Wolf Bound (Fated) By Jenival Writes

Chapter 38

Amber was squirming in her seat Stuck between her stepfather and her mate, the rocking motions of the truck were f ucking with her mind. Her stepfather had insisted they drive and Callum had gotten dressed as she’d requested, accepting the gauntlet she’d tossed. He’d teased her with kisses and lingering touches and remained on his best behavior when he took her home to speak to her stepfather.

Things had gone better than she’d expected but her nerves were still all over the place.

Callum had told her stepfather of his intentions and promised to marry her properly to appease his human in-laws. She’d been shocked by his declaration. He had also indicated their mating was a forever deal but having him state it so clearly, without a trace of hesitation, impacted her most wonderfully. She wanted to welcome each day with him, discover everything there was to know about him, and relish every single moment of their existence together. There was no qualm, no uncomfortable jitters. She’d finally found what she needed, the man who complimented and completed her.

The day had been amazing. Almost perfect.

Until they went into George’s office and her stepfather relayed his terms for meeting with Holden Bone.

He’d stated his terms clearly, so there was no misconception. He would drive himself to the hunt and return in his truck, thank you very much. No need for an entourage. He also wanted to bring his gun. Additional ammo was optional so long as he had a round in the chamber. He wanted one-on-one time with Mr. Hone, meaning he didn’t want any interference.

The no-interference part had terrified her more than she was willing to admit.

George was too human to fight a werewolf. No matter how strong he felt he was. There was no way he could avoid a quick swipe to his head or a blow to his body. Callum had attempted to rea**ure her, promising he wouldn’t allow anything to happen, but she couldn’t stem the flow of fear that had arisen when she pictured the only father she’d ever known addressing the man who’d wronged his child.

“Have faith, Greta had told her before they departed from the place Amber had always called home, attempting to calm her fears. “Sometimes, when things like this happen, it’s all you can rely on.”

It was sound advice. Too bad she had sensed Greta’s tension and scented the older woman’s fear, Greta hadn’t been entirely honest. It had been strange to learn she could tell the truth from a lie with something as simple as a deep breath. In a way. she’d been relieved. As fra zzled as Greta had been about things, George had been calm as ice cream. The only scent she could detect from him was anger. The man who’d raised her since birth had no qualms about meeting Holden.

George Quinn was comfortable with his decision and she was scared sh itless for him.

She’d known part of Greta’s uneasiness stemmed from the inability to attend the hunt or confront Holden herself. But deep down, Amber also recognized her stepmother was afraid for her husband, the man she’d been with all her life. Their love was as formidable as the mating bond between werewolves. Amber had always know if her stepmother or stepfather pa**ed away, the other would soon follow. They had been together too long. A separation would destroy them.

A sharp burn radiated up her neck, emanating from the mark on her nape. She inhaled raggedly and covered the area with her hand, rubbing the jachy skin.

As soon as the sun had started its retreat from the sky eerie sensations had started. At first, she’d ignored the tingling burn, focusing on her family and the preparations for the evening. Callin’s touches had become sympathetic, revealing his awareness of the changes from her mark. As the hours had pa**ed the pric kles had gone from annoying to slightly painful.

Callum leaned in, his shoulder bumping hers.

“Easy,” he murmured, reaching down to place his hand on her leg and giving her a comforting squeeze. “It’s going to be all right. Don’t feed the tension. George’s already edgy enough as it is.”

Oh lord.

Concern about the mark on her wrist vanished.

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Chapter 38

There were more important things to consider, such as the fate of the man who’d raised her, George might as well have been driving them to meet his doom. The pack had met them at The Greyhound and things had gone surprisingly well. George had been cordial when he’d greeted the pack members. He’d even shaken the hands of several of the men. Yet that hadn’t eradicated the forbidding feeling of disaster, as though something terrible was going to happen when they climbed into their vehicles and drove to their destination.

“Chin up. Amber,” George inserted himself into the conversation. “You don’t have a single thing to be worried about. Im going to take care of this once and for all.” Sparing her a sideways glance, he said, “It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid. Once done, it’s done.”

Only George would make that kind of comparison.

Any attempt to argue would be futile. The odds of winning a debate with her guardian were slim to none. She’d learned that lesson early in childhood

Lifting her head, she gazed out the window. They were almost at the hunting grounds, an enormous piece of private, property at the edge of Cold County. It was the perfect location to enjoy the call of the wild away from prying or curious

eyes

A bonus for those who shifted forms.

Dangerous for a man who would have to rely on a shotgun for safety.

The instant they drove past the gate to the hunting grounds, her senses went an fell alert. She straightened in the seat. staring ahead, taking in her surroundings. With her improved vision, she could see the enormous structure they approached, Receding light surrounded the cabin-like structure. It was almost dark, the sun vanishing beneath the horizon.

She thought about the full moon on the way. Excitement and apprehension sent a rush of adrenaline through her system. She could feel the wolf inside her. Each pa**ing hour brought more of the beast to the surface. The animal wanted to break free and run through the trees, breathing in the sweet scent of pine and leaves, feeling the cold earth beneath its feet.

They drew closer, and she studied numerous vehicles parked around the cabin. She recognized one in particular, the SUV Claire and her father had driven to Ink Stone. Exhilaration shifted to aggression. Her heart raced her bestial half howled loud in her head. This time she recognized the possessiveness, the fury that her wolf felt. She shared the sentiment.

Callum was hers.

She’d battle for him. Bleed for him. And most importantly, die for him.

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