Chapter 11 - Reiner

Patrolling has always been one of my favorite things to do. I love the thrill of the hunt, of being out in the wilderness. And I love the adrenaline rush that comes with it.

But today, I’m distracted.

My mind keeps drifting to Jane, and I can’t focus. I’m supposed to be looking out for rogues, for humans, for anything that could pose a threat to the pack, but my mind is stuck on the way her ass felt pressed up against my cock this morning. I spent half the night wide awake and hard, and I’m exhausted, but damn, was it worth it.

And then, when she told me she was a virgin, I almost lost it. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from coming right then and there. I’ve never been with a virgin before. Even my first time was with an older woman who was much more experienced than me. She taught me everything I know.

The thought of being the first man to touch Jane, the first man to make her come, the first man to fuck her, is enough to send me over the edge. She’s so innocent, so pure. And I want to corrupt her. I want to take her, claim her, make her mine.

But I can’t. I can’t do that to her. I can’t ruin her life like that. She’s destined for someone better. Someone who will make her happy.

I’m not that guy. I’m the guy who fucks and runs. I’m the guy who leaves a trail of broken hearts in his wake. I’m the guy who doesn’t do commitment or relationships. I’m the guy who’s not good enough for her.

When I think back to breakfast with her family, I can’t help but think how nice it was. How normal it was. Everyone worked together to make the meal, teasing and joking the entire time. It was like a scene from a movie or a TV show, the perfect family. And I was right in the middle of it.

It was weird, but not in a bad way. It was weird in a good way. It was weird in a way that made me want more. Everything in me expected to find it uncomfortable or awkward, but it wasn’t. I was right at home. And that’s what scares me the most.

I’m not the kind of guy who fits in with a family. I’m the kind of guy who’s on the outskirts, the one on the fringes. I’m the one who’s always on the outside looking in. I’m the one who doesn’t belong.

But this morning, I belonged. I was a part of something. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been part of a pack, but this was different. This was family. It was more intimate, more personal. It was something I never knew I wanted until I had it.

And now that I’ve had a taste of it, I want more. I want to be a part of it. I want to be a part of Jane’s family.

But I can’t. I can’t let myself get sucked into this. I can’t let myself believe that this is real. I can’t let myself fall for her.

“Hey, asshole,” Rafe snaps. “Pay attention. This isn’t a fucking game.”

“Sorry,” I grumble.

“What’s wrong with you?” Gael asks. “You’re acting weird.”

Gael owns the bookstore in town. He’s not one who typically goes on patrols, so I’m surprised he’s out here. But then I remember at the last pack meeting, he said he wanted to get more involved.

“Nothing,” I snap.

Gael eyes me for a moment before he says, “I heard a rumor the other day about you. Someone said you took on a mate.”

“Who told you that?”

“Doesn’t matter. Is it true?”

“It’s complicated,” I reply.

“Complicated, how?” Rafe asks. He gives me a look, and I know I have to be careful here. Rafe is Piper’s husband, which means Jane is like family to him by default.

“It’s a long story,” I say.

“We’ve got time,” Gael says.

“We don’t,” I argue. “We should be paying attention.”

We’re standing off to the side of the road just in front of the tree line. This street leads straight through town, and it’s the main thoroughfare. The sign that says “Welcome to Green Lake” is just in front of us, and right on this edge is where we’ve heard rogues have been sighted.

My guess is they know better than to cross that territory line, but they’re not too far from it. That just pisses me off. We’ve had trouble more than once in this exact spot, and I’m not about to let it happen again.

After a brief silence, Gael gets a big, stupid grin on his face. “So… what’s her name? Tell me about her.”

“Oh my god,” I groan. “Would you just let it go?”

“I’m just saying it’s not like you to be so secretive. Especially about women. Usually, you can’t shut up about your conquests.”

“It’s not like that,” I counter.

“You’re being awfully defensive,” Rafe remarks.

“I’m not,” I growl.

“I’m going to take a wild guess and say it’s someone we know,” Gael says. “Someone in the pack.”

“She’s from Stardust Hollow,” Rafe supplies, waggling his eyebrows.

“Oh, so she’s one of the visitors,” Gael says. “How exotic.”

“Shut up,” I hiss.

“Do I know her?”

“No.”

“Come on, man,” Gael says. “We’re a pack. We’re brothers. You can tell me.”

“It’s really not a big deal,” I insist. “Can we just─”

In this distance, coming from behind, I hear footsteps approaching. I whirl around, ready to attack.

But it’s not a rogue, it’s a woman. Queenie, to be exact. She’s one of our more prominent females, and she helps run the orphanage with Alpha Evan’s wife, Mia.

“What are you doing out here?” I ask her.

“I had an errand,” she explains. “I was just dropping some stuff off at the school, and I picked up your scent. Wind is heading south, so I figured you’d be around here somewhere.”

