Chapter 29
Logan
Logan’s ass was sore by the time they pulled onto pack grounds and it wasn’t from anything fun. As much as he had decided he was ready to try new things, Logan didn’t think giving up his anal cherry in the middle of a two day road trip was a great idea. Thankfully, his mate had more than readily agreed. When they finally stopped at a roadside motel the night before, they’d both been too road-weary to do more than twist themselves into a tangled pile of limbs before falling asleep. They still hadn’t worked out who was supposed to be the big spoon and who was the little. Logan wasn’t sure they ever would, but last night’s arrangement seemed to have worked out alright.
Logan put the truck into park and tried to rub the residual exhaustion from his eyes. He had no idea why Alpha Leikos had insisted he come home so quickly, but Logan expected it wasn’t going to be good. He accepted his behavior over the last month or so had been borderline insubordinate. He was likely being called home to get the ass chewing Logan thought he so rightfully deserved.
Logan didn’t even try to avoid it. If the alpha wanted to punish him, then so be it. This was part of being pack and Logan embraced his responsibility with every fiber of his being. He’d thought he’d been loyal before, but ever since his pack had selflessly helped rescue his mate from certain death, Logan realized he’d only been playing the part of a pack wolf. Logan suspected if he suffered a wound now, his blood would flow silver instead of red.
As Logan led his mate toward the checkpoint, he was surprised to see the gate slowly sliding open. He examined the wall and saw Kieran and Wycoff manning their usual section near the upper deck gate release. Kieran met Logan’s concerned gaze and waved briefly, signaling Logan’s approval to enter unheeded. Logan felt more than a little trepidation as his red-headed friend failed to accost him at the gate as usual. It only confirmed Logan’s fear that his requested return wasn’t simply a social visit. Logan reached for Jude’s hand and squeezed, needing the physical reassurance from his mate.
“What’s wrong?” Jude asked, scanning their surroundings as if searching for danger. Logan knew he wasn’t much for public displays of affection. By offering his hand, Logan realized he’d unconsciously signaled his mate something was amiss. While he hadn’t meant to alarm his mate, Logan tucked that bit of Intel away, knowing that trick might come in handy in the future.
“I’m not sure, but I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Logan admitted, keeping his tone down so hopefully no one but his mate overheard their conversation.
“Do you want to go? Say the word and we’re out of here, Logan. You know I’ll protect you,” Jude offered. Logan noticed the tiger’s shoulders hiking up almost imperceptibly as if readying himself to fend off attack.
“No, it’s okay, Jude. I’m sure I’m imagining things. I just managed to piss my alpha off a few times lately and I’m due an ass chewing. But I was in a bad space then. I’m sure Alpha Leikos will take that into consideration,” Logan said.
“And if he doesn’t?” Jude asked.
“Then I’ll accept my punishment,” Logan answered, forcing confidence into his tone. “I’m a loyal member of Silver Moon Pack and I accept the will of my alpha.” Jude’s answering scowl reminded Logan how solitary his mate’s life must have been before this. He wondered if Jude would ever fully understand Logan’s way of life.
When they reached the main house, Logan was unsurprised to see Alpha Leikos waiting for them on the porch. He stood leaning on the porch rail, both arms crossed tight over his chest. Alpha Leikos’ long black hair flowed like ebony waves down his back and the wind tossed pieces haphazardly around his face. Logan’s heart skipped a beat at his alpha’s stony expression. His normally cold blue eyes were practically frigid.
“Alpha. I’m here as requested,” Logan said, bowing his head in deference to his superior. Logan missed his alpha’s close examination of Logan and Jude’s linked hands.
“I see you two figured things out. About damn time,” Alpha Leikos said. “Well, come on, boys. I’m glad you finally got here. I’ve been dying to show you your surprise.”
The alpha descended the steps two at a time and strode off toward the southern sector. Logan looked at his mate in confusion, hoping Jude had some explanation for the alpha’s odd behavior. Jude simply shrugged and shook his head. Logan jumped when his alpha’s yell to “Hurry the hell up!” echoed back from the tree line. Logan jogged to catch up, dragging his mate along with him.