Trusting the Wolf: A Spinoff of The Warrior Series

By Brooke Campbell

Seven years ago Mac was forced to leave behind her mate, Kate. Now she’s come home and Mac is determined to win back her love.

Mac's hidden life, however, makes things complicated. Secretly protecting Kate in her wolf form, she desperately tries to rebuild their bond. Mac will need to navigate her two lives carefully, if she's to rekindle their relationship.

Their journey takes a dangerous turn when Kate becomes a target, forcing Mac to confront her own fears and secrets. Grappling with threats both internal and external, Kate must decide whether she wants to embrace the extraordinary world Mac belongs to.

A spinoff in Brooke Campbell's The Warrior Series, TRUSTING THE WOLF is a captivating story of love, trust, and overcoming adversity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Next Chapter
• Release date: Nov 23, 2023

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Glaring at the lines of code he just completed, he rolled his chair back. Even the satisfaction of seeing the program did nothing to soothe the seething rage that had grown ever hotter since that day he watched helplessly as sworn enemies destroyed his nest. His brethren. The female promised to him since her birth, and the three others he regularly took his pleasure in. Gone. All gone.

Of course, that day he was going to follow the dozen or so bloodsuckers and overgrown mongrels down into the caves. Launch an attack from behind they’d never see coming. Until an explosion of brightness the likes of which he’d never seen brought him up short. Like a tiny sun bursting onto the ground. In stunned stillness, he watched a royal come around the abandoned hotel. A royal with his enemies!

But such a fae, such a royal he’d never seen before. Such brilliance, such color. As if his grandmother suddenly spoke her long-ago tales to life. He’d assumed the ancient fae’s stories were fantasy for children until that moment he witnessed the living royal’s pure un-glamoured beauty for himself. Faced with the stunning embodiment of all his race had lost, watching the worst possible betrayal, right then and there he vowed vengeance.

Vampire. Wolf shifters. That royal. Working together! Growling, he clutched at the desk until the wood crumbled in his hands. He would do anything, anything to exact his punishment. Still, had the dried-up, ancient Roman vampire’s need for revenge not equaled his own, he would never have accepted the help of one of those abhorrent blood guzzlers. But it was worth enduring even her to ensure they would pay. Smirking, he refocused on his monitor and the virus ready to launch. Yes, those scum would pay. He’d see to that. And they would never see him coming.

1

Gravel grinds and pops under Mac’s tread as she slowly backs down the driveway. It’s a beautiful Sunday morning—birds lively, clear skies, not yet humid. But she doesn’t take any of it in. She’s fixed on a blue Civic Coupe parked beside the house, that hasn’t been around here for a long time. Not since Christmas in fact. But this is no holiday. It’s just a normal late summer Sunday. Hell, Kate’s parents aren’t even home. Mr. Browne is smack in the middle of a long-haul and won’t be aiming his rig back this way until Tuesday at the earliest. And the grapevine says Mrs. Browne joined a group of other local women on a gambling and shopping trip to Atlantic City for a long weekend.

Mac’s heart pounds as she rolls to a stop beside the vehicle. Kate’s vehicle. Her palms slicken against the steering wheel. Is it possible? She’s been too afraid to believe the gossip. It doesn’t matter that her Uncle Al told her – and she’s never known the tough old Alpha to outright lie. It doesn’t matter that all her Aunt Lyla has talked of for weeks is having so much free time to play with the pack puppies.

And even seeing the car here doesn’t mean Kate’s really come back home. To work for them. To live here. To…

Suddenly Mac can’t wait another second. She needs to know. She needs to see the woman with her own eyes. Preferably before her crew shows up to work. She lopes up onto the deck, wincing as groaning warped boards under her work boots remind her why she’s here. The blinds are pulled back, giving an unobstructed view of the cheerful kitchen. Mac’s heart threatens to leap out of her throat. Parched for the sight, she drinks it in.

Damp toffee hair cut to tickle her bare shoulders, swinging around a face Mac sees in her dreams. Sleek tank top skimming over curves she could draw with her eyes closed. Short shorts revealing plenty of smooth shapely runner’s legs her fingers still feel to this day. Dancing around with her arms outstretched, like she doesn’t have a care in the world. Like moving back home makes her as joyful as it could make Mac.

Kate. Mac’s mate. Home.

