As expected, once the pack members came down from the mountain with the witches, sorrow rolled through our ranks. Seeing Tommy’s lifeless wolf form earlier had taken a toll on me and I was glad I hadn’t seen Colin. He was the other shifter we lost. I hadn’t known him well. He had lived with our pack for the last few years and, from what I had heard, was a damn good protector.
I made a promise to myself that once all of this was over, I would try harder to spend more time with our pack and get to know them. I needed to go outside my bubble more often and starting with our pack was the best way. Eventually, I’d have to start socializing with other packs, but… baby steps for me.
I had a rare moment of alone time as I sat in my dad’s office, waiting for him to get done with the families of the fallen shifters. My feet were propped up on the desk with my head tilted back and eyes closed as I attempted to relax. Liam was off with his brothers, working out the details of rescheduling our trip to New York. I was hoping they’d put it off for a few more days. If I wasn’t emotionally ready to meet Liam’s mother before, I was even more of a hot mess now.
Large hands squeezed my shoulders as I recognized the smell of my best friend. Augie leaned over me, kissing the top of my head. “How’s my best girl doing?” he asked.
I opened my eyes as fresh tears obstructed my vision. “I’ve been better.”
Augie picked me up, walked us over to the tan leather couch against the wall, and settled me in his lap. “I’m sorry for what you had to go through today and that I wasn’t there for you. Your dad needed me, but I should have told him you needed me, too.”
I rubbed my thumb across the worry lines forming between his eyes. “August James, you are my best friend. I will always need you. There is no denying that, but when the pack needs you, I understand it’s your duty to be there for them as well. I also have Liam now, so you don’t need to worry about me as often.”
He smiled down at me. “I’m glad you had him today. I saw him knock Rafe off you. I was trying so hard to reach you, but every time I thought we had a handle on Declan, the bastard had a sudden burst of energy.”
“Everyone did exactly what needed to be done today. Like my dad said earlier, we’ll get Declan next time. His resources are slowly drying up. It’s only a matter of time.”
Augie chuckled. “You’re being all grown up and political like your father right now. It’s weird.”
“Shut your face.” I stuck my tongue out at him. “How’s that for grown up?”
“It’s perfect.”
“What’s perfect?” Dad asked as he walked in the room, taking a seat behind his desk. “By the way, doesn’t it bother Liam how close you two are?”
I glanced between Augie and me, realizing how the situation probably appeared. I was cradled in his arms on the couch, but there was nothing more than brother-sister love between us. I’d have to make sure to mention that to Liam again. If he did have an issue with it, then the two of us were going to have big problems. I would not be changing my relationship with Augie for anyone. Even a mate whom I loved.
“Liam understands that Augie is family,” I said.
“Alright, then. Tomorrow, we need to have a pack meeting. I’d like both of you there along with Liam. If he’s staying here, committed to being a part of your life and this pack, then he will be required to play a much bigger role in this pack than protector. We can discuss what that entails later, but for now, just make sure he understands there will be expectations of him.”
I nodded as I slid off Augie’s lap to stand up. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”
“There will be round-the-clock patrols of the property and a curfew for everyone until we stop Declan and those who support him. I don’t trust that they won’t come back, and I refuse to lose any more of my people. Augie, I need you to work with Rick on organizing shifts of no less than ten shifters each. Preferably three rotations, if possible, so we’re not overworking people, but if there’s not enough bodies, then two will have to do.”
Augie stood up as well. “I’ll get on it right now and take first shift tonight with whoever I can get. Tomorrow, we will set a schedule for at least the next couple weeks.”
I groaned. “We better not be at this for weeks.”
“Plan for the worst and hope for the best,” Augie said as he walked out the door to put my dad’s request into motion.
My dad had a look of satisfaction on his face as he watched Augie leave. “I have always seen Augie as nothing more than your best friend. I’m glad Davis brought attention to him. He’s been invaluable to me since I’ve been back.”
“He grew up watching your every move. You didn’t think he was always around just for me, did you?” I teased. “Augie’s meant for great things.”
