Page 32 of Rescued by the Alpha

“Maybe he’s had a bad day, honey. I don’t know, I just got here.” She widened her eyes at Nic on the last couple words.

Elam cleared his throat. It was then that Nic realized he held Katya while Alex held the covered roast pan. Katya had her arms around Elam’s neck and Nic tried to remember when she’d begun allowing anyone other than his sister to carry her.

His father turned to him. “I’m sorry, son. Things haven’t been right with him for a while. He doesn’t even show up at the lumber yard anymore, says why should the Alpha-to-be have to work such a menial job. I don’t know where he disappears to every day. I kept hoping…” His father sighed, the wrinkle in his brow making him appear even older than he was. He lifted his gaze. “You’ve been clear on your stance regarding being Alpha—the only true Alpha for our pack as far as I’m concerned

—but I’m not above begging you at this point. We need you.”

Nic dipped his chin, a quick acknowledgement that it was time to give in to the inevitable and live up to his responsibilities. As Asha had said—one thing at a time. He could worry about the issue

of not having an heir later.

“I’d like to speak with you alone after dinner.” Nic clasped his shoulder and they shared melancholy smiles. “But for now? Papa, I want you to meet my mate, Elam. Elam, this is my father, Max Petrov, pack Alpha.”

The expression his father radiated at Elam would linger in his memory forever. Not one shred of doubt existed, no hesitation as his father stepped forward to greet Elam with his arms open.

Whatever fears Elam might have had about being accepted, they were clearly unfounded.

Now, if we can only preserve the clan name and keep the pack safe.

Chapter Nine

Elam pushed his butt against Nic’s groin, his mate’s morning wood obvious as he spooned Elam from behind. The sounds of Nic’s sister and her kids rustling around in the kitchen had probably woken him from his sleep and he wondered how early it was. The past couple of days he’d had a harder than usual time of getting out of bed and his current state wasn’t any better. Nic had already promised him they would visit the wolf spirit guide and pack healer before they left for home—which was a huge relief. Elam was convinced that something must be wearing him down because of him being turned. He only hoped it wasn’t anything too serious.

Maybe I just need some extra vitamins or something.

Meeting Nic’s father the night before had been wonderful, had gone so much better than he’d expected. Even Nic’s sister had taken to him right away and he got along with her great as well. And her kids? Elam was an only child, so he’d never been around kids all that much. But Greg was hilarious, and Katya was such a sweetheart. He’d honestly been touched by how much she’d attached herself to him.

Nic’s hot breath warmed Elam’s neck and added to the coziness of being snuggled together under layers of blankets and a quilt. The fireplace would be going in the main room already, since Alex was already up, but with their door closed and no heat overnight? Elam didn’t relish that first blast of cold air when they finally emerged from under the covers.

A loud yawn overtook Elam before he could stop it and Nic stirred behind him.

“Mmm.” The low rumble of Nic’s sleep-roughened voice sounded from his chest and vibrated against Elam’s back. “G’morning.”

Elam peered over his shoulder. “Morning. Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Nic let out his own loud yawn and Elam chuckled. “Nah. I was already waking up anyway. I heard one of Greg’s action figure chants.” Nic let the palm that had been flat against Elam’s belly travel up to a nipple.

Elam jerked from his touch, hissing. “Damn.”

Nic tensed and yanked his hand away. “What’s wrong?”

That was weird. “Uh… I don’t know. I’m just really sensitive there for some reason.” He let out a small huff. “And, not the good kind of sensitive, either.”

“Hey. Look at me.”

Elam rolled over to face Nic, but as he did, his stomach lurched. He held his breath for a moment to see if it would get any worse, but then it seemed to settle. The last thing he wanted to do was barf all over Nic, so he grabbed his shoulder, pushing against it to maintain some distance by keeping Nic from pulling him any closer.

Nic’s expression radiated more than worry—he seemed scared. “We should go to Asha’s right after breakfast, I can’t stand this.” He frowned, pressing his lips in a severe line then growled, “I never should’ve turned you, I’m a fucking selfish bastard!”

Elam’s eyes widened. “What? God, no. Don’t say that.” He cupped Nic’s cheek. “I don’t feel that way at all. I wanted you too, I asked you to change me, begged for it.”

Nic’s features had morphed into a scowl. “I’m the Alpha. It’s my responsibility to maintain control at all times.”

Oh boy. Elam scraped his thumb over Nic’s heavy scruff. “There were two people there when it happened. I remember, because I was one of them.”

Elam hoped his lighthearted tone would calm Nic down. As he took in Nic’s deepening frown, his hopes were dashed. Before Elam could warn Nic not to jostle him too much, he yanked Elam to his body, crushing him in a desperate embrace.

“We should go see Asha now.” Nic spoke against his ear and Elam could tell how worried he was. “Breakfast can wait.”