She blinks, but her eyes don’t lie. Her mate is really here! Mac’s wolf’s attentive excitement fuels her own, and she wants to tear around the yard like a crazed puppy. Craving she’s denied for years washes over her, and her body wavers under its force like an oak in strong wind.

Mac can’t remember the last time she saw Kate’s face relaxed. Thin white cords trail from both ears down her back. Kate steps rhythmically forward and backward in unmistakable Salsa moves, her hips swaying provocatively to music only she can hear. Oh, what Mac wouldn’t give to be doing the Salsa with her mate right now. Hell, to be doing anything with her mate. Anything. Kate moves gracefully around the kitchen, fluid steps never faltering as she grabs a mug and starts fixing up a cup of coffee.

Kate’s just turned to put the half and half away when there’s a thunderous boom behind Mac. The sound comes as no surprise to Mac – part of her attention has been on the crew’s vehicles showing up and the sounds of them beginning to unload. But witnessing Kate jump and drop the half and half sets Mac off. She lets her wolf, Tris, out enough to voice a growling snap of reprimand. The guys tilt their heads and avert their eyes in submission, sneaking guilty looks at the sliding door. Mac knows none of them intended to scare Kate, and they genuinely feel bad, but she won’t take the time to deal with them now. She turns back to the door, afraid the mirage will have disappeared. It wouldn’t be the first time her imagination conjured her mate.

But no. Kate is still there. One of Kate’s hands rests on her heaving chest, the earphones dangling from the other. The whites showing in her eyes prove Kate’s still recovering from the stack of four-by-fours getting dropped onto the deck.

And then the moment Mac imagined – dreaded – prayed for – finally comes. Through the glass door, their eyes meet and hold. Kate’s expressive eyes widen and her cheeks color an attractive pink. She blinks, and her jaw falls open.

Shit, Kate looks good. Better than Mac remembers, if that’s possible. Maturity suits her Katydid, her athletic body softly rounded in all the right places. Her make-up free face is bright, and growing pink, and, fuck, those gorgeous blue eyes. Kate. Came. Home. Mac’s wolf wants to howl the victorious hunt song. Fuck yeah. My mate is back.

Kate blinks, and Mac imagines she hears those even white teeth clack as she snaps her mouth shut. Kate’s eyes dart around at the crew Mac senses shuffling behind her. The fact is, they’re all pleased to see Kate home. Most of them played together as kids, grew up together, teased each other, loved each other.

Shaking her head, Kate grips her mug, takes a deep breath, and moves to the door. Mac jumps to help when Kate sloshes hot coffee on her wrist due to the sliding glass door sticking. Mac’s wolf lifts her head, ears forward as Mac eases the door open.

Mac inhales deeply as a rush of that unique scent she’s missed so terribly washes over her. The blend of citrus, musk and, well, Kate, makes her abdomen clench. Memories flood, and it’s all she can do not to wrap Kate in her arms, bury her nose in that long neck, revel in the salty pheromones on that lightly tanned skin again. Mac’s arms twitch with visceral need, and Tris whines in frustration. Fuck. Me.

Kate steps out onto the deck and takes in the knot of old friends. Oh, my gosh! Jimmy, you goofball! Jimmy nearly knocks the coffee out of her hand when he hugs her, and it seems to break the ice. Oh, wow, is that Kyle? Hi Richie! Steve, you handsome devil! Sean! Bill! Laughing, Kate exchanges warm greetings with the crew, including lots of hugs. But her eyes keep coming back to Mac. When it comes Mac’s turn for a hug though, Kate steps back. Her eyes grow wary again and a crease forms between her brows. What are you…all of you, doing here?

Mac wants to kiss her forehead smooth. She wants to kiss those soft lips. So. Badly. She’s filled with hope she hasn’t felt in more than seven years, and Tris yips in agreement. Kate’s greeting may be lackluster, but her body can’t hide the truth. The tell-tale blush, the racing heart…could her mate still have feelings for her? Maybe. Maybe there’s still a chance to win back Kate’s love.

Hello, Kate. It’s been a long time. You look good.

Kate narrows her eyes. Hi. Yes. Whatever. Now, what are you doing here?

Mac cocks her head and crosses her arms, trying not to smile. Kate’s adorable when she gets riled up. What do you think I’m doing here?

