“Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t want to risk it.” Grant climbed into his car, Lachlan slipping into the passenger’s side.

“I thought you and the lass were getting along last night—”

“She knows Archibald may have inside knowledge about our father’s death.”

“She can’t mean to question him,” Enrick said, his eyes wide. Now he realized the concern Grant had for the lass.

“We don’t know, Enrick. But what if she did? I’ll keep in touch.” Grant and Lachlan drove out through the gate and down the road to the one the lass and the others took.

He couldn’t believe that Colleen would do this. Or that his people wouldn’t have stopped her before she left. Or that he felt sick to his stomach that she could be in a world of danger.

“He wouldn’t harm her,” Lachlan said as Grant drove way over the speed he normally did. “He needs her if he’s thinking of getting hold of her properties. He can’t force himself on her.”

Grant gave him a cutting look.

“Okay, he could try. But he knows it wouldn’t work. He’s got to encourage her to agree or we’d kill him. Every last one of us would. Saving Ollie was all it took to pull the pack together to get behind her. She’s no longer an outsider, Grant. Our people have accepted her.”

He knew they would. He wondered just what had been said at the meal while he had pleasured the lass last night.

Lachlan pulled a sheet of paper out of his pocket and said to Grant, “Darby initiated this. Every adult man and woman in our clan agreed to sign this. The women did so electronically. Everyone else signed on the paper. And one teen also affixed his signature.”

“Let me guess. Frederick, our new dog obedience trainer.”

Lachlan smiled. “Aye. So if Archibald has any designs on the lass, she has our whole pack at her back. We’re only waiting for one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“For you to tell the clan you and she are mated.” Lachlan gave him another smile. “Ian warned you where this would lead, you know.”

Yeah, he had, and despite Grant trying to tell himself it wouldn’t work, he was already trying to figure out a way to convince the lass it would.

***

Colleen wasn’t sure how long it would take her to reach Argent Castle. Thankfully, Lachlan hadn’t seemed to mind—too much—that she was taking Grant’s car to make the trip. No one had attempted to stop her, change her mind, or escort her there.

After last night and the incredible way Grant had made her feel, she had to know what Julia thought of the situation. Colleen wondered if she had anything to discuss at all—if Grant was pulling back and not interested in anything further to do with her beyond strictly managing the property. Still, Julia was an American wolf and had mated a Highland wolf. She had some insight into their thinking.

She half expected Grant to avoid her today. And she was feeling the same way.

Julia called, and Colleen fumbled to get the phone. “You got the items, right?” Julia asked.

“I did.”

“Good, we’ll have fun playing some games during our ladies’ day out. We’ll have an all-girl themed party, but I’m including a few guy games. Not that the guys are actually included. Just some of their unmentionables. You didn’t get caught, did you?”

Colleen said, “No, and boy, am I glad for that. I can’t imagine what Enrick or Grant would have said, had they caught me in their underwear drawers.”

“They know you’re going to be here, right?”

“Nope. No one asked and I didn’t offer.” Wasn’t that the way it was supposed to be? The owner didn’t have to explain her every move to those who managed and worked her estates. She didn’t think they really cared. And she was fine with that. She wasn’t used to anyone watching every move she made. She needed some space. Especially right about now.

“Hmm,” Julia said, “all right, but I’m certain Grant will be upset that you left without saying…”

“Uh, no. He’s not in charge of me.”

Silence.

“Julia?”

Julia let out her breath. “All right. But I suspect if he didn’t know you were leaving and where you were going…Well, maybe I’m wrong. We’re more than thrilled about your visit. We’ve made all kinds of plans for when you arrive, and the ladies are all in a tither. We’ll do a sleepover, movies, pizza, ice cream, ride horses. You name it, we’ll do it.”

“That sounds like fun.” Though Colleen had never ridden a horse before. “I didn’t mention to anyone that I was going away overnight.” Not when she was in such a rush to leave before having to see Grant, but she hadn’t thought about keeping his car overnight. “I guess I will need to let Grant know I’m going to have his car for longer than anticipated.” She was glad she’d have that much of a reprieve.

“No worries. Ian can give him a call.” Julia sounded much relieved that Grant would be told where Colleen was going.

“Thanks,” Colleen said, not really wanting to talk to him after what happened between them last night.

Not until she had time to think over what they were doing without his indomitable presence. She wasn’t used to dealing with an alpha male like him. She really had to get her emotions under control and quit thinking about him in terms of…well, anything to do with his hot, sexy, kilted or naked body. She had to think of him as if he were her manager wearing a business suit and tie.