Wolf Bound (Fated) By Jenival Writes

Chapter 39

Warm breath caressed Amber’s car and she immediately knew who it belonged to. Her man. The very man she intended to mark as her own

“Soon, honey,” Callum whispered as he released her leg and covered her hand with his, edging close so only she would hear. “We’ll be alone and your wolf can come out to play. Until then…

A powerful surge of energy traveled up the nape of her neck, and she was suddenly aware Callum wasn’t the only one. speaking to her, his wolf was too. She felt his heast brush against hers, compelling her feral half to heed his warning.

“You listen to me and only me. Amber. Never forget that, he growled and the wolf within her settled, going astonishingly quiet. His power was shocking, delving into her soul and taking control. She’d never experienced anything like it. The link between them was undeniable. Maybe she should have been angry at his domination but his authority gave her peace. calming her in a way she desperately needed.

“Amber” her stepfather inquired, turning his head to look at her. When their gazes met, she recognized the concern in his eyes. “Are you okay, Baby?”

“I’m fine.” She gave him what she hoped was a convincing smile. Her stepfather had enough to worry about. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t comprehend what was happening to her. He was completely human, without an animal inside him to contend with. “I’m just a little nervous that’s all.”

He seemed to not accept her explanation because he returned his focus to the road with a loud snort. She studied his hands, noting the whiteness of his knuckles as he clenched the steering wheel. He didn’t buy her excuse. Not for a second. Memories of her childhood came rushing back. George had never confronted her when she’d fibbed. He hadn’t had to. The moment she’d sensed his disapproval she’d always come clean.

She stared ahead, studying the people beside the cars and trucks. As much as she wanted to tell her stepfather the truth, she couldn’t. There was no room for her past in the present. The future waited. If she wanted to prove she was worthy of CallumÝ, she had to rely on herself.

From now on.

Her wolf approved of her thinking, growling softly in her mind. She recognized the beast’s intentions. The animal had. something to prove to the werewolves they were about to meet, to the pack she would soon lead, and to any female who had the nerve to challenge her for a place at her mate’s side.

They had no idea what the wolf was capable of. But they would.

Both of the men in the car wanted to protect her. What they didn’t know was her wolf had every intention of protecting

them

Amber tilted her head and peered through her lashes at her mate. Her gums were tingling again, and her skin starting to itch. She expected to find him studying her. Instead, he was staring straight ahead, eyes narrowed, glaring at the building. She followed his example and did the same. Seven men stood in front of an enormous group, including Claire’s father,

William.

“Who are they?” she asked.

“Alphas from the area, Callum responded, sliding his thumb over her knuckles. “William has a leaky mouth. He must have told them what happened last night. They knew we were coming.

She willed her hands to stop shaking, taking deep breaths to remain calm. Her eyes swept over a man who stood out in the group. Tall. Muscular. Short curly brown hair kissed by the last rays of the sun. Their eyes met through the windshield Bright green-blue irises, a color she was only too familiar with, matched hers.

Oh, G od.

It was him. It most definitely was him. Her real father. The man to left her and her mother to die.

Chapter 39

Time put the brakes on itself, turning everything into slow motion as they continued toward Holden Bone, his form becoming larger. No wonder Callum had identified her biological father so quickly. Amber might as well have been looking in a mirror. Despite being male Holden had similar facial features, all the way down to his eyes, nose, and mouth.

“Do you recognize him?” Callum asked.

“Oh, I do way more than that. I remember him.” George eased off the gas, buying them more time. She ripped her gaze from Holden when her guardian reached for the gun wedged between the door and the driver’s seat. “He knows about Amber. Look at him. He’s waiting for her.”

“He knows,” Callum confirmed, remaining completely calm. His fingers tightened around her hand. “I think he intends to greet her properly before the packs.”

“Good thing I brought Hotshot along.” Amber could identify her stepfather’s rising anger through a scent that burned like pepper in her nose. He didn’t pull the gun out but rested his fingers on the stock. “I’ll wipe that smug smile off his face.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Callum murmured. “Looks can be deceiving.”

Amber didn’t want to look, afraid of what she might see, but she couldn’t stop herself. She froze as soon as she redirected her gaze to the man she’d resented as a child. Callum was right. To those around him, Holden probably appeared confident and self-a**ured. To her, he seemed apprehensive.

Holden’s green-blue eyes darted to her George and his lips thinned.

“That’s right. It’s me. You two-timed m otherf ucker, George grumbled, his voice a low hum. Time to eat a slice of humble pic.

“This isn’t about you, George. It’s about the future of your stepchild. Callum kept his tone level, but Amber knew he wasn’t f ucking around. “You said you could keep a level head, so do it. Don’t make this harder than it already is. You’ve only got one chance to face the packs and earn their respect. Stick to the plan.”

Her stepfather didn’t reply, stopping the truck several yards from Holden. She flipped her hand around, clinging to Callum’s fingers. Her heart was beating so hard she thought it would burst from her chest. When George put the vehicle in park and shut off the motor she peered up at the rearview mirror. The members of Callum’s pack drove around them, placing their cars between Holden and the truck.

Callum released her hand and opened his door. “Remember what I said. Stay calm. Don’t f uck around. Glancing over his shoulder, he directed quietly, “Don’t leave my side, Amber.”

She ticked off his earlier instructions.

One. Maintain eye contact. Two: Don’t show fear. Three: Don’t back down.

And, until their mating was officially recognized, do not speak. That was the fourth and final instruction:

Her legs felt watery when she slid from the seat and her feet landed on solid ground. Callum was there to catch her, placing his large hands on her hips. She rested her palms on his chest, waiting until she felt steady and her nerves seuled. After she was confident her balapfe was intact, she lowered her arms.

Doors slammed and footsteps approached. She lifted her head and saw Callum’s pack had left their cars and surrounded them. Stefan drew her attention, standing closer than the rest. Their eyes met and he gave Amber a nod. He didn’t need to communicate with words, she got the message.

Be strong.