Page 27 of The Brave (Black Arrowhead #6)

A fter Atticus left, I got to work on his knit hat. Picking the colors and doing a few test runs kept me busy the rest of the day… until I finished it early.

Then I had nothing to occupy my mind.

That evening, a few packmates set up board games. Montana and Tak excused themselves, which was out of character. They were closely monitoring the situation with Krys and Atticus by communicating on a backup phone. When Lucian abruptly left in the middle of a Monopoly game, I felt a gnawing in the pit of my stomach and couldn’t finish the game.

Instead of sleeping in my bed, I walked out to the heat house and curled up in the bed we’d slept in. Catcher refused to let me sleep alone. Though he always patrolled the property at night, he stayed with me in the heat house. He must have sensed my nervousness or noticed the pack was behaving differently, because when I woke up, he remained by my side even at the table.

The rest of the day stretched on as I waited for news. By evening, Melody suggested we go to the Rabbit Lounge to get out of the house. Virgil tagged along, but I knew it was all a ploy to get me away.

“They don’t want me to overhear anything,” I said while removing my blue shawl. “Being in the dark is worse.”

Melody put her feet up in the adjacent chair. “It sucks, I know, but Tak’s just trying to protect you.” She stared at her plate. “These are the most disgusting nachos I’ve ever eaten.”

“I heard that!” Calvin barked from a nearby table where he was taking a break.

I giggled and waved at the poor man, who had reluctantly made us a plate of nachos. They only served food at lunch, but Melody was hungry, so I told Calvin that my baby needed nachos. Though he balked about it, I could see why Mercy liked him. He had a soft spot.

“Are you sure you don’t want one?” Melody shoved the plate toward me.

“With an endorsement like that? I respectfully decline.”

Catcher jumped to his feet and smacked his lips.

“Looks like we have a winner.” Melody waved the plate in front of his nose, and he gobbled up the remaining chips.

“Why does he get to be in here?” A customer pointed at Catcher.

Calvin raked back his long grey hair and scowled. “Because he has manners, jackass. Your wolf pissed on my bar.”

“That was seven years ago,” the man grumbled.

Melody pulled her faded pink hair up into a ponytail and tied it. “Catcher must think you need a watchdog again.” She looked down at him. “Don’t you know that Atticus is coming back?”

When I scratched the wolf’s ear, he put his head on the armrest of my wooden chair. “He’s acting stranger than usual. I don’t know what to make of it. It’s been a fight just to keep him out of the bathroom.”

“Well, Catcher’s weird,” she replied, then glanced over at me. “That dress looks good on you. I’m so used to seeing you in baggy clothes.”

My pea-green dress showed off my curvy figure. I wondered why Atticus had chosen something so formfitting. I once asked him how he felt about my weight and the possibility that I might never have my old body back. I hadn’t expected his reaction. He said he found me irresistible and made me promise never to bring up weight again.

Well, who could argue with that?

I’d spent my life striving to keep the hourglass shape of a celebrity, and now I was finally comfortable in my own skin. The biggest lesson this pregnancy had taught me was not to depend on the approval of others.

We watched Virgil doing a handstand on the bar while singing “Lights” by Journey, which was playing on the vintage jukebox.

His voice was mesmerizing.

A man shouted, “I’ll pay you to shut the hell up!” and threw a handful of pennies at him.

Calvin didn’t seem to care what happened in his bar so long as nobody shifted or stole his booze. But from the moment I walked in, he stubbed out every cigarette that lit up.

For me.

When the song ended, Virgil jumped off the bar and collided with a tall fellow heading out. He wrapped his arms around the man to catch his balance, but the two crashed onto the floor.

“It’s no surprise I’m the designated driver,” Melody remarked. “I guess I can’t complain. They had to carry me out that one time when I tried the house drink. Sensory magic is ten times stronger than alcohol. I thought I was teleporting to another dimension.”

“I can drive.”

She snorted. “You can barely get out of the car without assistance. Be right back.”

Melody hopped up and headed toward Virgil. Her black-and-purple patchwork jeans were her favorites, and she matched them with a purple undershirt, cropped black sweatshirt, and colorful sneakers. I’d never met anyone so sure of who she was and not afraid to show the world. She once told me her talent didn’t come naturally, but she had always been interested in clothes and designs, making mistakes along the way. Seeing her create a company out of that dream encouraged me to discover my own passions.

After dragging Virgil back to the table, Melody pulled out a chair and shoved him into the seat. “Stay.” She patted his head. “Good boy.”

Virgil flipped back his unkempt hair, revealing glassy eyes.