Kate glares with all the ferocity of a royally pissed-off kitten—not all that dangerous but definitely able to cause damage. Lord knows her silence over the years has proven that. Mac rubs the sudden ache in her chest. It’ll be alright, Tris, Mac tells the wolf. Tris sneezes with disbelief. Yeah. Mac’s not quite sure she totally believes herself, either.

She squints at Kate. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, Katydid?

Kate clenches her jaw. Don’t call me Katydid. No. You know, I was just fine until— She shakes her head and sucks in a deep breath. She steps back another pace, putting more space between herself and Mac. It’s all Mac can do not to follow her. Kate shakes her head again, setting the bob swinging, and takes a long drag from her coffee cup. She blows out, ruffling her bangs. I’m sorry. Let me start over. You startled me, and I wasn’t expecting to see—I didn’t know Mom hired Duncan to fix the deck. This weekend.

Mac could watch Kate’s expressive face every minute of every day. When the guys saw you jump, they felt bad for dropping the boards like that. Didn’t mean to scare you. Your mom didn’t tell you she hired us?

Kate’s jaw tightens. How long will this take?

God, Mac thinks. Kate angry is a beautiful sight to behold, with her flashing blue eyes, bright color high on her cheekbones. Mac pulls her attention back as she warms to her second favorite topic. The truth is, this project is long overdue. The foundation is strong, but these boards are mostly rotted out, and the railing isn’t stable any longer. I’ve been after them to fix it for a long time, and I’m glad your folks finally agreed to let us. But the last job threw us late, and this is the first chance we’ve had to start. Your dad asked for an extension of the original footprint, and your mom wants us to add some built-in features. So, my crew and I’ll be here several weekends. That a problem for you?

Kate levels her gaze. Nope. Not a problem at all.

Kate’s abrupt retreat probably would have gone much smoother were it not for the door sticking. Again. Perversely, Mac lets her struggle, just to enjoy the way Kate’s curves jiggle as she wrestles with it. Sure, she’ll fix the door; she already sees what the problem is. But not just yet. That sticking door may prove entertaining a little longer.

Mac’s good mood is infectious, and the crew couldn’t be happier for her. When any of them find their mate, it’s cause for celebration. Pack members are closer than blood, regardless of their family relationships. The bonds they share are special—symbiotic. Having Kate torn away from her was a trauma felt by the entire pack. It’s every wolf’s worst nightmare. Now, they all share the relief of Mac’s hope and relish it.

The crew’s high spirits make the workday go by fast. Typical construction sounds punctuated by laughter prove everyone keeps busy. Mac keeps an eye out for Kate, but it’s pretty obvious she’s avoiding them. She only comes into the kitchen for food or a drink. And she never looks through the glass into the backyard. However, even that can’t ruin Mac’s mood. Nothing can this day. The love of her life is back, and this time, she’ll be damned if she lets anyone fuck it up.

2

Aunt Lyla is a real sweetheart, though Mac’s seen her on the hunt and you couldn’t pay her to fight that wolf. So Mac works hard to stay on the Alpha female’s best side. On the other hand, her Uncle Al, well, he wasn’t voted Alpha out of popularity. He can be pretty damn intimidating on a good day. So, Mac decided to leave Kate alone for her first day of training to take over Duncan Construction’s office. Aside from beginning the overnight watch, that is. Starting Sunday, Mac set up in the field behind Kate’s house, beyond the circle of the porch light, to guard her mate while Kate’s parents are away. Steve and Jimmy pitch in without Mac asking, each taking turns for a few hours each night, so they all get a little sleep.

Turned out to be a good thing Mac didn’t show up to the office yesterday, since her generous aunt sent Kate home early to take care of her driver’s license and other stuff related to moving back. It was all Mac could do to not show up first thing this morning. Come lunchtime, the guys had had enough and though she’s crew chief, they ordered her not to come back to the worksite until she’d laid eyes on her mate. Smart crew. Mac wasn’t trying to be an ass, but it had been two days. After years apart, every second is now precious.

Her aunt’s eyes sparkle when she glances up at the sound of the door. Why, Mac! What brings you here? How’s the job coming along?

