Page 17 of Rising Reign

“I beg to disagree. That mate of yours is giving you a run for your money.”

It was a hell of a lot more than that, but I didn’t want to go there. “You could show a little understanding. It’s your fault I’m in hot water.”

“How in the world is that possible?” Rhys asked.

“She wants to know who my source is.”

“And you didn’t tell her?” This time, Rhys sounded aghast.

My back teeth ground together. “Wasn’t it you who threatened to remove my head from my body if I told anyone your secrets?”

Rhys sighed. “You don’t have to reveal my secrets to tell Wren who I am. She’s your mate, for fuck’s sake. It has to be painful for her to have you hiding this sort of thing from her.”

My hand fisted, claws lengthening until they pricked my palm. “You sound like Brix.”

“At least one of you has some sense.”

“Fuck off.”

“Sorry, far too invested now. I think I need to meet this mate of yours.”

Tension bled into my muscles. “Don’t even think about it.”

“What’s the matter, End? Afraid she’ll leave your cranky ass behind?”

I was already terrified of that. Because the truth was, if I were Wren, I wouldn’t want a damn thing to do with me.

11

WREN

I woke to sunlight streaming through the windows, illuminating the pack bedroom. As I stretched in the empty bed, a soft meow sounded. “Princess,” I cooed.

She moved in, butting her head against the underside of my chin. I cuddled her against me. “I missed you so much.”

She started to purr like a locomotive, and I couldn’t help but grin. As my gaze moved to the couch on the far wall, the grin slipped a fraction. A blanket that hadn’t been there before was folded over the arm.

Ender.

He’d avoided me for the rest of yesterday, going the gods only knew where. My stomach twisted at the thought. I did not want to go there.

“Why is he like this?” I muttered to Princess.

She let out a chattering meow in answer. I took it as her agreement.

Glancing at the clock, I winced. Half past ten? I never slept this late. And the fact that I was in bed alone said the guys had already started their days. Apparently, I still needed to catch up on rest even though my body had healed.

“We gotta get up, baby.”

Princess bit my chin in response.

A laugh bubbled out of me. “You certainly make your wishes known, don’t you? Don’t worry, you can come with me.”

She let out a warbling meow, and I threw back the covers, making my way to the bathroom. I pulled out the stool to the vanity so Princess could sit with me and made quick work of getting ready and changing into workout clothes. I needed to move my body and ease back into training. Most of all, I needed to see Clyde.

“Ready?” I asked Princess.

She let out a meow and leapt from the stool onto my shoulder. I lifted a hand and scratched under her chin. “That’s my girl.”