me now." Lance gave the cock in his hand a couple of quick pumps while he watched the look of pure bliss on his mate's face. "Your pleasure and your satisfaction are in my hands now." He smiled. "Forever." Ronan arched up and moaned loudly when Lance scooted lower and took Ronan's cock in his mouth, taking it to the root in one swift movement.

Lance was overjoyed at the reaction he was receiving. He was so afraid that the assault by Randall would negatively affect Ronan's ability to explore and appreciate his own sexuality. He feared that it would be a long time before Ronan could relax and appreciate a truly loving relationship. But Ronan proved himself to be a constant surprise to his mate and Alpha. Ronan was reserved and apprehensive in his need, but he wasn't afraid. Lance looked forward to the years of surprises ahead of them.

Ronan was shocked by his own responses. He wanted Lance, and he wanted him now. It was a driving need that he had never experienced before. He had some knowledge of physical love between men but had never completed the act. Suddenly the truth of his naiveté came to him fully, and anxiety began to overcome his previous excitement. The anxiety was not due to his abuse but to his inexperience. Would he be good enough for someone like Lance? Lance probably had lovers that could perform all manner of acts. He was worried that he would not satisfy Lance for very long.

Lance sensed his hesitation and instantly pulled back and spoke to him as he gently massaged his cock. "It's okay, baby, you have nothing to worry about from me. Let go, baby, let me take care of you." Ronan relaxed as Lance got back to the business at hand. He took Ronan again, sucking and pulling until Ronan was a quivering mass. "You are so delicious, my mate." He groaned, and the vibration of it sent Ronan into another quiver, drawing a satisfied chuckle from Lance.

Lance put his mind to the amazing taste and touch of his mate and, within seconds, was on the receiving end of his mate's first orgasm with him. He quickly swallowed but took his time licking and cleaning his mate from top to base before letting the now softened member slip from his lips. He looked up at Ronan and smiled. "I love you, baby, and even if you don't believe me right now, you will." He moved slowly up Ronan's body and took him in a crushing hug, making it clear that Ronan belonged to him.

Ronan took several minutes to come down from the endorphin high of his release. That was a first he'd never before, nearly blacked out from the pure ecstasy of orgasm. Lance was definitely a sex god. When his breathing had calmed along with his heart rate, he was finally able to speak. "That was. . . indescribable." His eyes shifted to where Lance was nuzzling his neck and laughed. "You are something else."

"So are you, baby."

"How, I didn't do anything?"

"You did plenty." Lance grabbed Ronan's hand and placed it against his groin. "You feel that? I came just from listening to you and feeling your excitement. That is how amazing you are."

Ronan felt the moisture that had soaked Lance's jeans and marveled at the event. "I caused this?" He squeezed Lance's cock and received a groan for his effort. "Wow."

"Yes, baby, and if you keep squeezing, there's going to be a repeat performance." Ronan and Lance both began to laugh. "I could easily fall in love with you, Lance." Ronan blurted.

"Glad to hear that." Lance gave him another deep kiss before moving to help Ronan right his pants and zip up. Lance looked down at himself and laughed again. "I'll need a change. Go and help yourself to the kitchen while I find a fresh pair of jeans and clean myself up."

Ronan looked around more thoroughly now that he was alone and could take his time. The place was huge and comfortable, and it smelled of earth, pine, and home. It was the type of home that needed a big rowdy family to contain. Ronan smiled at the thought of him and Lance having a family together.

The sex with Lance was something he hoped to repeat again and often, but neither of them would ever be capable of having children. Although adoption was an option, so was surrogacy. He grinned at his fanciful thoughts. One blow job, and he has them married with children. Could he be a bigger goofball? He soon found the kitchen and the refrigerator and was pouring a glass of juice when Lance entered the room, looking fresh and clean and hotter than hell. He poured one for Lance and handed it to him as he came towards him.

"Thank you, sweetheart." He finished the drink and set the glass on the counter while his eyes never left Ronan. "Let's take a walk." He reached and took Ronan's hand and led him out the back door and along a forest path.

"Will you change for me, or do you have to wait for a full moon or something that is special in order to shift?"

Lance stopped abruptly and turned to look at Ronan with a searching gaze. He saw that he was serious and didn't appear afraid, just curious. "We don't need anything special. I can change at will. If you want to see it, I will show you."

