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“We got lonely while you hid, angel,” Pan said.

“Like you’re not running.” The words slipped out. A low blow.

“From you? Never. I can’t tell you how dark my world became when you walked out of the hospital. I’d never willingly run from you, Tully. All I want is a chance to prove you can trust me, that I can be the a-alpha you need.” Pan stumbled over the word.

“Who are you doing it for?”

Why didn’t he make the changes when Walden asked? What made this situation any different?

Pan’s forehead wrinkled and pain flashed before he closed his eyes. “I’m doing this for me. There is a future with a better version of me in it, Tully. One day, I hope we’re in it together.”

“I’m proud of you, but don’t hinge your success on me. I’m on my own healing journey, and I don’t know what the future looks like.”

Pan’s chest heaved. Ajax and Walden looked like the silence pained them.

“Whatever we have to do to earn a space in your heart, we’ll do it.” Color was absent from Ajax’s cheeks and lips.

I felt the pull toward them, so strong it scared me. And I extricated myself from Lloyd’s warmth as my ribs knitted together. Some of the breathlessness from before raced back and my lungs shrank. My shoulder throbbed-throbbed-throbbed and Chase’s violent scent lingered.

Walden tracked the movement with a sigh. “Whatever you want. But I have one request.”

My head snapped back. “What’s that?”

“You move back in with us. CJ knows where you live, and he will retaliate.”

I swallowed hard and stared at the faces of Baylark Pack. I wanted my independence, and to heal the long held hurt in my heart. But Walden was right, if high-handed. Chase wouldn’t stop, and he’d proven he would do anything to put me in my place.

“Alright. But there will be ground rules. I am not a part of your pack.”

Walden stepped back, and relief painted his features. “Thank you.”

“I hate to interrupt this moment, but I want to make it very clear. You have options, sweetheart.” Clay cleared his throatand motioned between Thorn and him. “We already know your coffee order.”

Thorn’s eyes twinkled, a sight that made my mouth drop open as he added, “I’ll bring you coffee in bed, if that’s what you want, lamb.”

Was he trying to get himself killed?

“Don’t call her that,” Walden said through gritted teeth, and I got between them as their twisted alpha scents burned my nostrils.

“Why?” Thorn pressed close enough for his warmth to whisper at me. His tone was taunting.

“She’s not soft, and she’s not helpless,” Pan explained, and I crossed my arms as I stared at them all.

Thorn hovered his finger in the air, close to my cheek. “Looks pretty soft to me.” He let out a jaded laugh as a chorus of growls rolled through the air.

I dashed his hand away with a scowl.

“You’re right. I’m not soft or helpless. Also, not any of yours.” I turned on my heel and left them as I stomped away to pack.

35

Walden

“So, Thorn. You seem well acquainted. Enough that he organized a home for you?” Sybil sidled up to Tully, tossing Thorn a look of interest. I didn’t like the way Tully looked at him, like he was her savior.

I wanted to be that.

Thorn, Ajax, and Pan carried in the ratty couch Tully had in her apartment. Clay leaped up onto the middle with his head tipped back in mirth. He did it for Tully’s benefit, tossing her a wink. I didn’t like that either. How they insisted on driving her over, and how they knew parts of her I didn’t.