Chapter 16

• 'Alpha benefits,' says Chelsey. I can hear everyone, in whatever form they take, but it's more powerful with you because we're mated. I smile, remembering that we are indeed mated, and instinctively reach for my neck, where my mark is, tingling as I run my fingers across it. Just before we enter the pack house, there's an older man sitting in the patio with a younger man lying on the floor in front of him; I'm concerned for a moment until I realize the older man is holding traditional tattooing equipment. His one hand holds a small stick, and his other holds another, but this one has a small needle attached to one end, which he quickly taps into the skin of the younger wolf.
• "Gustos." Cain lets me go for a moment and crouches down to admire the older man's work.
• "Will you be seeing me again soon, Alpha?" Gustos inquires, but instead of looking at Cain, he gazes at me. His softly wrinkled face and salt and pepper hair are surprisingly warm, and despite his dark almost black eyes, he appears genuinely friendly. Cain looks over his shoulder at me and smiles before returning his gaze.