Page 58 of A Wolfe in the Woods

Something in her expression sharpened, curious now. Watching. Like she’d heard a thread of something she couldn’t name but wanted to pull.

Before she could respond, a shadow crossed the table.

“Blanchette.”

His voice slid in like smoke from behind.

Erik Skoll.

The inner beast was rumbling now. Like recognized like.

She turned fast. “Erik. I mean, Mr. Skoll.”

“I thought that was you,” he said, flashing teeth. “Imagine my surprise. I was just walking past, and well, here you are.”

He looked at me then, extended a hand.

Too smooth. Too slow.

“Erik Skoll,” he introduced himself.

I stood. His grip was firm, but not to greet. To gauge.

To challenge.

“Jonthan Wolfe,” I replied.

His brow ticked. Barely. “Ah,” Erik said, voice smooth as black ice. “Of course. The infamous Wolfe. Graymore’sprodigal son. Premier legal counsel turned ghost. I’d heard you disappeared.”

“Retired,” I said flatly.

He didn’t let go right away. Not until he’d delivered the message behind his grin:I see you. I know what you are.

And I let my hand fall to my side without flinching.

“That’s too bad,” he continued, adjusting his cuff. “Premier legal counsel is a rare gem indeed. If you happen to change your mind…” His eyes cut sideways. “Reach out. I’m sure Blanchette here can connect us.”

Blanche didn’t speak. In real time, I watched her curl inward—subtle but visible. Her shoulders shrank. Her chin dipped.

Possession.

That was how he looked at her.

Like something owed. Claimed.

Pack claim.

I rested my arm casually on the back of her chair. Present, to remind her I was there. To remind Erik too.

My jaw clenched. I tilted my head, studying him. He was taller than I expected. Leaner, but wiry. The kind of body built for pacing and cornering, but not running, or enduring.

His shoes were too clean. Nails buffed and trimmed. No scent of the woods—just cologne and polish. But behind the polish, I could smell it.

Alpha. But not earned. Given. Or taken.

“The Wolfe family…you own half of Juniper Woods, don’t you?” Erik murmured, gaze pinned. I never looked away. “That’s beautiful property you have up there. Heard you opened a motel on the land.”

A slow rivulet of warning trailed down my chest.