Page 3

Amazing. They took me in, and they didn’t have to.

I trust you.And with that, the wolf went limp.

“Hurry, Jameson! He’s passed out.”

“Good. I don’t have to be so careful! Hold on.”

“I’m on it.” He held onto the truck with one hand and the wolf with his other. He didn’t want them falling out. They came to a stop not much later at the village, people pouring out of cabins.

Rory refused to leave the wolf. He’d made a promise, and he would keep it. So he stuck close as Jameson carried the wolf to the healer’s hut, his legs giving out so he flopped down next to the pallet they laid the wolf on.

“Can you help him?”

“Of course we can. He’s weak, but the wound is clean, still.” One of the healers swatted at him. “Have faith.”

“I want to. He’s just hurting really bad.” And it made him want to bawl. He wished he had some sort of magical healing ability, but he was just a dude who hauled shit up and down the mountain.

He was a fairly reasonable babysitter and a half-fine cook too, but it wasn’t anything that fixed anything.

“Then sit with him and evince your will to the universe, Rory. Tell him he has to recover.”

“I can do that.”Don’t give up, pretty wolf. You’ve come so far. Please. Don’t give up. It would…it would break my heart.

No…breaking you.That mental voice was thready. Faint. But there. And…amused?

No. No breaking me, please.He didn’t need that. He was finally feeling like there was somewhere he could be.

I’m—I’m here.That fluffy tail moved just slightly.

You’re beautiful. I’m Rory. Rory Calhoun. What’s your name?

Fen. My name is Fen.The mental voice seemed a little stronger, as if Rory gave him something to focus on.

“His name is Fen.”I’m so glad to meet you. Honest.

“Good. That’s good.” The healer gave him an odd glance but kept working on Fen’s shoulder. “Stay with us, Fen.”

Yeah, no leaving. I want to get to know you. You’re safe now, remember?

I am? You promise? They shot me.

Not anyone from this pack. I swear.And if they had, Jameson and Keegan would bite them.You’re safe. I’ll protect you.

Thank you, Rory Calhoun. I’m so tired.

“There we go. The bullet is out, and I think he’ll heal up fine. He needs to stay shifted for a bit so he heals faster, but this was less invasive than I thought.”

“I’ll stay with him.” He’d promised he would.

“You’re a good egg, Rory. I’m going to go steep some herbs to put in some water for him. That will help him heal.”

“I’ll be right here to help, fair?”

“Fair enough.”

Rory… Hurts.

I’m so sorry. The bullet’s out, though. I…He stroked the soft fur, wishing with all he was that his wolf would be okay.