“As are you. How are you holding up?”
I cleared my throat as I procrastinated answering his question by moving back to the chair in front of his desk. “I’m not going to lie, I’ve been better, but don’t worry about me. I’ve already taken your advice to heart. Liam made sure to talk about it some earlier and it did help. If it gets worse, I’ll come to you, but for now, you have enough on your plate.”
He reached his hand across the desk, squeezing my own. “Sweet Girl, telling me not to worry about you is like asking me to stop breathing. It will never happen. I will never be too busy to be there for you. Plus, most of the time you’ll be right by my side learning everything I know. I’m here for you whenever you need me.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I let out a yawn. “I’m going to head home. It’s been a long day and I don’t see the following days getting any easier. I’ll see you in the morning?”
He stood from his desk, coming around to embrace me. “Of course. I love you, Taya. Forever.”
“I love you, too.”
We held on longer than normal, but nothing about the day had been normal. Minutes later, when we pulled apart, I finally headed home for the day.
Caleb and Aiden were with Liam in the living room, but I only waved as I continued on to our room. I was mentally and physically done with this day and pretending I cared to socialize at this point in time was a lost cause. It just wasn’t going to happen.
I decided another shower would be exactly what I needed to relax before burrowing into bed. I turned the water as hot as it could get before stepping in, enjoying the burn against my skin. My neck was already feeling better, but still tight. My ribs were nowhere near okay yet, but I expected those to take a couple of days.
The marble shower filled with steam as I leaned against the wall with my eyes closed, enjoying the quiet time. Love had made me emotional. I wasn’t used to it and didn’t like the number of tears I’d let loose in the time I’d known Liam. I made a silent vow to rebuild my normal walls that kept all the sappy shit at arm’s length and move forward a stronger person. A future alpha who would be the backbone of the pack.
Strong arms wrapped around me as I was lost in my reverie under the cascading water. I leaned my head back against Liam’s shoulder, soaking in his strength and resolve.
“What are you thinking about?” he whispered in my ear.
“How you’ve made me a big cry baby and I should rethink our relationship.”
His grip tightened on me, almost painfully, but more possessive than anything. “Really? I guess I should show you all the reasons that would be a very bad idea.”
Liam’s tone was dark and sensual, making my whole body shiver in excitement. I decided to keep up the ploy, though, just to see how far I could push him without upsetting his wolf.
“I’m not really all that interested,” I said casually before opening the shower door and stepping out. I peeked back at him, smiling internally at the appalled look on his face. Poor guy wasn’t sure what to make of my current mood. To be honest, neither was I, but anything was better than focusing on all the losses we’d had lately.
I made it just outside the bathroom before Liam swooped me up. I had a towel wrapped around me, but he was soaking wet, completely naked, and so damn sexy. I doubted my resolve would last long if he continued to stare at me with his sexy eyes.
“You shouldn’t walk away from your mate in the middle of a conversation, nor should you say you’re not interested,” he growled into my ear before nipping at me. “It’s not nice.”
I tilted my head away from him and wiggled my way out of his arms. “You know what’s also not nice? You’re worming your way into my heart and making me go all soft. I was a happy, emotionless shifter with little to no responsibilities before you came along.”
“Happy, emotionless shifter, huh?” He smirked. “How can you be happy and emotionless?”
“Whatever. You know what I mean.”
“No, I’m not sure I do. How about you explain it to me with less emotion? Because from where I am standing, your emotions are calling for me and I’m going to come to their aid as soon as you decide to stop being difficult.”
Damn him. He was making my whole plan backfire. I was supposed to be riling him up and there he was, Adonis reincarnated, standing naked and wet before me with the annoying cocky-ass grin I hated to love.
Water rivulets trailed down his abs, leading my eyes further south than I intended. Before I could shake off the stupor he often put me in, he said, “My face is up here, doll face.”
Oh, he was fighting dirty. It was the same thing he’d called me the first time we met, and my mind went stupid, irritation and passion warring within me. Not cool, Liam. Not. Cool.
