His Perfect Mate [Nehalem Pack 6] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) by AJ Jarrett (if you give a mouse a cookie read aloud txt) 📕

Jake glanced back at his mate. Carl’s jaw was clenched tight and his eyes were narrowed as if he were indeed ready to fight. Seth’s words must have done the trick. His mate’s nostrils began to flare as he took deep rapid breaths.

“You okay?” He stepped up close to Carl.

It took a moment before Carl acknowledged he was even there. With a start he jerked his eyes toward Jake. “I will be. Seth’s right. I can’t let myself be the victim anymore. It’s my turn to make Tobias suffer.”

Damn! Jake wasn’t sure if he was turned on or frightened of this new side to his mate. Seth said the things Carl needed to hear and his mate took them to heart. But either way if things got too dangerous he had full intentions of tying his mate to the nearest tree to keep him out of harm’s way.

“Carl.” Seth waved for him to come to him. “Come draw me a layout of Tobias’s house.” Carl nodded then headed toward him.

“Your little mate is kind of scary when he wants be,” Holden said in a low voice.

“Yeah, tell me about it,” he said to Holden but never took his eyes off of Carl. “But it’s for the best. He needs to be strong for his brother.”

“I agree.” Holden chuckled. “But I have to say I’m more surprised that Seth said what he did. He’s more of the strong, silent type but damn if he isn’t in full fighting mode. If I were Tobias I’d be afraid.”

“That bastard should be.” Jake’s fingers began to tingle as his nails lengthened. “If I get the chance I fully intend to rip out his fucking throat.”

“Calm down, Jake.” Holden reached out to touch his shoulder but a menacing growl from Carl had him jerking his hand away. “Jeez, Carl. We’re just friends.” Holden held his hands up in the air. “Fuck kind of, your mate is scary. I think Tobias should be scared of him not us.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Carl’s eyes glowed an eerie blue as he stared over at him. The milky whites swirled with the frosty shade of blue to form a color that Jake would always associate with his mate. “But I hope he doesn’t get the chance. I want him dead so Carl doesn’t have to lay eyes on him again.”

Once Carl and Seth were done constructing a map of the house and outer-lying property they started back on their way. Jake was pleased when Carl slowed his pace and took his hand in his. No words were spoken as they walked side by side. The comfortable silence spoke volumes on how at ease Carl was with him.

“There it is,” Seth whispered two hours later.

They stood hidden behind some trees staring down at Tobias’s house. The white two-story structure seemed out of place. It looked like the houses Jake had seen in neighborhoods in the suburbs. The paint looked fresh and no dirt or debris clung to the house or the surrounding yard. The lawn was bare of flowers and the trees of leaves but it had a nice, manicured appearance. Just by looking at it no one would suspect what took place behind closed doors.

“Talk about fancy,” Holden said.

“He always said an alpha should live like a king,” Carl said bitterly. “And have everything he so deserves.” The grip on Jake’s hand tightened and he tried his best with the gloves covering their hands to caress his thumb over Carl’s knuckles.

“Don’t let him win, baby,” Jake whispered into Carl’s ear. “When this is all over we can burn it to the ground. It won’t erase the past but it will definitely take away the reminder of what has happened here.”

Carl looked at him with eyes he could tell were fighting back tears. He could respect the fact that Carl didn’t want to shed any more tears over this man and what he had done but Jake would also understand if he did cry.

“Get down,” Seth said in a harsh whisper and they all dropped to the ground.

A tall, thin man carrying a duffle bag climbed out of a truck and walked toward the house. He knocked once then a man with shoulder-length black hair opened the door.

“The one who answered the door is Anton. He’s Tobias’s next-in-command,” Carl informed them.

Jake kept his gaze on the house. They lay on the ground for a good twenty minutes but nothing else happened.

“Hey, guys, over here.” Seth stayed on his belly and scooted back until he was out of view of the house. Jake, Carl, and Holden did the same. “Here’s the plan. I’m going to circle around to the back of the property to see what’s going on at the back of the house. Jake and Carl, you guys stay here and Holden move to the area between here and where I’ll be. No matter what no one moves from position, got it?” Jake nodded his agreement. “Good. When night falls we take the house. Carl, are you sure it’s just Tobias and Anton that live in the house?”

“Yes. Anton was the only pack member besides Casper and me allowed to.”

“Do you know who that guy was that pulled up?” Jake asked.

“No.” Carl shook his head. “I’ve never seen him before.”

“Well hopefully he’ll leave soon. I like our odds better with four against two.”

Jake had to agree with the man. Not that he was worried but he liked having the odds in their favor.

Seth headed toward the back of the property and Holden walked over to his position. Jake and Carl stayed where Seth had indicated. Jake propped up on his elbows and rested his face in his hands as he kept watch on the house. Carl lay down beside him and mimicked his position.

“Do you think they are expecting us?” Carl asked.

“Us? No. You? Yes.” Jake thought it to be expected that Tobias knew Carl would return.