“You shouldn’t be out here,” I caution.

“Why not?” she asks, and she puts her hands on her hips. “I can take care of myself. I’m a wolf, same as you.”

Rafe snorts. “Don’t underestimate her, Reiner. She’s tougher than she looks.”

“I wasn’t saying she’s not,” I argue. “I’m just saying it’s not safe. There’s a reason we’re all out here together. Rogues have been spotted close to the line.”

That makes Queenie stiffen. Her eyes widen, and she looks around. “Rogues? Here?”

“It’s just hearsay for now,” I clarify. “But we’re taking every precaution. Evan has ordered round-the-clock patrols, and we’re all on high alert.”

Queenie sets her bag down in the dirt and plants her hands on her hips. “I’ve got a few minutes. I’ll hang out with you for a bit. Four noses are better than three.”

“You sure?” I ask.

“I’m sure,” she replies. “Besides, I’m not letting you have all the fun.”

“Suit yourself,” I say.

We continue on, pacing the length of the boundary. I keep my nose to the wind, and I listen for any sounds out of the ordinary. But so far, it’s silent. There’s not even a hint of a rogue. If they’re out here, they’re being very, very careful.

“So, Reiner,” Queenie says. “Tell me about her.”

“Not you, too,” I groan.

“What?” she asks. “You know I love gossip, and it’s all over town. The guys were talking about it at the bar the other night.”

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter. “It’s none of their damn business.”

“You’re not denying it,” she points out.

“He’s not denying it,” Gael echoes.

“Fine,” I bark. “Yes, I’m seeing someone, but it’s not a big deal, and I’d appreciate it if you’d both lay off.”

“Ooh, touchy,” Queenie says. “So, what’s her name?”

“I’d rather not─”

“Jane,” Rafe cuts in. “Her name is Jane, and if it’s as casual as you say, Reiner, then you better let her know that. Jane isn’t one of your usual flings. She’s not the kind of girl who’s okay with that kind of thing.”

I turn around to face my beta, and he’s got his arms crossed over his chest. He’s scowling at me, and I can tell he’s not fucking around.

“I’m not playing games with her,” I say.

“Good,” he replies. “Because I don’t want to have to kick your ass. Piper and Jane are more like sisters than cousins, and that makes her my sister-in-law. I don’t want to have to hurt you, but I will if I have to.”

Oh, shit. What the hell have I gotten myself into? My cousin is looking at me like he wants to rip my head off, and I have a feeling his wife would back him up.

“I’m serious, Reiner,” Rafe growls. “I’m not kidding around.”

I hold my hands up in surrender. “I’m not, either. I’m not playing games with her. I’m not going to hurt her.”

He just holds his stare, and I can see the wheels turning in his head. Rafe is trying to figure out if I’m lying or not.

Before he can make up his mind, a car turns onto the road, headed straight for town. I’d recognize that little red convertible anywhere.

Oh, crap. It’s Dani.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I groan.

“What?” Rafe asks.

“What’s wrong?” Gael asks.

Dani pulls up beside us. She’s got her sunglasses on, but I can see how her eyes are scanning the group. She plasters on a wide, flirtatious smile when they land on me, and she wiggles her manicured fingers.

“Reiner!” she exclaims. “Fancy meeting you here.”

I can feel Rafe’s eyes on me, burning into the back of my skull as I step up to the side of her car.

“What are you doing here, Dani?” I ask.

“I’m just passing through,” she says. “I saw you and thought I’d say hi.”

“Hi,” I say. “Now you can go.”

“Oh, come on,” she purrs. “Don’t be like that, Reiner. Hey, you know they’re playing karaoke at the bar tonight. Why don’t you and I have a drink and sing a song?”

“I’m busy,” I answer.

“Aww,” she pouts. “You’re no fun. Come on, it could be like old times. Remember how much fun we used to have?”

I wince, fighting every urge to look over my shoulder to see the look on Rafe’s face. I can picture it nice and clear. No doubt he’s got his eyebrow raised, his arms are crossed over his chest, and he’s giving me that “I’m disappointed in you” look.

“That was a long time ago,” I tell her.

“So?” she asks. “We can have fun again. I’m still single, you know. I’m not seeing anyone.”

“I am,” I inform her, even though I know she already knows. She met Jane at the party. She’s just trying to stir up trouble. “You should get going, Dani. It’s not safe out here. We’re patrolling.”

“Oh, I’m not scared,” she says. “I have a big, strong wolf here to protect me.”

I step back and roll my eyes. “Get home, Dani. Now.”

She blinks at me for a moment, and without a word, she peels away, kicking up a cloud of dust as she goes. I watch her taillights disappear down the road, and I’m dreading turning around. I know what I’m going to see.

“Well, that was interesting,” Queenie says.

“I’ve got a question,” Gael says.