Deciding I had lost the battle and I might as well take advantage of all that stood in front of me, I dropped my towel and pressed up against him. “What if I’m not interested in your face right now? What if I need something more than that right now?”
I needed something to take my mind off the shitty day we’d had. I couldn’t think of a better way than letting my mate have his way with me, showing me all the other emotions I could feel besides sorrow.
“I’ll always have more to give you. No matter where or when. Whatever I have is yours for the taking. Forever.”
Holy swooning shifters. I was done for. My arms instinctively wrapped around him as his hands reached under my thighs to lift me up. He pinned me against the wall and in one swift motion, demanded entry that had me crying out in pleasure.
I let all of my earlier worries go and gave in to the passion he coerced from me. He made love to me over and over again until we were both finally sated and exhausted much later. Tomorrow would be a new day and I’d worry about getting my emotions in check then. For now, I was content to show Liam exactly how he made me feel.
***
The following morning, we had breakfast at our house before heading over to the pack house. I knew the burial ceremonies would be discussed and planning would begin. I hadn’t been ready for all that just yet. I wanted a little bit longer in our bubble of happiness. Selfish as it may be, I needed it, so I could go out there and be strong for my pack. I couldn’t help them if I didn’t help myself first.
As Liam cooked and I watched from the counter, I asked, “How did things go with your brothers last night?”
“Fine. The flights got pushed two more days. Do you think you’ll still be able to come? With more notice this time, we were able to hire a pilot and get a private plane, so no cramped wolf.” Liam’s grin was adorable. I could see how much he wanted me to go to his family’s pack, and there was no way I could deny him that.
“Of course, I’ll be there. I know my dad expected us to leave anyway, so he shouldn’t mind. Are your brothers anxious to go home? They’ve been gone a lot longer than I am sure any of you thought you’d be.”
Liam laughed. “I was pretty certain you were going to kick us out as soon as we landed in Oregon. I hadn’t expected to be here more than a day, let alone over a month.”
“I wasn’t that bad,” I replied.
“Yes, you were, but that’s what attracted me to you. You didn’t put up with any of my bullshit, and I knew I wasn’t going to get away with much around you. It was intriguing to say the least. Back to your original question, they’re both ready to get home. We all are, actually. I’m ready to talk with my father and make all of this official.”
He finished breakfast and handed me a plate of eggs, fried potatoes, and fruit, but I only took a couple bites, then pushed the rest of the food around my plate. I’d never met another man’s family. I’d never had a motherly figure. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to act around Liam’s family and the uncertainty of it all was driving me insane.
“Food not good?” Liam asked, a few minutes later. His food was almost devoured.
“It’s delicious, just not very hungry.”
“Quit stressing. I can see it on your face. My pack is going to love you and my parents are going to support my decision. I know it.”
Right, it was easy for him to say. He wasn’t the hussy taking the golden child away from the kingdom. I was.
I took a few more bites of food to put him at ease, then plastered a smile on my face in a feeble attempt to prove nothing was wrong. Based upon the eye rolling and head shaking that came my way, I was failing miserably.
We headed toward the pack house and ran into Rick on the way. He was looking worse for the wear, and I was beginning to get really worried about him. The loss of Davis and now Tommy, too. It was a lot for any one person to handle. I had Liam, Augie, and my dad to turn to in times like that, but Davis and Tommy had been those people for Rick. I’d have to talk with my dad and make sure he or someone else from the pack was checking in on Rick. The last thing we needed was for him to go rogue.
Once inside the pack house, we found my dad and Augie arguing in the kitchen. It was interesting to watch, and I stayed back just so I could listen a little longer. They were just like an old married couple already.
“Gerald, that’s not how these things work,” Augie said, exasperated.
“Oh, really? I forgot you would know better than me.” Dad rolled his eyes. “Please, enlighten me on how it’s supposed to work then.”
“You’re supposed to put the milk in before the flour or it will get clumpy.”
