TJ Klune

—”

“I’m done speaking with you,” Thomas said. “Your presence bothers me. Come along, everyone. It’s time to leave.”

“I COULD handle myself,” Joe grumbled as we walked down the dirt road.

“I know,” I said.

“I could have taken them all down.”

“I know.”

“I’m not some little kid.

I said, “I know.”

He scowled. “Say something else.”

“I’m glad I could protect you,” I said honestly. “And I always will.”

Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me?”

“Yes.”

“Do you love me?”

And he said, “Yes.”

Because I have never seen a wolf love another as much as he loved you.

I am here as your Alpha. And I have received a formal request from one of my Betas.

I thought of a boy with eyes of ice telling me that he loved me, that he didn’t want to leave again, but he had to, he had to, his Alpha was demanding it, and he would come back for me, Gordo, you have to believe I’ll come back for you. You are my mate, I love you, I love you, I love you.