Page 188 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha

I propped myself up on my elbow and looked down at him. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He moved his hand to my shoulder and continued to caress me.

“If you still feel that Samuel has information to give us, then we should get what we can from him now. Troy’s only going to get more aggressive in his future attacks because he’s searching for something he’ll never find: the key that’ll open that portal. ”

I started to tear up. This was the Night I’d been missing, this brilliant, intelligent, thoughtful man. The man who made me feel precious and loved. I was so glad to have him back again.

I sniffled and nodded. “I agree. And I was thinking it might be good to bring Tavi along to help Samuel through it.”

Night was confused for a second, but then he understood. “You’re thinking she would be able to understand him in a way you and I can’t.”

“Yeah, because she’s experienced life-changing trauma.”

“Too much,” Night agreed. “All right, we’ll ask her when we get down there, see if she’s up to something like that.”

I leaned down and kissed him deeply. His hand slipped down my back, sending goosebumps in its wake. I pulled away, and my voice was shaky as I murmured, “Let’s get going before we get too distracted.”

Oh, but his answering chuckle was so charming, so tantalizing. It took an unbelievable level of will to not let his sexiness drag me back into that haze of ecstasy…

I gasped and sprang up. “I started making porridge!” I rushed to the door. “I hope I didn’t burn it!”

Night’s laugh followed me out the door, leaving me warm and content. I had my mate back.

Fortunately, the porridge hadn’t burned at all. The rice had dissolved more than I liked, but it was tasty, filling, and comforting. Eating it with the pickled vegetables added some wonderful acidity.

The weather was starting to clear when we made it to Kings territory. Dom, Tavi, and Samara were waiting for us.

“Bryn, it’s been so boring here without you,” Tavi said, hugging me.

I laughed and hugged her back tightly. I remembered the days when she wasn’t as eager to show this physical affection to anyone, male or female. Now she was almost as quick with her hugs as when we first met. I was happy that she was healing so well.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better, Bryn,” Dom said as I wrapped my arms around his neck. His hugs were always warm and comforting.

“It’s good to see that you’re settling in, Samara,” Night said. “I hope you’re comfortable.”

“I am.” Her eyes lit up as she smiled. Samara no longer wore the linen dress that hid her body.

Instead, she was dressed in jeans and a black hoodie.

I recognized the brand logo on the sleeve—the hoodie was one of Tavi’s.

Tavi had left most of her baggier clothes behind in favor of long sleeves and leggings, but the clothing was perfect for Samara’s taller form.

“How are you liking things?” I asked as Dom released me.

“It’s taken some time to get used to the freedom women have here,” she replied.

“But I am getting used to it. I must admit, I find your people strange compared to the values my father holds dear.” There was an emphasis on the way she said “father,” a weight in the word that bore resentment.

“But your people are also very kind,” she finished. “I really appreciate your having me.”

I touched Samara’s arm lightly. “Stay as long as you like. We’re glad you’re having a good time.”

Still a bit stiff and more polite than was necessary, she inclined her head in thanks.

I liked her. Knowing what I knew about her life on Camas territory, I couldn’t help but relate to her.

My childhood had been difficult, and even though it wasn’t as hard as what she and the other women of her pack endured, I knew what it was like to not have a voice.

I hoped Samara would find her voice here.

“You and I should talk more, Samara,” I said, “but later. Right now, we’re on a mission.”

Dom raised a brow. “Did you two make some headway on the Troy situation?”

“Not really,” Night replied. “But we’re hoping to.”

I turned to Tavi. “We’re going to speak to Samuel again, and we need you with us, Tavi.”

Surprise flitted over her face, but a second later, she nodded. “I’m here for whatever you need from me.”

“Great.” I smiled. “Come on, I’ll explain on the way.”

We left the three and headed to the Granbys’ cabin.

The sun was high above us by the time we reached the door that was painted to look like the sky.

Samuel had added more detail since we’d last been here: a couple more clouds and a flock of flying birds.

The additions made it look even better, lending a dreaminess to the peaceful scene.

“You sure you’re up for this, Tav?” Night asked.

“Yes.” She answered a little too quickly. When she noticed the concern on Night’s face and mine, she amended her answer. “I mean, I am a little nervous, but I want to help as much as I can. And before you ask again, yes, I’m sure I want to do this.”

He smiled and patted her shoulder. “I understand. Let’s do this, then.” He turned from her and knocked on the door. We stood waiting, and a few seconds later, the door opened.

“Oh!” Cathy said. “What a surprise. If I’d known the alpha and the den mother were coming, I’d have made something tasty.” She spotted Tavi standing slightly behind Night. “And Octavia’s here, too? Well, now I feel unprepared.”