Hey Auntie. Her light teasing welcome further lifts Mac’s spirits. The moment she walked in, Tris stood at attention, her tail waving, as Mac got a nose full of Kate’s delicate vanilla and gardenia perfume. The same on Kate got from a rich cousin on her sixteen birthday. The same one Kate put on every time they had a date. She still wears it. Mac wonders if it reminds Kate of the mulberry grove the way it does her. She mentally shakes her head to focus. Ahead of schedule. That’s why I came in. We need to move up the inspection.

Oh, good. All right, I’ll have Kate put in a call this afternoon, then let you know when you can expect him.

Mac was hoping to talk to Kate herself. She nods and tries to hide her disappointment. If she doesn’t see her mate soon, she’ll chew roofing nails. That’s fine, thanks.

Her aunt winks at her. She should know by now, there’s no hiding from the Alpha’s mate. I tell you what, why don’t you duck your head back there, and tell Kate about it? After all, you’ll be working with her, not me, soon enough.

Mac bites her lips to stop Tris’ happy bark. Lyla’s eyes twinkle anyway. That’s a great idea, Aunt Lyla. I think I will.

Kate sets down her sandwich as Mac steps into the break room. The sight of her dries out Mac’s mouth and makes her heart pound. Holy shit. The delicate peach silk shell sets off her skin and caresses Kate’s curves. Suspended from a golden box chain, a sun pendant nestles in the hollow of her neck. Tiny crescent moons dangle from her ears. Mac’s body reacts even before she takes in another deep breath of her alluring scent.

Kate straightens her spine and pastes a professional smile on her face. Shit. Even all buttoned up her mate is hot. Mac tries to contain herself in light of Kate’s obvious discomfort.

What can I do for you, Mac?

Really? She could have a blast with that innuendo. Instead, Mac hides her amusement and tries to act her age. She points a thumb over her shoulder. Don’t know what you were able to hear in there, but the house at 315 Pine is gonna be ready for inspection a few days early. Need you to call and move him up if you can.

Oh, of course. Kate stands up, granting Mac a full view of the entire outfit. She notes with pride how Kate maintains her composure under the hot scrutiny. But Mac nearly drools as her eyes trace the outline the slim knee-flirting skirt gives. Dragging her eyes back up, there isn’t a thing Mac can do about the foolish grin she feels splitting her face.

Kate clears her throat. Ah, I can call now if it’s a rush. I mean, they might be busy.

Mac smiles at that, not unkindly. You’ve been in the big city too long. Sit. Enjoy your lunch hour. It can wait. They aren’t ever that busy.

Kate nods, and the first genuine smile Mac’s seen lifts her cheeks. Oh, that’s right. I guess I have. Okay. Great. I’ll take care of it. Their gazes lock. Kate’s smile dims, and Mac feels it like a punch in the gut. But when Kate doesn’t break eye contact, she accepts that as a good sign.

Oh, before I forget—my cousin Rich opened up a gym at Main and 7 th Avenue. All Duncan employees get in free. S’posed to rain the rest of the week. He’s got a half dozen treadmills that aren’t used at that time in the morning.

Kate’s face lights up. Really? That would be great. I don’t mind drizzle, but I hate—

Running in the rain. Yeah. I remember.

Their eyes meet again, and for the briefest moment, the couple shares happy memories. Then Kate’s brow furrows, and she drops her gaze. Yet goosebumps scatter across Kate’s arms, and Mac hears the pounding of her mate’s heart. Kate cares. She has to still care.

The next morning, swarming hornets couldn’t keep Mac away from the gym. She arrives just before Kate, nodding at Debbie behind the desk and heading over to start lifting weights. When her girl comes in with her hair in a short ponytail, Mac watches jealously as she enthusiastically greets her old friend. Debbie gives her a little tour, then heads back to the desk. A few minutes later, Kate comes out of the locker room and beelines for the treadmills. While Mac finishes leg reps, she watches Kate’s sexy body limber up. Her foot slips when Kate folds in half with her back to Mac, and her running shorts ride high enough that Mac catches a glimpse of pink lace. She barely catches the weights before they go crashing down. Steve gives her a warning punch, but Jimmy guffaws. Christ. Shaking her head, Mac focuses hard on doing another rep before she moves to arms.

