Wild at Heart
Chapter 23

I steadied my breathing and tried to lower my heart rate, but my adrenaline was pulsating through my body too much to slow it down. Nick asked me something, but I have no idea what he said. What happened? Where did that wolf go? Who was it?

“Emma?” Nick’s hand went to my thigh and I quickly turned to him to focus.

“I don’t know.” I said, not fully knowing what he was asking me.

“It’s okay.” He said with a nod. “We’re fine, it was nothing more than an accident.” He put the truck in reverse and backed it up until it was back on the road again.

The rest of the drive was silent. Neither of us knew what to say after our close call. It was less than ten minutes and we were surrounded by houses and businesses. Nick pulled into a driveway and got out of the truck. By the time I undid my seatbelt, Nick was already at the door to open it for me. He held his arm out and I took it for support as I jumped down from the truck. He slid his hand into mine once we began walking.

The house in front of us was a large green house with very few windows. I could smell a whole pack of wolves, so I knew it was the pack house for the Omegas. The stark white door swung open and I almost gagged at the sight of Reginald standing there with nothing but tiny shorts covering his body. That stupid smile he always wore made me want to turn around and get the hell out of his territory, but I knew that wasn’t an option. Kendrick stood tall behind Reggie; his arms crossed with his face as blank as a hospital gown. The two were polar opposites, I had no idea how they were Alpha and Beta.

“Nicklaus!” Reginald held his arms out to my mate like he expected a hug, but instead he received a stern nod. “And the ever-so beautiful Emma.” He turned that wicked smile to me. “Thank you both so much for coming to my pack. We all welcome you with warm arms.” He lowered his and stepped back from the door. “Please, won’t you come in?” Nick lead the way and I followed with my hand still locked in his. “We’ve made arrangements for you to stay in the pack house with my most trusted warriors.”

“I appreciate the hospitality.” Nick finally spoke, but his voice was cold and unwelcoming. I could tell his mind was still on the road where we almost wrecked.

“Allow me to show you around.” Reginald walked around the pack house like a king showing off his castle. I couldn’t tell if Nick was more uninterested than me, or if he simply wanted Reginald to shut up. We toured the entire house and only stopped when we got to the suite Reggie set up for us. “Kendrick, won’t you bring their bags up?”

“Thank you, Kendrick.” Nick nodded to him and turned back to Reginald.

“I will let you two get situated and check back in later.”

Kendrick brought the bags up and left them silently. A man of many words. Nick and I unpacked a few things in the conjoined bathroom and sat on the bed side by side.

“How do you feel?” I asked him.

“I’m unsure on what to think.” He admitted. “I can’t get my mind off that wolf.” He shook his head.

“Maybe something will click while we’re here. It’s only a few days and we’ll be back home.” I sounded like Nick when he was trying to reassure me.

“Reginald likes to have a good time.” He said as he turned to me. “Everything is a party with him. I’m sure he has the next two days planned to a T.”

“Then try to relax and I’ll keep you safe.” He smiled at me and leaned down to kiss my forehead. A gentle knock at the door interrupted us. Nick opened the door and Kendrick stood tall like a soldier waiting for his commands.

“Alpha requests your presence in his office.” Nick turned to me and held his hand out. I got off the bed and walked to him, taking his hand in mine. Kendrick showed us the way to Reggie’s office and offered up the chair across from his desk. The setup was very similar to Nick’s office, except there were colorful pictures hanging all over the walls. I took the seat across from Reggie and Nick stood behind me with his hand on my shoulder. Kendrick took his place behind his Alpha, his arms crossed over his chest again.

“I hope you’re replaceing your accommodations up to your standards.” Reggie began.

“Yes, they’ll do very nicely.” Nick nodded.

“Perfect.” Reggie smiled again as he reached under his desk to pull out a rather large bottle of rum. “What do you say we celebrate our alliance the old-fashioned way?” Reginald’s eyes drifted to the window behind us for just a moment before turning back to Nick. I couldn’t help but fidget in my seat until I locked eyes with Octavia through the glass. We held each other’s gaze before she turned and walked away from the office. I turned back to Reggie who was already pouring glasses.

“If you’ll please excuse me.” Kendrick interrupted as he ducked out from behind Reggie and made his way to the door.

“Actually—” My voice stopped him. “I’ll join you, if you don’t mind.” I turned to Nick, who was visibly uncomfortable with the thought of letting me out of his sight. “Leave the Alphas to their celebration.” I smiled the most convincing smile I could muster while I gave Nick’s hand a reassuring squeeze. With an approving nod, I exited the office with Kendrick.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Emma.” Kendrick began. “My night will be a boring one. I’ll be checking in on the Omegas after their rounds at the borders.” That was something Nick was in charge of in our pack. What was it that Reginald did for his pack?

“Anything other than sitting in a room full of whiskey and Alpha ego sounds better, but I understand if that’s classified information. I’m sure I can replace something else to occupy my time.” Octavia’s soft mocha skin and big round brown eyes suddenly popped into my brain. Kendrick’s large hand landed gently on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry to leave you alone, Luna of the North pack.” His face was stone cold, but his voice was as warm as a fleece blanket in the dead of winter. “Watch your back, Emma.” His eyes softened for a split second and then he vanished. Watch my back for what? Was he threatening me? Or could he be warning me?