"I do," Ronan whispered. He was prepared for everything and nothing. Would he actually turn into a wolf, or was this some sort of magic trick? Ronan stepped back and waited.

Lance kept his eyes on him as he disrobed. It was a few minutes, and then he was standing in front of Ronan, completely naked. Ronan turned a dark shade of red as the strip progressed but never stopped looking and assessing. "I won't hurt you even as a wolf; I recognize you as my mate and would never bring you any harm." Ronan nodded but did not speak. Lance crouched down on all fours before things started to happen.

The change seemed gradual yet sudden. In an instant, Lance went from man to wolf. The transformation was like a wave that swept him head to foot, morphing him from man to beast. Ronan did not move; he just stood staring at the large animal in front of him. It was huge and black with eyes that shined and followed. It moved carefully towards him with its head down, but the eyes continued to hold him. Ronan wanted to take a step back but forced himself to stay still.

The animal came closer and then laid down on the path in front of him and looked up. He was approaching in the most unthreatening way he could, and it touched Ronan that he would be so careful and so caring. Ronan got down on his knees in front of the wolf and reached out his hand towards him, running his fingers through the fur on his head, feeling the softness of it.

Ronan noticed that the wolf seemed to be responding to him and rubbing his head against his hand. The eyes were Lance, and they seemed to hold intelligence and an understanding of what was taking place. This is real kept reverberating through his mind. Lance was a wolf; he was a wolf shifter or werewolf.

Lance moved slowly so as to not scare his mate. Ronan's expression held a level of disbelief as he watched him. He was expecting a trick or an illusion. As much as his heart was telling him it was the truth, his mind was searching for an explanation. He would allow him a few minutes to process what he saw before moving any closer.

It shocked and warmed Lance when Ronan took the initiative and reached out for him touching him gently and then bending to rub his cheek against Lance's. Doing this while Lance was in wolf form showed the utmost trust and security in their growing bond. Lance reciprocated and laid his head on Ronan's lap as he gradually initiated the shift back to human.

"Thank you, Roe, thank you for accepting me." He groaned and then sat up, straddling Ronan, and took his mouth in the most erotic and consuming kiss claiming once again what was his.

Ronan kissed back with force and need; not caring to conceal his emotions this time, he both laughed and cried simultaneously. "How can this be real? Shit like this doesn't happen to someone like me." he choked out between bursts of laughter. "Either it's real, or I'm insane, and I prefer this to be real."

"It's real, baby." Lance pushed Ronan's hair back from his face and saw affection blooming in the depths of his gaze. "I love you, Ronan. I know you haven't known me long enough to reciprocate the endearment, but I hope to hear it someday, very soon."

Ronan stared up at Lance, his werewolf lover . . . mate, and realized that he already was well on his way to loving him. He had taken them in, protected and provided for them both, and Ronan felt certain that he could trust this man. He would not betray him like Jordan had. Lance wanted him, but he wouldn't force him into anything he wasn't ready for.

…

The rest of the day was spent touring the Pack lands. Ronan realized that the Pack owned most of the area, including the entire valley. The people were kind and accepting of him when Lance started introducing him as the Alpha Mate. That title seemed to pack a punch of authority for which Ronan was not completely ready.

A few people looked at him suspiciously but would alter their expression immediately with a sudden growl from Lance. That growl always followed any look or word that was not considered respectful. The offender would then quickly bow their head and apologize to them both. Lance never asked for more, and the mood would lighten immediately following the proper contriteness.

Ronan found that he was proud to be linked with this man. He was a good leader; it was obvious in everything he did and in the way his people loved and respected him, even those who weren't entirely sure about Ronan. Ronan couldn't blame them either, for he wasn't really sure of himself. Lance threw around the Alpha Mate title and handled him like a precious friend and lover but in the end, what would it mean? He never actually made the future clear.

Ronan had a life back in Michigan. He had school to finish an internship that was supposed to have started yesterday and a home. Did he intend for Ronan to move here, or was this just until Jordan was taken care of and the threat to him and Molly was resolved? Ronan didn't want to ask these questions for fear they would appear presumptuous and forward. If he were only here temporarily, then he didn't want to make his stay uncomfortable with assumptions.