“How much did you have to drink?” I asked.

He shrugged and stared at the table. Virgil wasn’t acting himself today. Usually sensory drinks or alcohol brought out his lively or introspective personality. Tonight, he was all over the place. One minute grumpy, the next performing, and now melancholy.

“Leave me alone!” he shouted over his shoulder. Then he put his head down on the table. “We should be with them. Packs stick together. What if they die?”

Melody kicked him beneath the table.

“Ow! Stop kicking Chastity!”

Melody chortled. “The cat tat?”

Virgil bent over, and when he sat up again, he put his right leg on the table, his jeans pulled up to the knee. “She’s my protector.”

Melody examined the tattoo. The cat on his shin was positioned so it was sitting on his ankle, turned away but looking over its shoulder at you. The green eyes were eerily realistic. “It’s a house cat. You shoulda got a panther or something cool.”

“Shows what you know,” he muttered while putting his foot back on the floor.

“If you two think this little outing is distracting me, you’re wrong,” I informed them. “I’m worried sick that something will happen to Atticus, and not talking about it makes it worse.”

Virgil frowned. “What about Krys? He’s your packmate.”

“Him too. Both of them.”

Melody reached for her drink. “If we hadn’t sent them, we’d always be looking over our shoulders for assassins. Tak would’ve sent Lakota if he wasn’t the beta. He’s got experience as a bounty hunter. I’m not sure about Krys’s expertise, but he’s got big wolf energy, so…”

When a Mage by the front doors wielded an energy ball, bouncing it between his hands, everyone stopped what they were doing.

Calvin shot up. “You got two seconds to put that out before I shove a pool cue up your ass!”

Catcher shot across the bar and terrorized the Mage, who quickly snuffed out the light and sat down.

“Show-off,” Calvin grumbled before heading back to the bar.

I delved in my purse and retrieved the note Atticus had left me. I must have read it a million times since yesterday morning.

Joy,

I have gone to slay your dragons.

Forever yours,

Atticus

“Is that from Atticus?” Melody asked. “Can I see?”

I passed her the note and touched the dragonfly pendant around my neck. It was filled with diamonds—real ones. Sparkly things never impressed me, but this gift was special. Atticus wasn’t trying to buy my love—he already had it. The gift symbolized his commitment in the same way humans wore wedding rings. Once the baby came, I would wear it on special occasions since shifting could break jewelry or even injure us. This tangible bauble kept Atticus close to my heart.

“This is sweet.” Melody returned the note. “He’s a good man.”

I tucked the note back in my purse. “How did you know Lakota was the one?”

She gave me an impish grin. “Besides the fact he’s hot in bed?” Melody laughed. “I’ve had a crush on him since forever, but I’m not sure if there was a singular moment. Maybe when he saved me in a snowstorm, but I was just a teenager and didn’t know the difference between love and a crush. Lakota challenges me, and I need that kind of support with the business and everything. He’s nothing like the guys I dated in the past. Lakota wants me to succeed and is genuinely interested in my work. Sometimes I think he pushes me more than he pushes himself. The mind boggles.”

“What about the other girls? How did they know?”

She shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. You know, I asked Cici once, and she told me she knew Archer was the one because he makes her laugh.”

“I don’t need laughter,” I admitted. It became apparent that each of us had different needs, and maybe part of love was finding someone who fulfilled them.

Melody leaned on the table and tucked her chin in her palm. “What do you like about Atticus? How does he make you feel?”

“Safe. But that’s not why I love him.” It was impossible to conceal my smile. “When he’s around, I feel like myself again— like the young woman I’d forgotten about. The one who loves to be silly and have deep conversations. I don’t have to pretend with him, and he doesn’t expect me to be anything or anyone. Maybe that’s all I’ve ever wanted—someone who loves me the way I am despite my size, my condition, my humdrum life, my uncertainty about everything. Even my manicure needs help.”

Melody put her hand over mine. “You’re gorgeous. And I don’t mean because of that whole Marilyn thing. You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met, always giving us hugs and asking how we’re doing. I’m not a very lovey-dovey girl who asks about people’s feelings. But you have this magic power of spotting when someone’s down or needs a friend. And don’t talk about your size. I’d kill for your figure.” She sat back. “Well, minus the baby.”

We both laughed.

Melody glanced down at her sweatshirt. “I’m small on top, if you know what I mean.”

“We all know what you mean,” Virgil murmured, his head on the table.

“You don’t want kids?” I asked.

She shook her head. “I’m not ready.”

“Neither was I, but here we are.”

I swung my attention up to Salem, who appeared at our table. “Where did you come from?”

