The Wolf's Witch (book 1)

48. I'll Strip Naked

Quinn

It was a simple statement, flat and without emotion. We haven't heard Seth speak like this since before his father was killed, back when he went by Solider or Enforer.

His eyes didn't leave Shaw's face, "He said to go back."

Shaw ground his teeth together, looked up at the top left corner and finally turned his eyes on our Alpha. Unlike his rigid posture, Shaw's voice was soft. Well, except for his last word, "Is that an order, sir?"

Seth cautioned him with his name, "Shaw."

Shaw heated under Seth's glare and dug his nails into his palms, "I repeat," he swallowed, "Is that an—"

Seth caught himself and shooed Shaw with his hand. Shaw immediately darted for the door. The rejection from his Alpha was doing a hard number on his wolf.

I remained leaning by the door and watched as Seth began to rub his temples in frustration. I understood why he was doing this but at the same I didn't.

Like it or not, Seth needs us.

Golden eyes flickered to me, mouth parting—

I belted out, "Try to convince me again and I'll strip naked in front of Kate."

I felt Seth's dominance rise as a cold tide skimmed my skin but fell short of hitting when he turned his lifted hand, and brought up his free one to cover the rest of his face.

"You're stuck with us boss."

"His hands slipped with a heavy thud, I appreciate you both, I do," he paused, searching for words. I was glad I didn't have to cut him off again.

"Do Adonis next." I said out of spite.

Seth clicked his tongue against his teeth. A hot fire glided over my hand and I pulled back. I don't think he did it on purpose because his hands went straight up to rub at his face.

When I shifted my weight to stand, he didn't look at me. I took it as a sign that I had been right. He was on edge for a lot of colossal reasons.

I would never want to be him.

I took my time straightening. Seth hadn't dismissed me. It was custom to wait.

I itched the back of my neck as I finally stood. Recalling my set of balls, I offered, "Tell you what, I'll go swap in for guarding for him." 

Seth let out a long incoherent sound. I couldn't even get a feel of whether it was good or bad. Resigned, possibly. 

I moved for the door. A part of me was truly curious to see how Adonis would answer but I didn't want to see my Alpha gravel for a second longer.

Over the past month, I watched the boy I never believed I could ever one day follow, accomplish what none else could.

I should've been celebrating this moment and skyrocketing out of here. Finally, an excuse that wouldn't dishonor Gabe's memory, but my dumb self got attached.

Mama always said I was too empathetic for my own good.

Fuck me. 

- - -

Kaitlin

When I got to the morgue, I tried to keep a serious face. I really did.

But when Noah went for the bat and took three mindless swings while screaming, "Get out!"

I doubled over.

I'd almost shaken it off when he spoke up once more, "I know where you are now."

"Oh, Noah." I exclaimed, followed by a short chuckle.