Page 42 of The Reluctant Alpha

Emery smiled slightly. "Since when do you let anyone tell you what to do?"

I couldn't help but return his smile. "Fair point."

"Go talk to him," Emery urged. "He's probably with his bears on the training ground. You'll be able to see him from just past the pack circle, and don't object when you're escorted there. Just...be patient with him, okay? This isn't easy for him."

I nodded, determination settling in my chest. "Thanks, Em."

"What are best friends for?" He pushed me toward the door. "Go get your man."

But was he mine?

I found Bayer exactly where Emery had predicted, thanked my wolf escort, and watched him as his bears, all powerfully built men and women with the same intense focus as their alpha—ran through combat drills. He didn't turn as I approached, though I knew he'd heard me, or smelled me, whatever. I could tell by the slight stiffening of his shoulders.

"Now isn't a good time, Danny," he said without turning around.

"Too bad," I replied, coming to stand beside him. "Because we need to talk."

His jaw tightened, but he kept his eyes on his bears. "I'm busy."

"Bullshit." I moved to stand directly in front of him, forcing him to either look at me or physically move me aside. "You're avoiding me."

Bayer sighed, finally meeting my gaze. The wariness in his eyes caught me off guard. "I'm not avoiding you. I'm doing what needs to be done."

"And what's that, exactly? Pretending last night didn't happen?"

"Danny..." There was a warning in his voice, his eyes flicking to the bears who, while appearing focused on their training, were undoubtedly listening to every word.

"Fine," I conceded. "Let's go somewhere more private."

To my surprise, he nodded, calling out instructions to one of the females before leading me just far enough away so we couldn't be heard, but we were still in sight of the patrolling gammas. Once we were out of shifter earshot, I expected him to speak, but he just stood there, arms crossed over his chest, expression closed off.

"So," I prompted, "are you going to tell me what's going on?"

"Nothing's going on," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "I'm doing my job as alpha."

"Your job includes shutting me out?"

A muscle ticked in his jaw. "My job includes keeping everyone safe."

"Even if it means pushing away the people who care about you?"

"Especially then." The words were so quiet I almost missed them.

I stepped closer, frustration building in my chest. "That's what this is about, isn't it? You're pushing me away because you think it'll keep me safe."

Bayer's eyes darkened. "It's not that simple."

"Actually, it is that simple," I countered. "You're scared. The silver-skins said this revenant is coming for you and anyone connected to you, so you're trying to disconnect from me."

"You don't understand—"

"Then explain it to me!" I threw my hands up in exasperation. "Help me understand why you can sleep with me one night and then act like I don't exist the next day."

Bayer's expression hardened. "It's not about last night. It's about keeping you alive."

"Oh, so now it's about keeping me alive? That's rich coming from the guy who's planning to offer himself up as bait!" My voice rose despite my efforts to control it. "You think I don't see what you're doing? You're isolating yourself, preparing for some grand self-sacrifice that nobody asked for!"

"You don't know what this revenant is capable of," Bayer growled, his eyes flashing with something dangerous. "I've seen what silver-skins can do. A revenant is worse."