Read Online Feral Seduction (Feral Protectors 2) by Liv Brywood - Free Book Online Page A

being nice.”
    He leaned against the wall and waited, curious about why she’d called him back to her room. He’d known her for years but only as a member of the Silver Creek Pack. He hadn’t spent any time with her alone.
    “I heard you’re hiding out, that you’re not alpha of the Dark Moon Pack anymore.”
    “Where did you hear that?”
    “Some of the guys from Dark Moon Pack who attended the life-mate ceremony were talking. They didn’t know I was listening.”
    He crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, I can assure you, it’s not true.”
    She lowered her eyes. “Well, I just thought you should know that some of the men are claiming that you’ve abandoned them. They want to organize a choosing ceremony to pick a new alpha.”
    “Are you sure that’s what you heard?” His jaw clenched.
    “Positive.”
    He’d have to deal with that later. At this point, if they wanted to overthrow him in a coup, let them. Running a den of wolves wasn’t easy. If they thought they were up to the challenge, so be it.
    He crossed the room and sat by her feet. “I appreciate you letting me know about the rumors. Don’t worry, I’m still their alpha.”
    “I’m glad,” she said.
    “I’d love to have you visit Dark Moon Pack sometime. I know Nosh has been looking for a mate and I think you’d be great together.”
    She laughed. “He’s beta of your pack, second in command. He wouldn’t look at me twice.”
    “Not true. I think you’d enjoy getting to know each other.” He paused, unsure if he should bring up her terrible ordeal at the hands of Zane, the serial killer. He decided that he needed to tell her what was on his mind. “I know you went through hell with Zane.”
    Her head whipped up. “You don’t know anything about what happened.”
    He sat back on his heels. “You’re right, I’m sorry. If you need more time, take it. I don’t think anyone should be rushed when they’re still healing.”
    She folded her hands in her lap. “Thanks.”
    As he stood, Gwen put her small hand on his forearm. “Stryde, I hope you heal too. I don’t want you to end up like me.”
    He put his hand over hers. “We’ll both heal. I know we will. It just takes time.”
    He gave her a light hug and as he turned to leave, he heard her sniff. Poor girl. She’d been brutalized by that monster. He only hoped she’d recover soon. She had so many years ahead of her. He hated to see her living in so much pain.
    He returned to Ryder and Diana’s room. “Thanks for giving me a minute.”
    Akila gave him a questioning look but didn’t ask about his conversation with Gwen. Diana and Ryker sat near Akila. All three faced him, which instantly made him suspicious.
    “What?” he asked.
    Ryker said, “It’s time you returned to Dark Moon Pack. I’m concerned about the rumors of a growing faction intent on overthrowing your reign.”
    “He needs more time. I thought we agreed not to lay into him,” Diana said.
    “I’m not laying into him. I just worry about a war within the den. You know how dangerous that can be.”
    Stryde let Ryker’s statement hang in the air. Years ago they’d struggled for power over the Silver Creek Pack. Stryde had eventually splintered off to form the Dark Moon Pack. They’d patched up their friendship, but they’d spent years at each other’s throats.
    Ryker had a point. Stryde couldn’t wait too much longer if he wanted to return to his pack. But did he want to return? He wasn’t sure yet. He needed more time.
    Diana said, “We just want you to think about it. That’s all.”
    Stryde nodded. “I understand.”
    “Good.” Akila set a pot of water over a smoldering fire. She added two logs and pushed a stick around in the embers to stoke the flames.
    Stryde turned to Diana. Hoping to break the palatable tension in the room, he said, “Tell me about the life-mate ceremony.”
    Diana perked up. “I wish we’d had a camera for the ceremony. Akila and Gwen tied garlands of flowers