Grace of a Wolf (by Lenaleia) novel Chapter 202

202 Grace: Intruder Alert

“Now,” I repeat, my voice dropping to that deadly serious tone I’ve learned makes even the most stubborn child comply.

Then, slowly, I peek out the side of the blinds to see who’s at our door.

Okay, my excuse makes me sound like I’m twelve instead of a solid eighteen, but give me a break, here. I’m running on fumes and the vague memory of energy.

“Your trust isn’t my concern.”

“Yeah, Grace is real short. I’m gonna be taller than her soon. Probably next week.”

Sara delivers a swift elbow to his ribs, making him yelp. “Read the room!” she whispers fiercely. “She’s going to kill him with the frying pan.”

“It isn’t a special frying pan, you dingus.”

Standing on the metal steps of the camper is a Lycan. Not just any Lycan–one of the ones who was here earlier, with the scarred face and permanent scowl. He doesn’t like me, and he doesn’t approve of the kids.

Reasonable Ron strikes again, but somehow he’s more irritating than the other two.

Her little brother rubs at his chest, looking thoroughly offended and also unimpressed. “Yeah, well, it isn’t Rapunzel’s frying pan, so I don’t think it’s going to work.”

Seriously, though, who gave him permission to use my first name? We’re strangers. He should at least call me “Miss Harper“.

My head throbs even harder. “No, thank you.”

“Don’t even think about it,” I warn him. “The Lycan King’s children are in here.” I was mad earlier when Caine claimed the children, but now their identity as his kids is useful. And, since this Lycan was there when the claim happened, he won’t doubt my words.

I grip the frying pan tighter.

“Aren’t you gonna answer it?” Jer asks curiously, still watching me from his spot on the dinette bench.

15-10

202 Grace: Intruder Alert

Ron herds the younger siblings while Bun stares at me from over his shoulder, curiously drooling but strangely silent.

“Still not opening it. What if you’re here to kidnap them? I can’t trust you.”

Sadie continues her manic barking by the door, though the urgency seems different than when I first came rushing back.

Rude.

“If you want to get specific, it’s cast iron. Cast iron is heavy. Whatever Grace is using is just those cheap nonstick pans you get for like, ten dollars.”

Jer snorts. “I know. I’m not a kid. I know things.”

But I don’t think mine works as well, because they retreat with obvious reluctance, shooting glances over their shoulders as they do so.

“No, thank you,” I call through the blinds and window. “We don’t open the door for

strangers.”

Maybe lunch outside in a cool breeze?

“Come on, Grace. Open the door.”

The knock comes again and Sadie launches into another frantic round of guard–barking, making my already pounding head throb harder.

I grip the skillet tighter, my knuckles aching and arms trembling. Partly from

exhaustion, partly from the rush of adrenaline still making its way through my system, and a lot because what the fuck, I am so sick of this insanity and how I don’t get a chance to sit down and relax.

“But-” Jer starts.

“Stop Sarasplaining.”

“And that’s exactly why I’m going to break down this door,” he snaps. “Open the fucking door, human.”

Meanwhile, Sadie’s still fucking barking and this Lycan idiot is still at the door and- My eyebrows rocket toward my hairline.

202 Grace: Intruder Alert

2

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify