Wolf Betrayed (Talon Pack #4)(41)

Hell, he could even sense Charlotte and Bram more now than he had before. And if he was feeling what they were feeling, he had no idea how they could have held themselves back from him and each other for as long as they had.

They held a true strength. One that he might one day learn himself.

Bram was already shifted, and Charlotte had moved off to the side to do her shift, as well. He was happy with that because he wasn’t sure he could handle her nakedness right now, or allow anyone else to see her either. He didn’t know where all this possessiveness came from, but he had a feeling if he didn’t rein it in, Charlotte would kick his ass. She was no weak wolf.

While Shane tried to get his bearings, his body still weak and his senses on overload, Gideon jogged toward them.

“You bit him?” he asked Bram, who had shifted back to human. Shane knew it took a tremendous amount of energy to do two full shifts back-to-back as Bram had done, and he had no idea how Bram was still awake, let alone standing guard over Charlotte as she shifted.

“It was the only way.” The words came out as a rough growl, and Shane frowned. He slowly toddled his way over to Bram’s side, leaning his new body along Bram’s legs.

Bram looked down, his brows high, and ran a hand over Shane’s head. The feeling of Bram’s fingers through his fur was intoxicating. He leaned harder but moved his gaze toward Gideon. He didn’t know if Bram was supposed to do what he’d done, and from the way Walker had freaked, it had been unusual for sure. Bram had saved his life, though, and he was Shane’s mate, something he was still getting used to. He didn’t want Bram to be in trouble for what had happened.

Gideon held up his hands. “I’m glad you were able to do it. Our Packs are changing, Bram. There are stronger wolves out there now than there were before. Kade and I knew that and have been prepared for this. I don’t think anyone is at your level yet where they can change other wolves, but they could be soon. And when that happens, our laws will have to evolve much like you guys are. It’s okay. I promise. Kade and I knew you were stronger than you let on. Just breathe.”

Bram seemed to relax, and Shane tried to catch the undercurrents of the conversation but failed. It was all a little too much on his system right then.

Gideon looked down at Shane. “You’re still Talon, and one hell of a big wolf. Welcome to the Pack.” He grinned then, and Shane met the other man’s eyes before lowering them. His wolf didn’t want to antagonize, and Shane knew he’d have to learn more about this new version of himself day by day.

“I didn’t know if Bram biting you would bring you into the Redwoods or not, but I had a feeling you’d stay Talon. You were brought in differently than any other member here, and I have a feeling no matter what happens, you’ll always be Talon.”

Shane tilted his head.

“That means when the mating bond takes place, and the Alphas are ready, Charlotte and I will be Talons, not Redwoods anymore,” Bram explained. “But that’s something we can talk about later. For now, just get used to your new wolf, okay?”

Hell. Apparently, the way he’d become a wolf was going to screw everyone over. Gideon didn’t seem worried about it, but he had a feeling the Alpha was well trained in hiding what he was thinking. There were things going on around him that he didn’t understand, but Shane knew he’d have to figure it out soon.

Gideon knelt down so he was at eye-level with Shane. “I need you to shift back soon. You’re too new as a wolf to stay in this form for long. And because most wolves don’t change immediately after a bite like that, you’re still on a different path than the others. I don’t want you to tire yourself out to the point of pain because you’re so immersed in your new self. So change back. I know Charlotte needs to run and will do so, but then the three of you can rest.”

“I’ll make sure he’s safe,” Bram said. “I’ll lead him through the change if you need to go.”

Gideon raised a brow as he stood. “I see.” The Alpha studied Bram, and Shane wasn’t sure he liked it. “If you become Talon, you might be my lieutenant from the strength of your wolf. Are you ready for something like that.”

Bram raised his chin. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

“Sounds like a plan. Call me if you need me, but I have a feeling Shane will be just fine.” He looked down and smiled. “Isn’t that right, soldier?” And with that, Gideon trotted off toward another grouping of wolves that needed their Alpha.

Before Shane could try and figure out how to communicate, Charlotte moved toward them. While she was gorgeous in her human form, her wolf form was just as stunning. Shane wanted to rub against her and mark her as his, but he had a feeling tonight wasn’t the night to do that.

Bram smiled at her, his grin wide, and Shane almost took a step back at the sheer emotion on his face. It was true that these two had known each other far longer than Shane, but one day, he hoped he could find that connection, as well.

He honestly didn’t know how he’d ended up thinking about a future with the two of them, but now that he had, he knew he just needed to dive in full force. There was no use looking back and being fearful when others were counting on you.

“I’ll stay here while he shifts back if you want to go for a run.”

Charlotte gave a slight nod before walking up to Shane’s side. She slid her body against his before nipping at his ear. Before he could figure out how to respond, she rubbed along Bram’s legs and licked his fingers when he reached out to pet her.