Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf: A Cozy Monster Romance (Monsters of Saltford Bay) by Mary Auclair

Author:Mary Auclair [Auclair, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Deliciously Dangerous Books
Published: 2025-10-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Julia

Wolves.

Dozens of them, surrounding me, watching with unblinking stares that track my every move. The heavy wooden door of the pack house closes behind us with an ominous thud that reverberates through my chest. I feel like I've just stepped into a den of predators.

Technically, that’s exactly what I did.

"Remember," Adrian murmurs close to my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. "You have as much right to be here as anyone. You're my mate."

I squeeze his hand in mine, finding comfort in the solid contact.

"Easy for you to say. You're not the only rabbit in a room full of wolves."

A smile tugs at his lips.

"You're no rabbit, Julia."

The pack house looms around us, a massive structure of ancient pine logs stacked high into vaulted ceilings. Wrought iron chandeliers cast warm dancing light across the gathered crowd, highlighting the mixture of curiosity and judgment on their faces. The air smells of woodsmoke from the enormous stone fireplace, pine, and the distinctive musk that I've come to recognize as werewolf.

The forest-green cocktail dress I borrowed from my wedding emergency kit (because a good planner is always prepared) suddenly feels inadequate, though Adrian's eyes widened appreciatively when I emerged from his bedroom wearing it. He looks devastatingly handsome in his charcoal suit, the fabric stretched taut across his broad shoulders.

Who knew werewolves liked to dress up so much?

As more eyes turn toward us, my fingers fidget with the fabric of my dress. I'm the only human in a sea of Others.

And everyone knows it.

"Adrian." A tall, silver-haired woman approaches, her movements fluid and purposeful. Meredith Wolfsbane is even more intimidating in her element, dressed in a floor-length silver gown that emphasizes her sculptural curves. Her gray-green eyes, so like Adrian's, flick over me with cool assessment.

"Mother." Adrian's voice carries a warning edge as his hand finds my lower back.

"You're late," she says, her gaze still fixed on me. "The alpha has been waiting."

"We're exactly on time."

“Spoken like a true future alpha,” a deep, masculine voice calls from behind and we all turn to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair stalk toward us with a deadly grace.

I need no one to tell me who this is. This is Jeremy Wolfsbane, Adrian’s father and the alpha of the Saltford Bay Pack. He is as impressive-looking as his son, with a chiseled jaw and piercing eyes of a vibrant, cold blue.

The alpha stops just beside his mate and wraps a possessive arm around her shoulders. Meredith's mouth curves into something almost resembling a smile as her cold gaze fixes on me.

And just like that, I decide that Adrian is right. I’m not a rabbit in a room full of wolves. I may not have claws or fangs, but I’m not prey, and they’re about to see it.

"Son, I see you brought your human to us."

I feel Adrian tense beside me, but before he can respond, I extend my hand.

"Julia Schroeder," I say, my voice stronger than I feel. "It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Mr.

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