Wolf Claim (Wolves of Willow Bend Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

midwives, whomever was present for the birth, brought the news to the Alpha. He would make plans to visit the families, to meet their newest members and to let them know his scent. It was a promise and a bond tying individual families to the Alpha and thus to each other.
    “It was my honor.” Even she spoke, she scooted forward on the sofa as though intending to rise. “If you will forgive the briefness of my announcement, I am very tired.”
    The weariness clinging to the underside of her words gave Owen pause. He studied her, even as she continued to look at Mason. Shadows darkened the underside of her eyes and fatigue slumped her shoulders.
    “Normally, I’d send you upstairs to get some sleep, but I actually have a matter I need to discuss with you.” Mason stopped her forward motion and she frowned, curiosity filling her expression.
    Owen’s spine stiffened. The urge to interfere and make Mason back off swarmed through him. She’d already said she was tired, so he had no right to ask her for more. Yet, he’d already trod on dangerous ground and their Alpha wouldn’t forgive a second infraction, not in his current mood.
    “Of course.” She agreed so readily, without petty rancor or a glimmer of the frustration Owen experienced. “What can I do for you, Mason?”
    “I’m not sure yet, but you should be aware a request has been made by the Hudson River Alpha, and I’m considering granting it.”
    Locking his jaw, Owen waited.
    “I’m working on all the details, but they have an issue with losing wolves. Several have died over the last few months, through several unrelated incidents. However, their healer didn’t think the events unrelated.” Mason clasped his hands together, his full attention on Gillian and Emma beside her. The celebratory chatter quieted fully. “Their healer just passed away, and Brett wants to believe it was natural causes. His healer was a much older man, considered a grandfather to many within the pack—in fact, that’s what they called him. He was a good man as I’m sure you know.”
    Gillian’s expression crumpled, and Owen wanted to curse. Mason hadn’t even gotten to asking her yet, but Owen knew what she would say.
    “Brett asked me if I could spare a healer to examine him and look into his notes.”
    It didn’t take her longer than a moment to glance at Emma, then back to Mason. “When do you need me to leave?”
    “Soon, perhaps. I will let you know when I have decided, but I would not ask unless you are willing.”
    “Mason.” Gillian reached out and took his hand, her ease with their Alpha apparent. “If they have illness in Hudson River, it could jump packs and we would have it here. But, beyond all that, the death of a healer is brutal on a pack…”
    “I know.” Mason covered her hand with his other one. “Emma agrees that you can handle this, but I can’t promise it won’t be difficult.”
    At the tacit warning, Gillian lifted her chin. “I have no problems with difficult. If I can help, I should go. Emma can take care of Willow Bend without me, and I know the pack would be safe.”
    Her ready agreement threatened to carve out a piece of his soul. Owen pulled his gaze off of her and looked toward Dylan. The other Hunter stood behind Gillian, his expression dark, thoughtful and worried. He didn’t like the idea of her going either.
    Well, that’s something. The next hour passed in a haze of silent fury, Owen said nothing while Mason discussed the possibilities with Gillian and Emma. He promised to give them an answer by the next day, only after he’d spoken to the Hudson River Alpha again. He had questions he wanted answered, or so he said.
    “Very well, I will await your word. Now, if you will forgive me,” Gillian said, and stood. Her weariness echoed in every motion. “I very much would like to find my bed and sleep until tomorrow afternoon.”
    Laughter rippled and Emma caught her hand. “You go ahead. I’ll take care of things and check