Joe looked like he was gathering steam to argue, but Thomas’s eyes flashed red and Joe said nothing. He stalked by his father and went into the house.
I moved to follow.
Thomas touched my shoulder and I paused.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“For what?”
“I know you were on your date.”
I shrugged. “This is important?”
He said, “Yes.”
I said, “Then it’s okay.”
Thomas sighed. “Joe is very lucky.”
Osmond said, “Date? With Joe? Thomas, he’s a human and—”
Thomas had him pinned against the wall before I could even think to react. The Betas behind us growled out in response, but they came no farther. They may have had some loyalty to Osmond, but they knew their place.
Regardless, I moved until I stood with my back to Thomas, glaring at the wolves in front of me. I wouldn’t leave my Alpha unprotected.
“Word of warning,” Thomas said, voice even and cold. I glanced back at him over my shoulder. “You do not get to come into my territory, into my home, and pass judgment on things you know nothing about. My son has chosen. It doesn’t concern you. Speciesism has no place in Green Creek or in my pack.”
“But he’s to be the Alpha. What do you think—” He was cut off when Thomas half shifted, fangs descending, muscles expanding.
“It. Doesn’t. Concern. You,” Thomas said.
Osmond nodded.
“Apologize to Ox.”
Orange eyes.
Thomas growled, “Now.”
“I meant no offense,” Osmond said stiffly, glancing at me. “My apologies, Ox.”
I said nothing as I turned away from the wolves below us.
Thomas stepped away and Osmond slumped against the house. The Betas in the yard did nothing.
Thomas said, “Ox, join them inside if you would.” He never took his eyes off Osmond.
I touched his arm. “Are you sure? I could stay and help you.”
He smiled quietly. “It’ll just be a moment, Ox.”
I went inside.
The others were in the living room. Mark was standing, looking out the window, face pinched.
Elizabeth was speaking quietly to Joe, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying.
Carter and Kelly stood up as soon as I entered and crowded around me. They were both rumbling low in their chests and I could feel it vibrating into me. I didn’t know if it was for my benefit or theirs.