Page 11 of Rescued by the Alpha

“Well… potatoes and onions are vegetables, right?” He frowned, trying to bring to mind something Elam might enjoy. He kept forgetting that humans ate leafy green things and that sort of stuff on a regular basis. Not that he never partook, but only on rare occasions when his non-wolf would get a craving. His gaze landed on a jar that had gotten pushed to the back of the cupboard. He retrieved the container then held it up in triumph. “I do have some apple butter.”

Elam snorted then bit his lip as if trying to hold back a laugh. “That’s okay, the sausage skillet sounds great. And you’re right. Potatoes and onions definitely count as vegetables.” Elam broke into a wide smile, the grin lighting up his face and drawing Nic even deeper under his spell.

“Uh…” Nic blinked a few times, barely able to process any rational thoughts as he gaped at the beautiful man before him. My mate, dammit. Mine! His sister would laugh her ass off if she saw him like this—all tongue-tied and ready to dissolve into a pile of goo over the guy.

As if on cue, his radio crackled to life and the broken-up syllables of his sister’s voice cut through. Shit. He’d tried to check in with her while Elam was sleeping in case she let anything slip while they talked, but he hadn’t been able to rouse her.

Nic shoved a couple potatoes at Elam. “That’s my sister. Mind peeling these while I grab this?”

Elam nodded. “Sure. No problem. I can dice up the onion too, while I’m at it.”

Quit being so perfect. “Cool. But sit at the table so you don’t wear yourself out.”

Elam shook his head, chuckling. “It’s a deal.”

While Elam got settled, Nic crossed the room to his makeshift desk next to the bedroom door.

The thick, wood table housed the short-wave radio and his business files.

“Hey, Alex. I’m here, over.”

After a brief pause, she responded. “Hey bro, did you catch any fresh meat before the storm hit?

I was worried about you shif—”

Nic broke out in what he imagined was one of the worst bouts of fake coughing in history.

“Sorry about that. Uh, listen. Can’t stay on too long, I’m making dinner right now with my guest. Elam just arrived in Alaska and got caught in the storm, so he’s bunking here for a few days, over.”

The pause lasted even longer that time. “Gotcha. Everyone’s safe, then? Over.”

“Yeah, we’re fine. You and the kids? Papa and Artur? Over.”

“Uh…” Static covered part of her words. “…next time we get together, over.”

Nic rubbed his forehead, concern nagging him as his wolf senses went on alert. “You cut out a bit there, sis. Do I need to figure out a way to get to you? Over.” He could leave Elam safe in the cabin while he shifted, then figure out a plausible explanation later as to how and why he felt the need to travel in a raging blizzard.

“No, there’s nothing to be done right now. I just want to have a chat with you once the storm subsides and it’s possible for you to get here, over.”

That’s a good one. She knew damn well he could get there but was being coy due to Elam’s presence.

“I’ll check in with you in a couple days, then. Over.”

They said their goodbyes then Nic returned to the kitchen. Elam glanced up from his task as Nic padded past him.

“Please don’t let me keep you from talking to your sister. I can go in the bedroom or…” He glanced around the room. “Yeah, I’m in the way all right.” He peered up at Nic. “Sorry.”

Don’t put your arms around him, don’t caress his cheek, don’t take one fucking step in hisdirection. “No, you’re not. The radio isn’t the best way to have a conversation anyway. This storm should blow through in a couple days, then once you get settled at your place, I can head out to see her then.”

Elam lowered his gaze, angling his body back around as he went back to peeling. “Yeah, a couple days. Maybe even less if the storm lets up early. You might get lucky and I’ll be out of your hair in no time.”

The sound of Elam’s melancholy tone made Nic ball his fists, his body tensing as he again resisted the urge to reach out and comfort his mate. Yeah, he’s my mate. And what am I doing?

Instead of claiming him, taking what’s mine—I’m fighting against what’s meant to be, against whatwe both need . Nic let a groan rumble out. I can’t turn him. Not without talking to the guide first.

Which meant he was considering it.

Nic wiped the back of his hand across the sweat building on his upper lip as Elam’s head jerked in his direction.