Chapter 221 – Adoption

“You can’t be serious,” James stared at Roger in shock, disbelief etched on his face.

“It’s a possibility we must consider,” the new Beta replied gently. “Trust me, no one wants it to be true.”

“Are you suggesting I might be responsible for bringing the wolves who attacked the Alpha’s convoy to this continent?” James clarified, wanting to know if the Alpha’s concerns about Damon hiding spies among the refugees were hypothetical or based on something more concrete.

“We don’t know for sure,” Roger replied carefully. “But you said yourself it was only a matter of time before Damon’s forces found the coastal meeting point. It’s grown too large to remain hidden.”

“I did, but I was more concerned with increasing evacuations to save as many as possible before he struck,” James answered, wondering if he was somehow at fault. He’d never viewed the fleeing masses clamoring for a place on his plane as a threat; he’d only wanted to help. Moreover, he considered it dangerous to view them as a security risk. But considering the hundreds of flights—a blur in his memory—he couldn’t rule out having missed something or someone. “Have you checked the camp’s registration lists?”

“For what, exactly?” Roger asked, rubbing his jaw. “A spy is unlikely to write ‘hail Damon’ on their entry forms.”

“Almost all the refugees are women and children; the only men fleeing have families to protect,” James explained, thinking aloud. “The rest are staying to join the resistance. I can’t recall any single men boarding my flights, but if any are registered at the camp, they’d be my prime suspects.”

“And if the spies are women?” Roger countered, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s not impossible, but when has Damon ever hired she-wolves for anything but sex work?” James shrugged. “Knowing him, he’d laugh at the idea of a woman spy.”

“You may have a point,” Roger conceded, making a mental note to review the registration records.

“What do you suggest for security in the meantime?” James probed, wondering if the Beta would suggest screening at the coast.

Roger easily read the other wolf’s expression. “How bad is it at the pickup point?”

James raised an eyebrow. “How are you with planes?”

“As long as I don’t have to fly one, I’ll be fine,” Roger reasoned, already guessing James’s suggestion.

James smiled. “Then come and see for yourself. I could tell you, but it wouldn’t be the same. And if you’re going to advise Dominic, you need firsthand experience.”

“Then I’m your copilot,” Roger agreed. “When do we leave?”

“Five a.m.,” James glanced toward the door, no doubt thinking of his next destination. “I have a visit to make in the meantime.”

“Uh-huh,” the Beta grinned. “A certain she-wolf with legs for days and a vicious growl?”

James laughed. “Something like that.”

A short time later, he strode into the nursery. Pups raced to greet him, and though he enjoyed their happy faces—especially after witnessing their initial fear and sorrow—his eyes were only for the alluring she-wolf watching over them. His gaze fixed on her like a magnet, straying only when he noticed her arms were empty. He quickly spotted a sleeping infant in a nearby crib and, his heart swelling, returned his gaze to the willowy beauty at the back of the room.

As the pups’ self-appointed guardian angel, Isabel sensed a new wolf's presence, but for once she didn’t look up. James knew she recognized him by scent and the children's moods. She refused to look at him, but the hardened soldier only grinned.

He approached, inhaling her scent and relishing the surge of excitement in her blood. Silly mate, who does she think she’s fooling? His wolf purred, amused by her cold shoulder.

She needs time, James reminded himself, reveling in the lift of his spirits at the sight of her. Her heart quickened as he neared, its rhythm mirroring the steady beat in his chest. “Hello, Isabel,” he greeted her, stopping until they were almost touching.

Isabel jolted, unprepared for the sound of his deep voice so close. Her bright gaze flickered up before retreating. “Hello,” she answered, turning and busying herself folding laundry.

A lock of auburn hair had escaped her messy bun, trailing along her neck—tempting him. He caught the silken strands between his thumb and forefinger, toying with them.

Goosebumps rose on Isabel’s neck. He was tempted to kiss her, but instead, he simply let her feel his warm breath against her skin. “How’s our girl doing today?”

“She’s perfect, as usual,” Isabel replied flatly, trying to suppress a shiver as his other hand grazed her waist. Apart from a single kiss during her turmoil over adopting Sadie, James hadn’t pressured Isabel. He’d managed a cuddle now and then, but romantically, he was determined to let her come to him.

He deliberately brushed against her as he moved to Sadie's crib, an incandescent smile lighting his features as he looked at the sleeping infant. Sadie slept soundly, limbs splayed, a peaceful expression on her face. He couldn't resist reaching for her, despite Isabel's sharp whisper, “What are you doing! You’ll wake her!”

“Oh, ye of little faith,” he murmured, lifting the sleeping child. Sadie didn’t stir, and James rocked her, wondering if any pup had ever looked so sweet.

Isabel huffed but moved closer. “You’re lucky. You should never risk waking a sleeping baby—no matter how cute.”

“But no baby has ever been this cute,” James declared, kissing Sadie’s head. “I’d have to be a monster to resist her.”

“Every baby is this cute when you love them,” Isabel corrected, sounding distant despite her proximity.

James searched her face, seeing the love and longing in her blue eyes. Cradling Sadie in one arm, he reached for Isabel with the other, sliding his hand around her waist. “And you? How are you doing today, little wolf?”

“Fine,” Isabel replied curtly, squirming slightly. When James continued to stare, she added, “You shouldn’t look at me like that.”

“Why not? I’ve had a wretched day. All I want is to hold my Sadie bug and look at you,” he confessed, smirking. “Well, that’s not all I want to do, but I have a feeling it’s all you’ll let me get away with.”

Isabel narrowed her eyes but leaned into his warmth. “Why has your day been so hard?”

“Just packing stuff. Things I don’t want to think about right now,” he revealed, dropping his head to her neck and breathing in her scent. The tension in his stomach eased as her fragrance washed over him, making his conversation with Roger feel distant.

“Well, if you want to think about something else,” Isabel began hesitantly, sounding unusually nervous. James raised his head at her shaky tone, and her courage faltered. She pulled away, wringing her hands.

She’d considered her upcoming question repeatedly. Each time she convinced herself it was inappropriate, her inner wolf protested. The stubborn creature insisted it was right, regardless. The canine was certain James would agree, but Isabel wasn't sure or perhaps she was afraid he would agree, and unsure what that meant for them.

Throwing aside her doubts, she forced out the words, avoiding his intense gaze. “I’ve decided it’s time for me to truly claim Sadie as my daughter… and I thought you might like to do the same?”