Chapter 3

3

Gideon pulled out his phone and dialed. Luckily, the number was already programmed into his phone in the second favorites spot. His brain was too full of holding on to every second of his time with Maize to grasp at any memories as complicated as a ten-digit phone number. Not when he'd watched the way Maize had cautiously approached her car. Nor the way the occupant inside had jumped at her approach. His instincts had been right; someone had hurt one or both of the Mercer sisters.

"Hey, big bro! What's up?"

Gideon frowned at the phone's face. "Caleb?"

"No." There was an annoyed clucking sound, the sound made at the back of the throat when his baby brother got annoyed. "I reprogrammed myself into the number two spot on your phone. Caleb's down at number ten where he belongs."

Gideon sighed and pinched the bridge between his nose. "Fine. Elijah, I need a favor."

"What, did you finally find your fated mate and need me to plan the wedding?"

This was why Gideon had meant to call his youngest brother, and not the middle one, who took everything as a joke. Still, Elijah did have a useful set of skills he could use.

"Just shut up and listen. I need you to find out everything you can on a Maize Mercer. And do it fast."

There was a brief silence on the other end before Elijah spoke again, his tone laced with curiosity. "Maize Mercer, huh? Why does that name sound familiar? It's not Rylan's arranged mate, is it?"

"No," Gideon snapped, impatience creeping into his voice. "She's the architect. The one Rylan hired for the new homes."

"I thought the architect was a human man?"

Gideon growled, his frustration bubbling over. "Just do it, Elijah. I'm almost at my cabin, and I've convinced her and her sister to stay there. I need to make sure they're safe."

"All right, all right. I'm on it." The sound of keys clicking in the background indicated that Elijah was already at his computer. "Let's see… Margaret Mercer. Went to school at MIT, top of her class. Impressive. She worked at a design firm for years but never advanced. Seems a lot of younger, less experienced men got promoted over her. Started her own firm with her sister two years ago, and it's been pretty successful."

Clearly Maize had been overlooked by the higher-ups. Their loss. Gideon wouldn't make their same mistake.

He wasn't blowing smoke up her skirt when he'd complimented her on her blueprints. As a contractor, Gideon knew quality work when he saw it. Maize's work was brilliant. She had indeed taken into account the natural surroundings and shifter sensibilities when she'd designed the new development. It was even more than they had hoped for.

More typing, then Elijah's voice turned serious. "There's a police report filed by Elizabeth Mercer against a wolf named Rob Sanders. Looks like a protective order. He's supposed to stay away from both sisters."

A low growl rumbled in Gideon's chest. That explained Maize's hesitancy with wolves. But why did she take a job in pack territory?

"You planning on doing something about that?"

"For now, I've convinced them to stay at my place."

"Sounds like you're sticking your neck out there for a new hire."

Gideon said nothing.

"That's all this is, eh, big bro?"

"Thanks, Elijah."

Gideon hung up the phone just as his cabin came into view, nestled among the massive Ironwood trees. The sunlight spilled out onto the porch, casting long shadows that danced with the gentle sway of the branches. Satisfied that the perimeter was secure, he stepped onto the porch, the wood creaking softly under his weight. He unlocked the door and pushed it open, the familiar warmth of the cabin welcoming him.

He checked each window to ensure the locks were secure. There was no alarm system. He didn't need one here in pack territory. He took a moment to arrange the beds, smoothing out the sheets and fluffing the pillows. He wanted everything to be perfect, to show Maize that she was safe here.

As he returned to the living area, he heard the faint sound of a car approaching. Gideon stepped out onto the porch just as Maize and Liza stepped out of the vehicle. He smiled, hoping to convey the reassurance he felt.

Liza's movements were tentative, her eyes darting around nervously, but she tried to mask her fear with a forced smile. He could smell the trepidation on her. Gideon gave her a silent nod of approval. It was wise not to show fear in the presence of predators, and wolves were nothing if not predators. But unlike Liza's ex, Gideon was not an abuser of women. He was determined to show these two sisters that not all wolves were the same.

"Good afternoon," he began, his voice calm and steady. "I'm Gideon Blackwood. It's a pleasure to meet you, Liza. On behalf of my entire pack, we're excited to have you both here."

Liza nodded, her smile becoming a bit more genuine. "Thank you. We're grateful for the opportunity."

Maize looked at him with suspicion etched in the corner of her eyes. He supposed he deserved that. Her first impression of him had been less than stellar. Now he had to make up for it. The moon would be up soon. He'd have to show this woman he was fated to worship for the rest of his days that he was worthy of smoothing that crease from her brow.

"I've seen your designs, and I'm impressed with how you incorporate nature into your work. It appeals to my inner animal."

Liza's eyes widened slightly, and she visibly relaxed at the compliment. "That means a lot, thank you."

Gideon noticed Maize watching the exchange closely, her expression softening. The sight made his inner beast rumble with satisfaction. Pleasing his fated mate was instinctual, a deep-seated drive he couldn't ignore.

He handed Maize the key to the cabin. Their fingers brushed briefly, sending a jolt of warmth through him. "Here's the key. Only my Alpha and I have copies, but it locks securely from the inside as well."

Maize wrapped her fingers around the key, her fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood."

"Gideon, please. We'll be working closely together as I'm your fated… liaison."

"Thank you, Gideon."

The wolf was trying to climb up Gideon's throat to howl that she belonged to him. Gideon tried to temper the beast. Maize was not only the kind that would run, she would outright reject the bond after whatever that fool wolf had done to her sister.

He nodded, his gaze earnest. "The pack put up their own cell towers, so you'll have strong service out here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call."

"Again, my thanks." Maize stared at him, pressing her lips together. Then her brows raised.

Gideon could've kicked himself. He was blocking the door he'd just given her keys to. "Right. Well."

Gideon stepped to the side, allowing the sisters to pass. Maize reached for the door, and he found himself clearing his throat. She met his gaze, a question mark curving her brow.

"I'd like to invite you both to the moon festival tonight. It's a good opportunity to meet the community, including the pack members."

Liza shifted uncomfortably.

Maize linked hands with her sister. "I think we've had enough moon festivals in our time."

"Not like ours," said Gideon. "We have a diverse group—humans, shifters, fae, witches, and wizards. It's a celebration of unity and peace."

Liza lifted her gaze at that, quirking her head in curiosity like a little bird's. Gideon wanted to smile at her. He didn't feel an attraction to the other woman, but he felt a connection. Like she was also his to protect.

Maize's eyes flickered with uncertainty as she watched her sister. Clearly, she was seeing the same spark in her sister. There was clearly a war going on inside his strong mate, like she wanted to protect her sister but also shove her out of the nest.

"We'll think about it. Thank you for the invitation."

Gideon gave a final nod, the pull to stay close to Maize almost overwhelming. He needed to get her to accept the bond before the full moon passed. That was only three nights, including this one.