Page 73 of Bound

Hunter steps forward to feel my fur, and I can’t help but preen under their compliments.

“Guys, you ready?” Chase calls up from downstairs.

“Alright, little wolf, time to go.” Maddox motions for me to follow Hunter downstairs.

It only takes the ten-minute drive to Alpha Kane’s house for my relaxed state to be completely replaced by nerves. Before we get out of the SUV, Maddox turns from where he sits in the driver’s seat to address us all. “Red is never to be left alone. She must be in at least one of our sights at all times, understood?”

Worry fills me. I know I’m not exactly safe anywhere, but he makes this sound like it’s extra dangerous here.

“It’s just a safety precaution,” he says when he sees my ears lower in worry. “You should be safe with our pack.”

We exit the vehicle and head around the side of the house to where everyone is gathered in the backyard.

There are several large grills set up with platters full ofuncooked steak and chicken nearby, the smell of the raw meat making my nose wrinkle in distaste. Tables are scattered all over the yard, some covered with food, others surrounded by chairs.

Glancing around, I notice there are probably around a hundred people here, and I can’t help but push against Bain’s leg a bit as we walk. His fingers stroke my head, silently telling me he’s here with me.

The guys head straight for Alpha Kane, who is sitting on a large chair surrounded by other males I recognize from the last time we came here.

“Uncle,” Maddox says in greeting.

“Ah, my boy! So glad you could all make it.” His eyes move to me, and I try not to cower under his glare. “I’ve heard some concerning rumors about your newpackmate.”

“It’s not like you to concern yourself with rumors,” Maddox says in a way that feels like he means the opposite.

“Still, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask. Is it true she tried to attack Juliet again? In town?”

“No,” Maddox says firmly, his hands resting easily in his pockets, like he’s not boiling with rage. Somehow able to keep his demeanor calm and collected. “Juliet was verbally attacking Red and upsetting her, so we left.”

Kane presses his lips together as if he wishes to argue, then his eyes bounce to the other alphas surrounding me, and he seems to think better of it.

“Hopefully, there are no more instances like that, or we might have to discuss her presence here.” His frown instantly changes to a smile as he turns back to Maddox. “Nevertheless, I hope you all enjoy yourselves today. We need to have a quick conversation a little later about the rogue wolves, but it will only take a few minutes. I’ll let you know when I’m ready. Now go off and enjoy yourselves.”

At his dismissal, Maddox instantly moves usaway, and we start wandering through the people meandering around. They say hi to a few people, but it’s not until we’re in front of two men and two women sitting in the grass near the back of the property that they stop to talk. I vaguely recognize one of the men as one of the people who greeted us that first day we came out of the woods, weeks ago.

“Max, Trevor, it’s nice to see you here with your mates,” Maddox nods in greeting as we approach.

“Hey, how are you?” the one I think is called Trevor replies, nodding to my men.

“We’re well, thank you. Jenn, Lacey, nice to see you ladies,” Maddox nods to the women. I know he said they are mated to these men, so I don’t feel jealous per se, but instinct still drives me to step forward and lean against Maddox in a feeling of possession.

He glances down at me and smiles. “I’d like to introduce you to Red,” he says as he strokes my head and neck.

One of the women speaks, drawing my attention. “So it’s true? You brought a stray into your pack?” She doesn’t say it like it’s a derogatory word, more like she’s just curious, but it still stings a little to be called that.

I can hear the low growls from Bain and Chase, making her eyes widen as Trevor wraps an arm around her and pulls her to his side. “She didn’t mean anything by it,” he says, looking worried.

“Maybe try to refrain from calling our packmate a stray?” Maddox suggests, sounding unamused.

“Yes, of course,” the woman, whom I think is called Lacey, says with wide eyes as she quickly nods her head.

Chase moves forward and sits in front of them in the grass, then beckons me over to sit with him. They all watch as I sit at his side, leaning against him as he wraps an arm around me, almost mirroring Trevor and Lacey’s position in front of us.

Maddox sits on my other side, and the others take seats around us, making the two couples relax.

“Can…” Max starts to speak, his eyes flashing to me as he trails off.

“What is it?” Maddox asks.