Chapter 15 - Evan

I'm organizing the food storage, making sure everything is labeled and the meat is properly wrapped and frozen when my brother comes walking in. He has his usual cocky swagger and is looking like the king of the jungle, strutting around and giving me that smug, knowing grin. I'd love to tell him to get lost and let me work in peace, but I know it would just turn into a bigger problem, so I place the bag of potatoes down and turn to face him.

"What is it, Rafe? What do you want?"

"Can't a guy just stop by and chat with his older brother?"

"Not if that guy is you."

He laughs. "Come on, man. Why are you always such a buzzkill? You're never any fun anymore. I can't even remember the last time you went out with us for a drink or joined the pack hunting team."

"Maybe because I have better things to do than run around looking for something we won't find."

"I'll admit, the last few runs haven't been as successful as I would've liked, but I have some good news on that front. We found a new spot. It's an area near the old riverbed. For whatever reason, it seems the animals have moved over that way. Maybe something scared them away. Either way, this could be our chance to really get the ball rolling."

This makes me perk up. A new location could be just what we need to finally bring back enough food for the pack. I don't want to get too hopeful, but there's a tiny part of me that's excited. We need some good news around here.

"Yeah?" I question. "Who figured that one out?"

"Guy went scouting. Found a fresh trail and followed it. He said the area is filled with wildlife."

"That's a relief. Maybe we'll actually be able to keep our heads above water for a while."

"I'm glad you think so," he replies. "Because the team is preparing to head out. I thought they could use a good pep talk from the alpha."

"Now?" I hold my arms out, gesturing at the mess I'm currently cleaning up.

"It won't take long, Ev. They just need some reassurance that the alpha is with them, that's all. They've been getting a little discouraged lately. Come on, it won't kill you to take a break and get some fresh air."

I hesitate, looking at the pile of work left. And then, for the first time in a while, I shrug it off and say, "Fuck it."

"Really?" Rafe gives me a look, and I realize that he was probably expecting a fight. But I've spent enough time fighting the world, and right now, the idea of giving these guys some hope and confidence sounds like a good change of pace.

"Yeah, really. Let's go, but we can't be gone long. I've still got a lot to do today."

"Don't worry, man. We'll be back before you know it."

The team is waiting near the edge of the woods, just in front of the tree line. They're dressed in full camo, with hunting bows and packs strapped to their backs. We almost exclusively take down our prey in our wolf forms, but it doesn't hurt to have a backup plan just in case we run into some humans. No sense in revealing ourselves as shifters if we don't have to.

When I approach, I give a quick nod to each man. Most are related to me by blood and the rest are close family friends, so we're all familiar. They look tired, and their energy is low, but seeing me walk up with Rafe has a positive effect. They straighten up, lift their heads, and smile. It's good to see.

"Alpha," Jimmy, the closest guy, says, stepping forward, "we're honored you decided to come and see us off."

"Of course, Jimmy," I reply. "You're a vital part of this pack, and we wouldn't have been able to survive without you."

Jimmy smiles at the praise and looks to the others, who are all standing around looking anxious and fidgety. I know how they feel. I've been there. It's a feeling I've had to push down these past few months, but being here with them now, I can relate. They're terrified of letting us down.

"Thank you," Jimmy says. "We're looking forward to bringing home a kill."

Over his shoulder, I can see the front of the orphanage, and standing out front is a familiar blond-haired girl. She's standing beside Glenn, whom I asked to keep watch on her today. Mia is laughing at something he said, and the sight is enough to catch my attention. She's smiling. Actually smiling, which is something I haven't seen her do once since she got here.

When he reaches out and brushes his hand over her arm, I snap. Before I can really process what I'm doing, I'm pushing past the guys and stalking toward the pair. Glenn spots me first, and he freezes like a deer caught in headlights. That's when I realize my anger is rolling off of me in waves. My vision is tinged red, and the only thing I can think about is ripping him limb from limb.

"Evan?" Mia looks at me with a puzzled expression, but then I grab her arm and pull her behind me. She protests, but I ignore her.

"Back the fuck off," I snarl.

"S-sir?" Glenn stammers. "I didn't—she was just—I didn't—"

"Save it. What were you thinking, touching her? Huh? You were told to watch her. That's it."

"Evan, stop." Mia pulls at my arm. "I was just talking to him."

"About what?" I bark, whipping my head around to look at her. "What could he possibly have said that was so interesting, huh?"

She shrinks back, and instantly, my anger turns to regret. But then Rafe steps up beside me and grabs my arm, forcing me to look away from her.

"Calm the fuck down, man. You're scaring her."

"Fuck you," I hiss. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Glenn," he turns to the other man, "get the fuck out of here. Now."

"Y-yes, sir." He turns and walks away, looking relieved.

"What's gotten into you?" Rafe hisses, glaring at me. "You can't just—"

"Are you about to tell an alpha what he can and can't do?" I challenge, stepping closer and getting in his face.

He hesitates, and the moment his shoulders drop, I know I've won. "No, sir," he says, lowering his eyes.

"I didn't think so."

I turn back around, and the whole hunting team is staring at me. The alpha is supposed to be the rock. The unwavering strength and confidence of the pack. But seeing Glenn touch Mia, seeing her happy and smiling at him, it sent me into a fit of rage. I've never been a jealous guy, but when it comes to her, everything is different.

"We're going back to our cabin," I tell Mia, but she yanks her arm away and glares at me.

"No, we're not. I want to go into town."

"What?"

"You heard me. I thought this was all there was to your territory, but Glenn just told me you have a whole town nearby. I want to see it."

"That's not happening. Not today. I have too much to do."

"I didn't ask you to take me," she points out. "I can go on my own. In fact, I think that's exactly what I'll do."

She takes a step toward the edge of the forest, but I catch her arm and pull her back. "Mia, that's not safe."

"Oh, really?" she questions, looking down at where my fingers are wrapped around her arm. "It doesn't feel very safe here, either."

"I can take her," Rafe offers. "The team can go on the hunt without me. I'm sure they can handle it."

Jesus Christ. Is the whole pack intent on pissing me off today? I'm not about to let anybody take my wife on a field trip. I don't trust any of them to keep her safe. But I know there's no talking her out of this, and I've already promised not to lock her up anymore, so that's not an option, either.

When I look around, there's a crowd gathering, no doubt curious about what's happening, and that's when I decide the best course of action is to get her out of here before she causes more of a scene.

"Fine," I mutter, glaring at my brother. "I'll take her. You need to get your ass on the trail, or you'll lose the light. Get moving."

"Yes, sir," he smirks. "See ya, Mia."

"Bye," she calls out.

"Let's go."

I don't wait for her to follow, but head straight for the truck parked near the shed. I hear her jogging after me, and when I look over my shoulder, she's wearing a smug smile. She thinks she won this round, and maybe she has, but she has no idea how much she's tested my patience. If she did, she wouldn't be looking so damn happy right now.

"What are you smiling about?" I demand.

"Nothing. This is going to be fun."

"This isn't a vacation. It's a short visit. I've got things to do, so this will be fast."

"Yeah, yeah, sure," she dismisses.

"I mean it. We can't be gone long."

"Okay, fine."

I sigh and shake my head. There's no reasoning with this woman.