Sam smiled but quickly tried to wipe the look from her face. “I’m sorry, I just never thought you’d be jealous.”
“You are my mate…”
“Yes, and wolves mate for life.” Sam stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Nafarius’ waist. “I love you and no matter who shows up from my past that isn’t going to change.”
Nafarius looked down at her. “Are you expecting any more company that I should be aware of?”
Sam laughed. “No, I’m surprised that Alex was able to find me. It’s only a hoax that he figured out that the research on Wolf Lake was personal and not part of my thesis.”
“I want you to get whatever information he has back from him.”
“I will; I’ll talk to him later tonight or tomorrow and find out everything he knows.” Sam turned and urged Nafarius out towards the common area. “I’ll make sure that there isn’t any threat from outside.”
“I won’t let anything threaten my pack.” Nafarius growled and fought the urge to simply kill the human. He understood Sam’s feelings towards the man but she was no longer human. Her first loyalty was to the pack and if that meant killing the human then that was what he would do, despite how she felt about it.
Sam seemed to echo his thoughts. “They’re my pack too and I won’t let anything happen to them. Even if it means destroying Alex.” The last was added in a whisper.
Just then Maddie walked up and offered Sam and Nafarius a bowl of rich stew. It was thick with meat, vegetables and broth. Steam rose from the bowl and reminded Sam just how hungry she was. Taking the bowl, Sam motioned to Maddie. “Take a bowl of stew and some bread to Alex.” Feeling Nafarius stiffen beside her, she added, “Make sure one of the guards accompanies you inside.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Maddie turned and went to fill another bowl. After break off a chunk of bread and filling a bottle with water she left. Sam and Nafarius weren’t the only ones that noticed her departure and noted her destination.
Riley watched through narrow eyes as the young woman made her way to the back of the cave. Obviously upset, he turned and made his way over to where Sam and Nafarius were taking their meal. “I can’t believe you would send her to deal with the human.” The emphasis he put on the last word made it clear how he felt about that particular breed of animal.
Nafarius and looked up and glared. “It is not for you to question either myself or my mate.”
Riley saw the warning in his leader’s eyes but he cared too much to back down. Turning to Sam he said, “You of all people should know how innocent and nieve Maddie is, how could you send her in there?”
Sam wasn’t offended. Riley was new to the pack having come with Natasha and the others. He was young and handsome and he had no trouble blending in with the rest of the pack. He was smart and a good hunter and Sam predicted that he would go far within the pack. But she also noted that Riley had been watching Maddie ever since his arrival. It was a match she was more then willing to support and encourage therefore she was willing to overlook his disrespectful tone…to a point. “Riley, I sent one of the guards along with Maddie but if it would make you feel better you can accompany her in the future.”
Riley, somewhat chargin by the understanding tone of Sam’s voice, bowed slightly at the waist. “I would appreciate that.”
Nafarius watched him walk away. “I’m surprised. I didn’t think he would want anything to do with the human.”
Sam smiled. “He doesn’t, it’s Maddie he’s interested in.”
Nafarius couldn’t hide his surprise. “Our Maddie?”
“Yes, you didn’t think she’d stay with us forever?” Seeing Nafarius’ face go dark she added, “It is a good match. Riley is dominant enough to protect her and its obvious that he cares about her. I would see Maddie well and truly settled.”
“I’ve grown rather fond of her.” Nafarius had come to enjoy the young woman’s company. At first he had been uncomfortable around some one so submissive and eager to please. He was use to dealing with men and women constantly vying for a new position within the pack. Maddie had none of those desires. She was happy to serves her leader and her mistress. After a while he’d become accustom to seeing her in their alcove, in their sleeping furs and at their hearth. Despite her shy nature, Maddie was extremely intelligent and they had spent many nights conversing on a variety of topics. And he had to admit that he enjoyed the added pleasure she brought to him and Sam. It would be hard to let her go but like Sam he’d come to care for her enough that he would see her well matched. That brought him to Riley.
Nafarius was only mildly acquainted with the young man. Natasha had brought with her several new pack members and he had yet to get to know them all. Riley was well established with the other pack members and Nafarius hadn’t encountered any trouble from him. He was a good hunter and always took his turn patrolling the surrounding area. He was of a similar age to Maddie and obviously cared about her safety. However, he wasn’t yet ready to give his blessing. He would take the next few days and watch Riley to see what else he could discern.
Meanwhile Maddie slipped into the small alcove situated at the back of the cave. Despite Sam’s words of warning she entered alone. With a shy smile at the human she held out her hand.
Alex looked at the young woman but he didn’t move to take the bowl from her hand. Even from his position on the floor he could tell she was small. Petite with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes, her small cherub face nearly stole his breath away. So caught up in her beauty, Alex missed what she was saying. “I’m sorry?”
“Sam asked that I bring you something to eat. It’s rabbit stew with garden vegetables. I made it myself along with the fresh bread.” Maddie shifted slightly under his intense gaze. Her own curiosity with humans was what drove her to enter unaccompanied. She’d been just as curious about Sam but this was the first male human she’d ever seen and there was something about him that reached out to her.