I walked the rest of the way into the kitchen where baking supplies were spread everywhere and shook my head. “Enough. You two are acting like old women. It all goes in the same and comes out the same. Who cares what ingredients go in the bowl first, and why isn’t Courtney in here doing this?”
“Your dad thought it would be a good bonding experience for us to cook together,” Augie droned.
“Apparently, I was wrong in my assumptions that since Augie loved food so much, he enjoyed cooking it, too,” my dad added.
“I do enjoy cooking it, but only when it’s cooked right!”
“Dad, how about you go clean up in your room? Augie, you clean up the mess, so that Courtney doesn’t have to. When the two of you are done, how about we sit down and talk about what we’re doing next.”
“Who made you boss?” Augie asked.
My dad gave him a high five. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Seriously? Now you’re going to get along?” They were going to make me grey prematurely.
“Taya, let’s just leave them be,” Liam suggested. “They’ll work it out on their own.”
“Right, because they were doing so well before we arrived.”
I left the room, listening to all three of them snickering behind me. Liam could stay with them. I was done with people already and it wasn’t even ten yet. I walked outside and around the back of the house to go sit on the porch swing. It faced the training fields behind the house, so the view wasn’t anything to write home about, but it was usually either entertaining to watch the other wolves beat the crap out of each other or it was peaceful.
Today, it was quiet while everyone took a day to rest and recharge after yesterday. I sat on the green cushions, pushing off against the deck to get the swing going. Birds flew around in the sky. A mixture of ravens and crows, which were hard to tell apart, soared above. Decades ago, when my grandfather first called this place home, there was a large nest of ravens here. He named our pack after the birds, but over the years, the population had dwindled.
I enjoyed watching the birds circling in the sky, then disappearing into the trees. It would be quite the experience to fly, but I wouldn’t trade my wolf for anything. I felt the rush of air against my fur just fine on the ground in my wolf form. As convenient and awesome as flying was, I couldn’t fathom being anything other than my wolf when I shifted.
“Taya?” a voice said, interrupting my thoughts. “Mind if I join you?”
I glanced up to find Jamie standing at the edge of the deck. “Not at all. Have a seat.”
It felt like it had been forever since I had seen her even though it had just been a couple days. The smile that appeared on my face was sincere, and I was glad to have her as a friend.
Jamie sat down next to me, giving me a grin that told me I was either going to love or hate whatever came out of her mouth next. “Would you mind training me?”
“Training you?” Well, I hadn’t expected that.
“Yes. I didn’t like getting left behind yesterday. When I worked for Declan, he never taught me how to fight. I was always on guard within the house, but never where any action happened. I was basically a glorified monitoring system. I want to be Caleb’s equal like you are with Liam.”
That was something I was more than happy to focus on while we still had time. I wouldn’t be able to make her Caleb’s equal before we left for the Catskills, but I could at least give her a training regimen that she could continue to work on there. Even talk to Liam and Caleb about making sure she had someone who would help her from their pack.
“I would be happy to give you the kind of confidence and strength that every woman should have if they choose to. But even if you’re not Caleb’s equal in strength, you should always know that a woman’s strength is not only measured by physical things; it’s also mental. You survived years under Declan’s thumb and still chose to do the right thing when you saw what he was doing and had the opportunity. That takes a tremendous amount of courage that not all people would have.”
Jamie’s fair-skinned cheeks turned crimson with the compliment as she let her blonde hair fall forward. “Thank you. It means a lot coming from you.”
“Enough with the mushy stuff. Go get changed and meet me out front. Be prepared to have your ass kicked and discover muscles you never knew existed.”
She visibly gulped but recovered with a grin. “Give me everything you’ve got.”
I didn’t think she really meant that, but I’d give her everything I could considering I was still healing from the rounds I went yesterday with Rafe. Wolf healing was quick, but not that quick. I wasn’t too worried about it. As long as Jamie felt better when we were done, then that was all that mattered. Maybe having a sister-in-law would be one of the bright spots of my foreseeable future, if she didn’t hate me after what I was about to do.