I shook my head and smiled. “Don’t worry, Cathy, we don’t expect anything like that. Do you mind if we come in?”

“Not at all. Come in, come in.” She stepped aside for us to enter her living room, shutting the door behind us. “Adam, we have guests! You three take the couch, Adam and I will stand.”

I shot a subtle look at Night and raised my eyebrows as Tavi and I sat down.

He gave a brief nod back and leaned against the wall beside me.

So, we’d both noticed it: Cathy was more open to this impromptu visit than she’d been the first time.

What had put her in such a good mood? Not that I was complaining about such a warm reception.

“Who made this?” Tavi asked as she patted the white-and-gray knitted blanket draped across the back of the couch.

“I did,” Cathy said. “I haven’t felt much like knitting lately, but I’ve been trying to get back into it. I’m even thinking of getting a stall in the marketplace.”

“We’d be happy to have your work there,” Night said.

“Hello,” Adam said as he stepped into the room. “It’s good to see you two again.”

Night nodded. “Likewise.”

“You both seem to be in really high spirits,” I said. “Is there any particular reason for that?”

“Oh, yes.” Cathy beamed. “For the first time in ten years, we’ve enjoyed leaving the house. People used to treat us like lepers, but that’s changed. When we head to the commons, people go out of their way to be kind.”

“I think that’s in large part because people are more open to talking about the missing pups,” Adam added. “And because there are a lot of Wargs who had no idea our pack suffered such a tragedy. We’ve been able to connect with others in ways we couldn’t before.”

“That’s great news,” Night said, grinning wide.

“It is,” Tavi agreed. “Does that open connection extend to Samuel? Has he found a way to reconnect?”

“Oh…” Both Cathy and Adam’s spirits dampened somewhat. They looked at each other, then sighed.

“He still refuses to leave our home, but he has gotten better in some ways since your last visit,” Adam said.

“His art has become less concerning. He uses colors and pastels more often, and he hasn’t had many nightmares. But as Adam said, he doesn’t leave the house.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.” Tavi frowned.

“Yes.” Cathy nodded. “All we can do is make him as comfortable as possible.”

I took a deep breath. “What if there was a way to help him? A way no one had tried before?”

After a beat, Adam chuckled. “Please forgive me for saying, Bryn, but I think I would assume it was snake oil. We’ve tried everything available to us. Art is all that helps him.”

“I understand that, Adam. And believe me, I don’t take any offense, but there is one more thing we can try.” I glanced at Night, and when I received another nod, I said, “I did it to get information about my birth mother.”

Adam and Cathy frowned.

“What exactly is this?” Cathy asked.

“It’s a ritual that allows me to enter someone else’s memories. I did it to learn more about my birth mother, and I think it could help unlock the memories that are keeping Samuel from living the life he wants.”

“I don’t know about that, Bryn. We appreciate the offer, but we don’t want to put our son through anything that will hurt him,” Cathy said.

“It’s only mentally taxing,” I assured them.

“It should help him move through whatever is holding him back,” Night added. “I’ve seen it being done, and I can tell you the ritual is completely safe.”

Adam was shaking his head. “You’re saying he would have to look through his traumatic memories? I don’t think that’s what’s best…”

“If I may?” Tavi said, raising her hand like she was in a classroom.

“I can…in some ways relate to your son. I’ve been through things that nearly broke me.

My biological family was murdered in a raid by the Kings.

And recently, I’ve had to endure several…

” she hesitated but found the strength to finish, “several violations at the hands of bad men.”

Cathy gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh, you poor thing. But you’re so young.”

Tavi gave a wan smile. “That’s what I heard a lot when I grew up—that I was too young to have lived through what I’ve lived through.

But I did. I lived. I’m here today because I’m surrounded by wonderful people and had to work through my trauma.

What Bryn is proposing to do with Samuel won’t be easy for him, true, but he will have his loving parents, his alpha, and the descendant of a pack mother right there by his side to help him. He’ll be in good hands.”

A tense silence descended on the room. The Granbys were very concerned, but it was apparent that they were starting to see things from our point of view.

“Adam, Cathy,” I said gently, hoping this would be the final push they needed to give us their permission. “This will help everyone. Samuel will be able to heal, and we’ll find out what happened to the other missing boys.”

Cathy let out a long breath. “Adam…” She looked at her mate, and he clasped her hand.

“Could you give us some time to talk this over?” he asked. “And speak to our son?”

“Of course,” Night, Tavi, and I said almost simultaneously. This wouldn’t be an easy decision to make, but I was sure they’d agree. They loved their son, and they, like us, wanted to help him as much as they could.