Free Snowdonia 1 - Wolf at the Door by Sofia Grey Page B

cottage.
    Jake strode across to meet him. “This what you want, Cuz?” Sasha held out three of Jake’s prized wooden carvings: the figures of Sasha, Tammy, and Henry. “So you’ve finally met someone? That’s kinda sweet, apart from the whole borrowing her clothes routine.” He winked and pretended to stagger back when Jake punched him on the shoulder. “Man, I’m glad your aim is off. Does she have a name, your girl?”
    “Her name is Lillian, but everyone calls her Ella.” Jake had already written a note for her, with several of his contact numbers, his address, and he was now in the process of wrapping the note around the figurines when another car swept up the track and parked close to the cottage.
    “That was the car she left in.” Jake gave his parcel to Sasha, along with the Asshole’s laptop “I’m going to shift. Wait here for me.” He darted into the trees and seconds later watched in wolf form as a heavyset man walked up to the VW. He could tell from Sasha’s puzzled expression that his cousin had no idea what was going on, but Jake had to trust him.
    “Hey,” called the man as he approached. “We’re looking for a big dog, might answer to the name of Wolfie. Have you seen him?” She’s sent them back to look for me . This was even better than he dared hope. He trotted out from the cover of the trees and sat by Sasha’s feet.
    “Uh, yeah. Is this the dog you’re looking for?” Sasha grinned. “He’s a bit mangy and I’m pretty sure he has fleas.” Jake growled a low warning but Sash ignored it. “Who wants him? Is he in trouble?”
    The bruiser smiled, making him look far more approachable. “My employer was looking after him and he ran off. She asked me to see if I could find him.” He crouched and held out a hand to Jake. “Here, boy. Let me take you to Ella.”
    Jake was about to go to him when Sash dug his fingers into his ruff. “I can bring him in my car. No offense, mate, but I’d like to hand him over myself. Is there any kind of reward?”
    The man looked resigned as though he was asked that question on a regular basis. “I’m sure Ms. Hart will be able to sort something out for you. Now can you please load up the dog and follow me; she’s very keen to have him back.”
    Jake stretched out on the backseat of the Subaru, every sense tingling with excitement. She’d been worried about him. She wanted to have him back. Granted, she thought he was a dog, but still. It was time to tell her the truth. He was so pleased that he didn’t pay attention to Sasha at first.
    “ Cuz . This girl of yours, Lillian. Don’t tell me she has bright red hair and a voice like an angel.” Jake lifted his head and stared at his cousin. Sasha snorted with laughter. “Man, you have gone sappy in your old age. You’ve fallen for Ella Hart. You and half the frickin’ nation.”
    Taking a gamble that nobody would see him, Jake shifted back to human form. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
    The look Sasha flashed him was actually sympathetic. “She’s the hottest pop star since Madonna. I’m gonna break it to you gently, Cuz. You have less than nothing in common. There’s more chance of you walking on the moon than claiming her as your Mate. And she’s human. Don’t you need to mate with a wolf?”
    “Wolves mate with humans. Sometimes.”
    “Not when they’re Pack Leader. And the last of their bloodline.”
    Why did it have to be Sasha that pointed out the ugly truth? Sasha, who didn’t have a responsible bone in his body. If Jake didn’t produce a full-blood heir, the next Pack Leader might be the first non-Bledri in hundreds of years. Any human-shifter offspring would be half-blood. They might not even be able to shift.
    The weight of responsibility lay heavy on his shoulders, but his need for Lillian was greater. He shifted back to wolf. The conversation was over.

    Chapter 24
    Lillian paced her hotel bedroom, unable to rest. Bryce had found Wolfie. She needed to