Cedric grinned, quite satisfied with the way the conversation had turned out. I was torn with whether he was trying to force Dia to consider forgiveness or chastise Joel for a bad decision. Really, it could have gone either way.

When Joel and I climbed the stairs after our nightly run, I was glad to see the bedroom. This day had been stressful and annoying. If anyone came to our door tonight I was tempted to pretend we weren't home.

"Cedric is...," I whispered to Joel when we curled up together under the blankets. I couldn't find the word to describe him.

"A good Alpha," Joel chuckled, "always in control...