Kate’s running when Mac lifts the warrior ropes. The rhythm of the ropes doesn’t require much focus once she gets them going. So she opens her wolf’s senses to her mate. And she knows without looking the moment Kate notices her. Kate’s steps never falter, but Tris’ senses are too keen to miss the subtle signs of Kate’s attraction. The delicate musk of her pheromones, the sudden leap interrupting her otherwise steady heart rate, welcome signs that Kate still responds to Mac the way she responds to her mate.

Mac intersperses rope reps with squats and leaps. She’s sweaty, and her muscles have a pleasant ache when she finally finishes her workout. Breathing hard, she gives in to her craving. Standing tall, Mac turns to fully face Kate.

She must be nearing the end of her run. Her face is red, and her body glistens with the sheen of sweat. And she’s so sexy Mac’s mouth goes dry again. For a long second, their eyes hold, and somehow, Kate’s cheeks grow even redder. But then she drops her gaze, and the spell is broken. Mac heads to the showers and a long, dusty day of putting up drywall.

Mac stays busy on-site, but finally finds a reason to come to the office again on Thursday. To be honest, she can’t go another day without seeing Kate in one of those sexy skirts that hug her hips and frame that perfectly rounded ass. And those silky tops in a kaleidoscope of colors, and styles that just make Mac want to rub all over her. Even the sensible flats turn her on. Aw fuck. Let’s be real. Kate could wear a sack, and I’d be all over her, she thinks. And unless she’s seriously mistaken, which Tris assures her she isn’t, Kate feels the same.

Mac walks in to find Kate sitting alone at the desk, her gaze intent on the computer screen as she types. Her dark tresses are a sexy mess, like she’s been running her fingers through the chin-length bob. She looks up with an expectant smile, which freezes when she registers who walked in. Disappointed, Mac watches Kate look her over, from the navy fitted company t-shirt to the hip-hugging faded, ripped jeans, dusty and stained. When Kate’s gaze lingers, Mac takes heart, and a covert sniff. Her wolf pants happily, tongue lolling. Oh, yeah. My Katydid still wants me. Where there’s passion, I’ve still got a chance.

Mac. What can I do for you?

Mac wants to respond to the suggestive comment this time, but apparently, the look on her face alerts Kate. Her exasperated expression makes Mac laugh before the words can come out. Again, in spite of herself, she takes the mature road and lets it go. I came by to turn in some receipts. True, she’d had to badger everyone on the crew, but they managed to cough up a half-dozen receipts between them. And she may have even stopped at the hardware store on the way, just so she’d have another to turn in. The guys ribbing her about it were bad enough, but if the Alpha figured out what she was doing, she’d be in trouble. Maybe. But it’s definitely not worth risking. She shoots a nervous look at her uncle’s closed office door.

Oh, okay. Um, I think they go, ah, let’s see.

Mac enjoys watching Kate’s eloquent face while she tries to remember where to keep the receipts, patting down the desk as if the answer is underneath the desk blotter calendar. Mac knows which drawer Aunt Lyla kept them in, but she keeps her mouth shut. It’s sure a fun way to prolong their time together.

Kate shoves a lock of hair behind her ears. Oh, never mind. Just give them to me, and I’ll figure it out eventually. Kate holds out her hand, her eyebrows raised expectantly.

Unable to miss the opportunity to touch her, Mac steps to the desk and takes Kate’s hand. Her heart jumping, she presses the receipts into Kate’s palm. Kate twitches as she struggles not to jerk away from the touch, and Mac holds her gaze, reveling in the feel of touching her. Your skin is so soft.

She watches Kate swallow and suck her bottom lip into her mouth. Mac can’t tear her eyes away from the sight.

Kate lets go of her lip, and jerks her hand free, punishing the receipts with her tight grip. Stop that.

Stop what? Mac is helpless to drop her gaze from Kate’s full lips. Biting the bottom one only served to make it plumper. What she wouldn’t give or do to kiss those lips again, draw them between her own teeth and suck. Fuck me.

Stop looking. At me. Like that.

She grins but doesn’t break her gaze. Like what, exactly?

Kate licks her lips, and Mac feels it low in her abdomen. Don’t – don’t you have somewhere to be?

I can assure you she does. Mac doesn’t know how she missed his office door opening. She was focused on Kate, which means she didn’t sense her uncle.