“Me too,” Rafe chimes in.

“Oh, Jesus,” I mutter.

“Me first,” Queenie declares. “What the hell was that, Reiner? I’ve never once seen you turn down an opportunity to fuck a hot woman.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a question about that,” Gael says.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Can we not do this right now? We’ve got rogues out here.”

“So, you’re saying there is a story,” Queenie prods.

“I’m saying we have bigger things to worry about,” I argue.

“I think it’s great,” Rafe says. “Jane’s a good girl. She deserves a guy who’s not a total asshole.”

“Gee, thanks,” I mutter.

“You know what I mean,” Rafe says. “You’re not exactly known for your serious relationships.”

“I’ve had a few,” I argue.

“Name one,” he prompts.

“There was that girl, uh…” I trail off.

“You can’t remember her name, can you?” Gael says.

“Okay, so I’ve had a lot of flings,” I amend. “It’s not a crime.”

Queenie starts to chuckle as she shakes her head. “Well, this has been a blast and all, but I’ve gotta get to the school. I’ve got a bunch of kids waiting for me.”

“Thanks for the help,” I say.

“Anytime,” she replies. “And, Reiner, I’m rooting for you. I think it’s great you found someone.”

I’m not sure what to say to that, so I just nod and wave as she starts walking towards town.

The three of us go back to our patrol. We’re silent for a few minutes, scanning the area, and I’m grateful for the reprieve. I’m getting pretty tired of the interrogation, the constant reminders of the mistakes I’ve made, and the fact that I’m not good enough for Jane. I don’t need Rafe or anyone else to tell me as much. I already know.

A snapping twig in the distance draws my attention, and I cock my head to the side. “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Gael asks.

“That noise,” I say. “It sounded like a branch.”

Rafe is frowning, and he’s got his head tilted to the side, too. “I heard it. Something is out there.”

“It could be an animal,” Gael suggests.

“No,” I argue, drawing in a long sniff to catch the scent. “It’s not an animal. Well, not entirely. It’s a shifter. A rogue.”

“Are you sure?” Gael asks.

“Of course I’m sure,” I snap. “I can smell him.”

Rafe is stock-still, and his eyes are closed. I know he’s concentrating, listening for steps and movements, and I watch him take a deep breath.

“You’re right,” he says. “I can smell him, too.”

I take a step toward the tree line, and just as my boots move from asphalt to dirt, a large brown wolf bursts from the trees and lunges at me. I’m knocked off my feet, and I hit the ground hard. I can feel the air leave my lungs, and I’m momentarily dazed as I struggle to catch my breath.

“Reiner!” I hear Rafe’s voice, but it sounds like it’s coming from a mile away.

I can feel the wolf’s hot, rancid breath on my neck, hovering just over my throat. All he has to do is bite down, and I’m done for.

“Hold!” a man shouts. “Don’t move.”

I can’t see him. He’s behind me, but I can hear his footsteps approaching.

“You’re on the wrong side of the line, wolf,” the same man declares. “Your territory is three feet that way.”

“Do you really want to start something here?” Rafe asks. “The alpha isn’t going to much care where the property line is. If you kill one of our wolves, you’re as good as dead yourself.”

I crane my neck to look up, and I see a man standing over me. He’s wearing an expensive suit, and his hair is slicked back. The guy looks like a fucking mobster. A rich, arrogant mobster. I have to take a second sniff to convince myself he’s a shifter and not just some corporate douchebag.

“You’re trespassing,” the man states with a brief shrug.

Gael shakes his head and inches a bit closer to the stranger. “This area is unclaimed between Green Lake and Stardust Hollow. No pack has a claim to it.”

“Perhaps that used to be the case,” the man sneers, “but things change, don’t they? And money can buy a lot of things, including property.”

Well, shit. If this guy is telling the truth, then this alliance we have with Stardust Hollow just got a lot more complicated. How are we supposed to travel to and from there if this guy has bought this land?

“This is county property,” Rafe explains. “You can’t buy county property.”

“Well, not technically, no. But what you can buy is shifters who are willing to defend it as though it’s yours.” He strides over to my beta and holds out his hand. “You must be the man in charge here. Name is Lionel.”

Rafe stares at the man’s extended hand, and I can see the disgust on his face. This guy is a real piece of work.

“I’m not shaking your hand,” Rafe finally growls.

Lionel smiles. “Very well, then. I’m guessing you’re the beta of this little pack, which means you’re the one responsible for these men. Now, I’m a reasonable man, so I’m going to offer you a chance to walk away and forget this little incident ever happened.”

“Incident?” Rafe echoes. “You attacked us. That’s not an incident. If you think we’re going to let that slide, then you don’t know Green Lake.”

I watch as Rafe’s chest heaves, and the instant I see his eyes flash, I prepare to shift. Looks like we’re not leaving this place without a fight.