Page 11

TEN

Jensen

It’s over.

The Red Fog Pack Alphas didn’t go down without a fight. We spent all night rounding up the last of the Red Fog Pack members, so the Alpha and his family were all that was left.

We thought it would be easy, but they came prepared. They hired a few humans who all had guns. Miles and I were lucky to make it out with a couple of cuts and broken ribs. A few of my pack mates are in the hospital with gunshot wounds.

The Red Fog Pack’s higher-ups are all in the morgue. Their hired human help is there, too. I hate that it came to that, but my wolf and I are relieved this is finally over. Our mates and pack are safe, and that’s the most important thing.

My wolf paces inside me. She’s probably worried.

I wince as I shift in bed, my ribs protesting the movement. I know. The doctor is about to release us so we can go home and make it up to her.

Just leave, my wolf snarls.

“Do you have your phone?” Miles asks. “Mine’s dead.”

“Ryker took it. His was damaged in the fight, and he needed to call his mate, Eden.”

“He’s got to be around here somewhere,” Miles says, sitting up in his hospital bed.

We both startle as the hospital door bursts open. My wolf is on high alert but relaxes when my mate rushes in with Mabel behind her.

“Oh, my gosh!” Dillon cries when she sees me in the hospital bed.

“I’m fine,” I reassure her as she fusses over me.

“Fine? You’re in the hospital!”

“It was more as a precaution.”

She glares at me. “Don’t lie to me! What happened?”

“We were attacked,” Miles says. “We have a few cuts and bruises, a couple of broken ribs, but we’ll heal fast.”

“I was so scared,” Mabel says, hugging him tightly.

“I’m okay, mate,” he whispers.

“And it’s over. They’re all captured or dead,” I add.

“Well, that’s a relief.” Dillon sighs, but she still looks worried. “Why didn’t you call?”

“My phone is dead,” Miles says.

“And I gave mine to Ryker to make a call before I got wheeled in here,” I explain.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Mabel tells Miles.

“Me, too.”

“We’re about to be released,” I tell the girls.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Dillon asks me softly.

“I’m fine. Better now you’re here,” I whisper against her ear.

I pull her against me, ignoring the ache in my ribs as she hugs me. She smells like me, and my wolf practically purrs as we breathe her in.

“What exactly happened?” Mabel asks.

I share a look with Miles, and we silently agree to keep the details PG.

“We were out on patrol and caught a few of the Red Fog Pack members using the trail from yesterday. It was their go-to way of getting onto our land. A lot of them didn’t want a confrontation. I guess they were forced to because they gave up without much of a fight,” I tell the girls.

My wolf paces inside me as we remember what happened next.

“It was quiet for a few hours,” Miles continues, picking up where I left off. “I think they realized they were down to the last few members of the Red Fog Pack.”

“And that’s when the Alpha and his inner circle showed up. They attacked us. It was a…bad fight.”

“A few of our members were shot, but they’ll live. The Red Fog Pack members and their friends weren’t so lucky,” Miles finishes.

“I’m glad everyone is safe now,” Dillon murmurs.

“Me, too,” I agree.

Dillon shivers as I nuzzle her neck, my lips moving over the bite mark.

The door opens again, and a doctor enters with our discharge paperwork. Dillon stands by my bedside as I sign the forms. Miles is busy doing the same. I grab my papers and Dillon’s hand, but Ryker enters before we can leave.

“Hey, man. Sorry, I lost you before I could give this back to you,” Ryker says as he hands me my phone.

“Thanks.”

“You must be Dillon,” he says, smiling at my mate.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Dillon says with a smile.

“I’ll let you two get out of here. Rest up, and let us know if you need anything,” Ryker tells Miles and me.

My wolf paws at me, and I squeeze Dillon’s hand as we head out. Miles and Mabel are right behind us as we make the short walk home.

I hesitate as I see Dillon studying my townhouse. “Do you want to see it?”

“Your house?”

“It’ll be our house if you move in with me.”

“You want me to?”

“Of course.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” I promise. “I love you, Dillon. I always will.”

“I love you, too.”

My wolf howls as I press my lips to hers. I smile as I pull back. “Come on. I’ll give you the grand tour.”

Then we’ll get her things and move her into our bedroom, my wolf says.

I grin in response.

As we step inside, I realize it finally feels like a home, not just a house. And that’s all because of my mate.