Strength of the Pack Read Online Free PDF Page A

leaning over to sign the paperwork in the necessary locations. “Outline your general plan for me.”

    Noah seemed strangely pleased with Lucas’ curiosity. His eyes were deep blue. “We’ll stage at the eastern parking lot an hour before sundown. As everyone shifts, they’ll head out onto the range, which has a wide variety of prey for us to run down. As morning approaches and everyone shifts back, they return to the vehicles, check in with me, and we all head home.”

    Lucas nodded his understanding. “Good plan. I’ll be sure to bring a good book and a large thermos of black coffee.”

    “Sir?” Noah’s brow furrowed.

    Lucas was sure Noah assumed he’d misunderstood, at the same time he was hoping he hadn’t. “I’m sure I’ll nod off a few times, but I’ll do what I can to stay occupied and awake until you all come back,” Lucas explained. He braced himself for the argument he knew was coming.
     
    “There’s no need for you to be there, Lieutenant,” Noah said tensely, his posture rigid as he looked down at Lucas.

    “I’m confident there won’t be any problems, but I want to be there to provide assistance if something does happen to go wrong.” He fisted his hands on his hips, hoping it made him appear larger.
     
    “I’ll be able to handle any problems that might arise.” Noah’s tone was deceptively even.

    “I know that. There’s no question about your level of competence. But I’ll be there to provide you assistance if something doesn’t go right.”

    “This isn’t your responsibility, sir.” Noah’s spine straightened slightly, and he squared his shoulders.

    Lucas could almost feel Noah’s rising agitation like a physical thing. “ You are very much my responsibility, Sergeant. Being the Alpha of a pack this large has to be challenging. I’ll provide you with whatever help and support I’m capable of.”

    There was tension in every line of Noah’s frame. “This isn’t the first run I’ve led,” he persisted, though it seemed half-hearted.

    “I would imagine not,” Lucas said lightly, forcing himself not to look away from those shrewd, piercing eyes. “Is there anything else, Sergeant?”

    “No, sir,” Noah replied stiffly.

    Lucas turned away and sat down in his chair. “Dismissed,” he said with a calm he didn’t feel.
     
    When he could no longer hear the tread of Noah’s boots in the hallway, Lucas released an explosive sigh and let himself relax against the back of his chair.
    § § §
    Lucas pulled his SUV into the parking lot. The sun blazed orange and hung low over the ocean, streaking the sky with shades of red and purple. Lucas estimated it was about forty-five minutes before sunset. There were several vehicles already parked, but Lucas knew there would be many more rolling in.

    Noah was easy to spot, leaning against the spare tire of a Jeep, legs crossed at the ankles. A thrill ran the length of Lucas’ spine as he took the parking place beside the Jeep. Stepping out into the still warm evening, he realized he wouldn’t need the jacket he’d brought.

    “I will admit, Lieutenant,” Noah said by way of greeting, “I didn’t think you’d actually show up.” His eyes were glittering silver.

    “I said I would, Sergeant,” Lucas replied. “Why would you doubt it?”

    “Not a mistake I will make again,” Noah drawled laconically.

    Lucas knew there was more meaning behind that statement than was immediately obvious. He held out the clipboard with the roster of werewolves expected to show tonight. “Do you already have one of these?”

    Noah glanced at the list and back up into Lucas’ eyes. “I won’t need that, sir. But if it makes you feel better to use it as a back-up, by all means.”

    He knew Noah was laughing at him, and Lucas bristled. “You can keep track of exactly who shows up tonight and if they make it back in the morning, without writing anything down?”

    “Yes, sir, I can.” It was a simple statement of fact,