Marked by Aline Hunter Page B

want to see her or his child harmed.”
    “Either way, if he’s my mate’s father he has a lot to answer
for.”
    “This could change things.” There was tension in Declan’s
voice, the words were strained. “Not necessarily for the better.”
    Something else Jackson already knew. If Gavin was Chloe’s
father, the elder Alpha had a right to meet his offspring. Jackson could
protect her as a mate but he couldn’t prevent their introduction. Not to
mention he’d have to take down any potential suitors Gavin felt were worthy for
his daughter. Without an official announcement of his claim before the packs,
Chloe didn’t completely belong to him. Gavin could try to use pack law to his
advantage. Matings had been destroyed before to strengthen the bloodlines, even
if it meant tearing a mated pair apart in the process.
    Rage at the thought had him seeing red. “If anyone is stupid
enough to challenge me, let them come,” Jackson snarled. “Chloe is an asset to
any Alpha who takes her as a mate. She’s mine.”
    “Even if she doesn’t shift?” Declan asked quietly.
    Damn him.
    Jackson understood why his Beta asked the question, even if
the inquiry stoked his temper. By showing concern, Declan reminded Jackson he
was as the Alpha of the pack. Big decisions impacted everyone who trusted him
to keep them safe. He couldn’t make selfish choices. The lives of others hung
in the balance. Doubt surfaced, creating a dead weight in his chest. He
couldn’t tell Declan he thought Chloe would be a rarity—a half-human who would
be able to accept the change. Not until he knew for certain what she was
capable of.
    “It doesn’t matter that she’ll never shift,” he answered
cautiously. “If a pack knows about her parentage, they’ll want her. Her
father’s bloodline is pure. Her children will be Alphas and Lupas.”
    Our children , his wolf snarled.
    He gripped the porch railing, feeling the wood bite into his
palm. No one would take Chloe from him. They were bonded as mates. Any male
foolish enough to challenge his claim would die. He’d find a way to sway the
local pack Alphas if they tried to force the issue.
    “I have to drop by the parlor this morning but I’ll see what
I can do,” Declan said. “In the meantime you need to clear out. Don’t stick
around. Does your female have any family you can talk to? They might be able to
answer some of your questions.”
    He rubbed a hand over his face, noting the thick bristles on
his cheeks. His anger ebbed, replaced by the concern of a newly mated male. If
he wanted to greet Chloe properly this morning he’d have to make time to shave.
She needed softness against her tender skin, not prickly stubble.
    “I’ll see what I can find out when I take her to collect her
things.”
    “The evening went well?” For the first time there was humor
in Declan’s voice. “Did you manage to calm the hellcat down?”
    “It’s rude to kiss and tell.”
    “When has that ever stopped you?”
    “Mating changes things,” Jackson muttered, unexpectedly
ashamed of his numerous sexual exploits. Before Chloe, he hadn’t cared how many
women he had no-strings sex with. Now? It made him feel like an ass.
    “So I’ve heard.” Declan paused. “It’ll take time to ask
questions. Since it’s early I’ll swing by the diner for breakfast. Depending on
what I learn, I’ll work my way through the bars.”
    “Be careful.” The hair on Jackson’s nape rose, alarm making
him wary. “If Gavin finds out you’re sniffing around he’ll want to know why.”
    “I think I can handle it. Check in tonight. Say around
seven?”
    “Sounds good. I’ll keep my phone handy.”
    “Do that.”
    Declan hung up without saying goodbye. The Beta didn’t mince
words but he was one hell of wolf to have at your back. Jackson shut off the
phone and walked back inside. He returned the phone to the receiver and looked
around, trying to decide if he wanted to cook breakfast for his mate or prepare
her