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“On it.” A wolf as white as he was came in, nodded to him, and grinned. “I’m Niall. I’m so pleased to meet Rory’s mate. I hear congratulations are in order. Honestly, I wish we couldhave better circumstances. Luann, dearest, can you bring me my first aid kit?”

This was the shaman. He seemed oddly familiar, in a soul-deep sort of way, and as they looked at one another time seemed to shimmer, Fen’s wolf surging to the surface and begging to be released.

“What clan are you from?” Fen asked, and Niall shrugged.

“I don’t know. We can talk about it, but let me deal with this first.”

Luann came in with four little ones carrying a big wicker box with them. “Sorry, the kids wanted to help.”

Niall’s eyes went wide. “Oh, that’s very nice. Now, why don’t we take them in the other room, so that I can kind of evaluate the situation, and when kisses are needed to help with the boo-boos, we’ll call them.”

“Papa, I am not a baby. I don’t give kisses for boo-boos. I’m here to help.”

Oh dear. That was a very definite little one.

“Sorry, Isabella, I know that you are old enough to help. In fact, would you like to play nurse for me?”

She straightened up, her chin lifting. “Of course. Who’s hurt?”

Niall smiled at her, head tilting. “Use your nose, child. Do you smell it? The copper penny smell? That’s blood. That’s the one who’s hurt.”

The advice was offered over, not in a sarcastic manner, but gently, and the young girl sniffed before heading straight for Dean. “Let’s get that shirt off so that Papa can see.”

Fen fought his smile as Niall and the little one worked on Dean. It was more than a scratch, but not a bullet hole. It needed care though—it already seemed angry.

Fen was fascinated by Niall. He wanted to know where the shaman was from, or where his people came from. He looked asif he could be Fen’s cousin, and that was exciting. Everyone in his old pack assumed that they were the only Arctic wolves that had made it down this far.

But obviously not.

Obviously, there was a reason that Jameson and Keegan hadn’t decided that he must leave. They were used to seeing a white wolf about.

“Is he going to be okay, do you think?” Liam asked.

And Fen nodded. “Yes, yes. Keep it clean, keep it covered. He’ll be fine. There’ll be a scar.”

Liam shrugged. “Scars are just stories. He’s going to milk this one for weeks.”

Dean was pale, sweating, and maybe not ready to brag just yet.

Fen shook off his need to know about Niall for now. “Is anyone else hit? Can I help the alphas in any way?” he asked.

“I think they want everyone to stay inside for now. While they search the perimeter.”

“Of course.” He felt…more than useless. He should be more alpha. He’d lost his family because of it.

Niall looked at him calmly over Dean’s arm. “You are who you are, Fen. And that is who you are needed to be. Do not doubt the goddess.”

“I don’t, but I’m trying so hard…”

“Your mate knows. So does your pack.”

“I—thank you.” Staring into Niall’s eyes left him feeling…calm. Like he could breathe finally.

Are you okay, love? Is everyone all right?

Rory had a sixth sense for him.

I am. Dean took a little graze to the arm, but everyone is okay, and Niall is going to heal him right up, I’m sure. He’s…amazing.And I think he might be pack. He kept that thought to himself, he hoped.