To Save His Mate(31)

Ethan knew Erik was right. He even smiled a bit as his brother griped about the throwing knives Sarah always carried now. Add to it, the fact that Stephanie was a damn fine shot, and Lacy was a trained law enforcement officer, and logically, he knew there was little reason for his actions.

Too bad, logical thinking didn’t extend to his wolf.

“My wolf is going crazy here, Erik. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to hold myself together, either.” Scrubbing a hand over his face, Ethan looked his brother in the eyes. “This is insane, and I know it, because I’ve only known her about a week, but I’m falling in love with Lacy. I can’t help it. She’s perfect for me. She’s sweet, funny, intelligent, athletic and beautiful. Right now though, I’m so close to shifting it’s crazy, and I’m not sure if I have enough control to keep that from happening.”

An alpha wolf admitting a weakness was a rare thing. It meant he was vulnerable, and that was exactly how Lacy made him feel. She didn’t know it, but already, his heart was involved, and if she left, it would be shredded.

“Listen, Abraham and I can sense our mates, and I don’t get the feeling that there’s anything for you to worry about.” Erik’s attempt to comfort him did not work. The man’s mate was happiest when she was neck deep in a brawl, so if she was having a good time, there was no telling what was actually going on.

Lifting a brow and giving his brother a pointed look, Ethan replied, “Thanks, but I think I’ll check with Abraham. At least, his woman doesn’t enjoy random acts of violence.”

“Hey, Sarah only fights with Abraham now, and even he said she’s really improving,” Erik defended.

Shaking his head, Ethan made his way outside, away from where Erik, Adam, his father and Jose where clearing the game table. Snatching his phone from his pocket, Ethan dialed Abraham’s phone.

At least, he should be able to get a more accurate report from Abe’s connection with his mate. Erik’s crazy mate was slightly unbalanced in Ethan’s opinion, but Stephanie was more levelheaded.

“I wondered how long it would be before you called,” Abraham drawled. “How are you holding up?”

“Not well. My wolf is damn close to breaking loose, but Jose is with me.” That was his next problem. He wanted to go to Lacy, but he had to bring Jose along.

“Have Erik drop him by the model house. I’ve got the place covered, and there are only the two females inside. No doubt, they would welcome him. The little one seems really stressed, but the other is keeping her distance. It’s very odd if you ask me.” Odd for Abraham usually meant suspicious.

“How’s Stephanie? Is she having fun tonight?” He figured his brother would guess at why he asked, but Ethan still didn’t appreciate the laughter.

“Calm down. The girls are doing fine. I actually spoke to Lacy just a little while ago.”

“And?”

“And I told her the house was still secure. I also informed her you would probably be there pretty soon. Judging by all the heavy breathing coming from your end, I’d say my assumption was correct.”

The bastard had the nerve to laugh again, and Ethan growled, feeling his wolf now clawing to get out. He ended the call and went back inside. The guys had already cleaned up and were now talking amongst themselves.

Spotting his brother, he called, “Erik, take Jose to the model house. I think it would be best if everyone was under the same roof.”

“We were just discussing that,” Erik replied. “So, are you going to pick up Lacy?”

Ethan didn’t appreciate the amusement dancing in his brother’s eyes and promptly gave him the bird.

“Yeah, I’m going now, so you guys lock up when you leave. I’ll be crashing at the house, too.” Ethan turned to leave, hoping his wolf would calm the fuck down once he saw for himself that Lacy was safe.

“I’ll get you a bag and drop it off with Jose at the house,” Erik called.

“Thanks, man.” And with that, Ethan was on his way.

His home was well outside of town, but as fast as he drove, he made it to the bar in record time. After spotting Stephanie’s little red car, he made a desperate attempt to leash his animal before heading inside.

It only took a moment for him to catch Lacy’s scent over everything else in the bar. No amount of booze and stale smoke could mask the delectable smell that belonged solely to her, and he followed it right to the table where she perched.

Just the sight of her sitting there, obviously safe and unharmed, eased his wolf. Unfortunately, when he looked around and noted all the hungry male eyes pointed in her direction, his beast reared against the bonds Ethan held him with, the urge to stake his claim before these other men unstoppable.