Alex watched as Finn’s blue eyes turned to a gold color.  She could see the wolf staring back at her.  “They’re exquisite.”  Reaching up, she touched the side of his face.  “Finn, I don’t plan on going anywhere.  I hope we can get this cleared up so Haine and I can live here permanently, but I don’t know.  I have to know what Dominic Santora wants with me.  He’s desperate for something and he’s very dangerous. I’m scared for Haine.”

“We will find out, baby.  I promise I will protect you and Haine with my life.”

Alex wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.  “I won’t let it come to that.” She meant what she said. These people felt like family and Dominic Santora wouldn’t touch them.

“I think Dominic the Bull will meet a pack of wolves he can’t push around.”  Finn leaned her back on the bed and touched his nose with hers.  It was something that was childlike in nature but it was the most intimate moment she had ever had.

“I love you, Alex Marsh.”  Finn’s eyes were bright blue again as he rubbed his cheek against hers and then her chest.  It was strange, she had to admit, but it made her heart flutter knowing this was the way shifters showed affection toward each other.    

“I love you, Finley Egan.” 

* * *

Finn glanced out the window watching his mate laugh at something Quinn had said.  He loved seeing her relaxed and finally having a little fun. Quinn had invited them to dinner and she said she wanted to go. She was starting to feel at ease and smile more. He hoped he had something to do with that.

“She belongs here with us,” Arden said, staring out the window.

“Did you find out anything?”  Finn asked, dropping the curtain.  “Alpha, we’ve got to find something before…”

“Apparently, Dominic Santora has a gambling problem.  He owes a lot of money to some dangerous people, and yes to your question.  They are just as dangerous and crazy as him.  So, he needs money fast, but Alex isn’t getting enough money to cover his debt so I’m wondering if there is something else we’re missing.  I’ve got my friend looking.”

“How much does he owe?”

“My contact thinks it’s around a million dollars.”

Finn pulled the curtain back again to check on the girls. “When the house sells, she will get that and more, but none of this is adding up. Alex’s parents found something on his computer. That’s the only thing that makes sense. And you can’t tell me that Ramone Malton doesn’t know one of his guys owes that kind of money.”

“I agree, but until we find that information, we are still in the waiting mode.” Arden held his hands up. “I know, buddy. I hear you and I understand you’re tired of waiting. Alex needs to think about this. Where would her parents hide this information. It’s obvious he’s desperate for it. He wouldn’t chance killing all these people. I’m telling you that something was on that computer and he thinks Alex has it.”

Finn pulled the curtain back and stared outside. “You do realize Bane is out there and before Dominic Santora steps foot on this land every citizen will be calling us. She’s safe here, Finn. You made sure of that.”

“I know. I just can’t shake this feeling.” Finn patted his chest. “Ever since—”

“You love her.” Arden walked over to him and put his hand on his shoulder. “You feel it here in the chest and in the gut. That overwhelming feeling that you need to protect her.”

“Yes! It’s hard to breathe when I don’t see her.”

“I wish I could tell you it will go away, but you learn to deal with it. I think it will be harder for you because she’s still human and you know how vulnerable she is.”

“Alpha, I want take her choice away from her. But I won’t. Right now, I will just have to deal. Wait it out because Alex’s been through too much. I want her and Haine to feel comfortable here and most of all safe.”

Arden stood beside him and they both stared out the window. “I think you have your answer right there.” Arden pointed at Alex, Quinn, and Simone laughing. “She’s happy here. I scented no fear on her, and Haine had a blast with Lucky last night and today. They are already best of friends and when she saw them playing earlier, she couldn’t stop smiling.”

Finn smiled and nodded. He scented her happiness, too, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the rug was about to be pulled out from under him. He always trusted his feelings, but he didn’t know for sure if this was what Arden was explaining about mating. He didn’t want to scare Alex off.

Alex glanced behind her and smiled as he stared out the window at her. That smile meant the world to him.