Kate jerks, and Mac jumps to attention, turning to him but averting her gaze respectfully. Uncle Al. I just stopped in to hand off some receipts before I misplaced them. Mr. Harris checked off Pine this morning. I told him we’ll be ready for Greene Street probably Tuesday, and he said he’d be there Thursday at the latest to inspect it.

That’s what he told me when he called a couple hours ago, but thanks for the update. Mr. Duncan finally tears his gaze away and turns to Kate. Need help with anything?

Kate blushes. Oh, no, sir, Mr. Duncan. All’s fine, thanks.

I imagine it’s all going to be just fine in your very capable hands. Wouldn’t you agree, Mac?

Kate’s look is a little suspicious, but Mac holds her gaze. Absolutely, sir. Kate is more than capable.

Her attention isn’t drawn away even when Alastair tosses over his shoulder, Oh, and Mac, I’ll trust you to spread the word. We’ll meet at 7.

Yes, sir. I’ll make sure everyone knows.

As her sensitive hearing detects a quiet groan, Mac turns back in the doorway in time to catch Kate dropping her head into her hands. Mac expels a sigh. Yeah, my mate. I feel the same way.

Mac pulls onto the job site and sits in her truck for a few minutes trying to pull herself together. It’s impossible to hide from a wolf, but she’d at least like not to announce to the whole crew exactly how stirred up she feels.

God damn. I leave for thirty minutes, and y’all fuck with the music. Turn this Godsmack shit off and put Rush back on. Or Zeppelin. What the hell, man.

Steve grins. What’s the matter, Mac? Your sweetheart get your tighty whities in a wad?

I wear boxers, you cocksucker. Mac had to bite her tongue to stop herself from warning the guys away from Kate. That would be supremely stupid. No self-respecting wolf would be able to stop themselves. It’s in their nature. It doesn’t matter how dominant Mac is in comparison to anyone else. Present a wolf with a challenge, and it’s game on.

Before they knock off for the day, Mac recalls her uncle’s words. Alpha said we meet for the hunt at 7. Spread the word. Don’t be late this time, Doug. I’m not covering for your ass again, man. Be on time or deal with the Alpha your own damn self.

3

Kate rushes home after work. Earlier this afternoon, her mother let her know that they made it home. Kate’s been back a few days now, and she’s excited to see her parents. It’s been months since she visited home, and between her father’s long hauls and her own demanding position at Capital One, they did all their discussions and planning for her move over the phone.

As soon as she parks beside the spotless silver Malibu, Kate can’t get into the house fast enough. Mama! Daddy!

Her father meets her in the living room and lifts her, swinging her around in a circle like she was still a little girl. When he sets her back down, they’re both laughing. Let me look at you. Sweetheart, it sure is wonderful to have you home. Your mother has been excited.

Kate turns to her mother, and they share a long, warm embrace. Her mother lets her go and steps back a pace, lays a palm on Kate’s cheek, her eyes dancing with joy. Our girl is home.

I’m grateful to be here. Thanks for letting me stay so I can save up some money. I really appreciate it.

Kate’s father laughs and drapes his arm around her mother. As if your mother would let you stay any place else until she’s had her fill. She had fun redoing your room, too. I say, whatever it takes to keep my girls happy, that’s what I’ll do. Now, the charcoal is just about ready, so scoot on and change out of that classy outfit, then you can keep me company.

Kate quickly exchanges her work clothes for shorts and a clean t-shirt. She pauses at the sliding glass door. Mama is sitting under the umbrella, sipping tea and fanning herself. She’s smiling at Daddy, who is looking at her like she’s the only woman in the world. Not for the first time, Kate feels a pang of envy for the love her parents still share after decades. The life of a long-haul driver can be hard on a family, but Daddy always made them a priority. Kate wonders if she’ll ever have anyone look at her the way Daddy looks at Mama.

Nope. Mac doesn’t count.

Smothering a sigh, Kate muscles open the door and joins them.

There’s my grill partner. Come on over here and tell me all about work while I burn dinner.

Kate stations herself beside her father at the grill, where she can see her mother, too. She makes funny stories out of her first days of work and all the things she’s still trying to get the hang of. He and Mama laugh and tease, and their unconditional love fills Kate. God, she’s missed this. Missed them.

She came out to her parents when she was thirteen and found herself equally attracted to boys and girls. There were some tense days, but eventually, they came around. Kate knows their