Page 71 of The Alpha’s Heir

I nodded. “Something like that. The councilwoman assigned me to her son. I’m here to ensure he stays safe.”

“He’ll be fine as long as he keeps his mouth shut.” Kera sighed, looking me up and down. “You’re a warrior?”

I nodded again.

“What about that man?” She pointed up the hill to where Marcus stood outside the Jeep he’d camped in. The front door of the cabin slammed shut.

I tried not to cringe as Justus followed us outside. “Marcus is one of the best. He’s working on comms with the city so we can find out when it’s a good time to come back.”

Kera grunted and started marching up the hill. I assumed she still wanted me to come with her.

Normally, I wouldn’t speak out of turn or when not necessary, but I had to ask, “Is Meg okay?”

Kera didn’t glance back at me. “She’s fine. It’s biology. Shifter woman problems. It’ll pass soon.”

I knew a dismissal when I heard one, but if she wasn’t worried, I figured I shouldn’t worry either.

My gut instinct argued otherwise, though.

Justus huffed and puffed behind us, catching up as we crested the hill.

“Ma’am.” Staff Sgt. Marcus jumped to attention when Kera approached.

“Did you get in contact with your superiors?” Kera asked.

Marcus gave a slight nod. “Councilwoman Troy thanks you for your hospitality to her son, and wants to relay the message that Meg’s plan is working. It shouldn’t be much longer now. The wedding can proceed like normal. We’ll have details in the next few days.”

“Meg’s plan?” Kera cocked her head to the side.

“It was her idea to come back here,” I explained.

Justus panted as he rested his hands on his knees. “What did Mom say about me?”

Marcus rolled his eyes so subtly I wasn’t sure anyone else saw it. “Councilwoman Troy says that you should be grateful to Meg. Your social ratings have gone through the roof.”

Justus grinned from ear to ear. “They love me, don’t they? I am such a romantic.”

“I can see why she had the idea to leave.” Kera stared at the three of us. “But I trust her judgement. She wouldn’t bring you here if you meant us harm. You are all free to come and go as you please in my territory. If anyone gives you any grief, just tell them my name.”

The Alpha started to leave, pausing to look at me over her shoulder. “Have you been here before?”

“No,” I said.

“Hmm.” She shrugged as she kept walking. “Something about you smells familiar.”

*

“I can’t believe she just abandoned us,” Justus sighed for the hundredth time.

“If she wants a break from you after everything she’s dealt with the past few weeks, then she deserves one,” I finally snapped.

“What’s gotten into you?” He eyed me from his spot on the rocking chair, having ventured no further than the front porch all day. “Wait… Now where are you going?”

“For a run.” I laced up my sneakers.

If I didn’t get out of here, I’d say much worse. I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going, but the dirt road overlooked the house and valley, so I could stick to it and still keep an eye on Justus. Plus, Marcus would be keeping a bird’s eye view on the cabin as he waited for more communication from the city.

“You’re going to leave me too?” Justus asked.