Filthy rich werewolves novel Chapter 81

I continue to repeat in my mind the scene I encountered at the apartment. Jason's attitude toward Grace... could only be described as "gentle".

But that doesn’t make sense.

Jason Reed is not… gentle.

The man is all ice.

This Alpha has never been gentle to a woman. Not even Jennifer Atkinson, his fiancee, had been treated with such reverence. I recall the cold interactions between the couple, the few times I crossed path with them, and even Lily mentioned that their marriage was probably one of convenience, and for business. Despite that Jennifer truly loved him.

Suddenly, the matter of the engagement advertisement being taken down flashes in my mind. I thought it was because of Grace—in the sense that I’d formerly been engaged to the Alpha’s murderer. Then, I speculated that Alpha Reed opposed my match to Lily on the account of the of the power dynamic—because merging Pack Stevens and Pack Atkinson would shift the scales.

Then I’d thought it was just some personal grudge that came from Jason Reed wanting to maintain his authority and to prevent him from rising in power.

But now… I have to think that the motivations behind Alpha Reed’s actions are far more personal.

I’m reeling. Even though I saw him with her. With my own eyes.

I still can’t believe what I’ve seen…

JASON

This has come to be my favorite time of day.

The quiet, calming part I look forward to when Grace and I sit down to dinner. Though the meals are modest, they’re always satisfying and the conversation is fulfilling while also relatively mundane.

This, perhaps, is how the ‘other’ half lives.

The life for people who do not wield power and who are not in positions that necessitate hard choices for the betterment of their societies.

There is something to be said of this simpler existence.

“Tell me about your day,” I encourage her.

Grace doesn’t complain. She’ll always have a story of something positive. One day it was the kittens she’d found and brought to the shelter—when I asked why she hadn’t brought them home, she’d giggled and said, ‘when you shift… I think that big beast of yours might think them too tasty of a treat.’ Another time, it was the update on a co-worker whose child had won a scholarship to college. Or the time she spoke of the new park going into the south section of this part of town and the senior citizen building that was being constructed beside it.

Little details. Silly details.

But each a reminder of a world that contained billions of people and numerous living things.

Her eyes are bright today. She looks almost a bit guilty. “What is it, sister? I feel like here is something you aren’t telling me.”

She leans across our tiny table and whispers conspiratorially, “I don't know why, but the Director actually fired Farah for picking on me. I thought I would be the one getting dismissed."

“I, uh, I’m not sure what you mean about changing your identity. Were you thinking of going back to your pack’s lands? It’s beautiful there. I’d like that very much, but, Jay, you know given who I am…that isn’t possible for me.

She smiles faintly. “Lina said that you don’t seem like a homeless man. But I won’t pry, Jay. Who or what you are doesn’t matter to me. You are my brother.”

"No matter what kind of status I have, will you be willing to accept me?" I press.

Grace’s gaze is intense. “You’ve protected and supported me, Jay. You even tried to help me bring my wolf back… will I judge you or accept you!? Brother, there is no question. You have my trust… Yes, no matter what, okay?" She smiles and nods toward my plate. “Now eat or else the food will go cold."

I smile, my lips rising in a crooked smile that’s a little smug.

She turns back to her food and I study her the way a wolf analyzes its prey.

She has no idea the power she’s granted me with that promise.

It makes me want to possess her. Mind. Body. Everything.

But I fight the impulse even as my wolf howls obstinately.

My ‘sister’ might be sexy and her declaration its own offering to me, but as her ‘brother,’ I’d be wise not to think of her in that way.