He gripped the back of my chair. “I just finished a job down the road. Can we talk?” Salem’s brown eyes were far too serious, and I realized we’d both been avoiding a conversation that was long overdue.

As I stood, a twinge in my back made me wince. “We won’t be long.”

Melody pulled her phone out. “Take your time. I found a word-puzzle app on my phone, and I haven’t figured out today’s word.”

Salem led me down the back hall.

When I spotted Catcher following, I pointed for him to leave us alone. After a reluctant snort, he turned away and guarded the hall entrance.

Salem gestured to a door. “Do you want me to rent one of these private rooms so you can sit down?”

“No, this is fine. I’ve been meaning to talk to you, but there hasn’t been an opportunity.”

He gripped his wrist and leaned against the wall. “I hope he hasn’t swayed your opinion. I’m giving you a solid offer—one we’ll both benefit from. That Vampire could hurt you. And do you think a wealthy man like him really wants to live in a pack? He’ll get tired of it fast, and then what? Will you upend your life and move in with him? I can offer you security, a father for the baby, companionship, stability?—”

“But not love.”

He shrugged. “Love fades. It’s just chemicals reacting to one another.”

I stepped closer. “Have you ever been in love, Salem? There’s more to a relationship than a business transaction.”

He arched an eyebrow and gave me a solemn look. “Is love enough? This is a onetime offer, Joy. I’ve given up my life to help you.”

“And I will always love you for that.” I clasped his hand in mine, gratitude overriding any animosity for what he had done in the past. “You have a good heart, and you wouldn’t be making this offer if you didn’t. You’re kind, intelligent, and helpful. But each night when we went to bed, you had nothing to say to me except maybe asking about my heartburn. I can’t imagine that being my future. This isn’t just about me anymore; it’s about the baby. I want a father who isn’t just there to patch up a skinned knee but to kiss the pain away. A father who tucks them in and tells them a bedtime story. Someone who will scoop that child up in his arms and make them feel loved. So yes, love is enough.”

Salem lowered his head. “You might regret this.”

I let go of his hand. “Salem, you’re my packmate, and I hope you never leave because of this. You’re not just a healer to our pack; they enjoy your company… even if you’re closed off. That’s just your way. Save yourself for someone who deserves you.”

He scratched his forehead. “Is it because of what I did?” His lips pressed into a thin line, and his brown eyes glittered with guilt.

I cupped his cheeks in my hands. “As far as I’m concerned, everything you’ve done for me, my baby, and this pack absolves you from your ties with that lab.”

He tried to turn his head away but failed. “I ignored the possibility that people were suffering.”

“Look at me.” When Salem risked a glance, I said, “Honey, I forgive you. It’s time that you forgive yourself.”

When Salem leaned forward, I wrapped my arms around him. I didn’t blame him anymore. It was obvious that he would always be affected by the choice he’d made. No wonder he was desperate to be a better man, but mating shouldn’t be an apology.

While I expected a quiet sob, Salem stoically leaned out of my grasp and heaved a sigh. Something was broken inside him. Either that or he just didn’t feel things the same way others did. For a healer, he was a dispassionate man, and it made me realize how I needed something more than a casual friendship with a partner.

Atticus not only expressed his emotions but was attuned to mine. We were physically affectionate and easily communicated our thoughts and opinions. We cuddled at night, shared secrets, and I still got butterflies thinking about him.

Salem would make a wonderful uncle—someone my child could talk to about practical matters and learn from. But Atticus… he would make a wonderful father.

When I stepped back, Salem dipped his chin and stared into my soul. In that moment, he had relinquished all responsibility to me, and a quiet acknowledgment passed between us before he walked away.

I hurried into the bathroom and splashed water on my face. Even though we would remain packmates, it felt like we had ended things between us, and I didn’t expect the sudden grief. I was indebted to him and always would be.

“It’s going to be okay. Everything’s going to be all right.”

My hands clutched the sink when a dull pain radiated throughout my lower abdomen.

All I could think about was Tak getting the dreaded call that Atticus didn’t make it—that someone took his head. And what if something happened to Krys? We weren’t close, but it would devastate Archer.

I dried my face with a paper towel.

The door swung open, and Melody appeared. “Are you okay? Salem bolted without a word. Did you two have a fight?”

I wiped my tears with the paper towel so she wouldn’t notice. “Everything’s fine. We just never had a chance to settle things between us. Does it seem hot in here to you?”

“It’s these old lights,” she said, pointing up. “Come on. Let’s see if we can talk Calvin into heating up some burgers. I happen to know for a fact there are cooked patties in the fridge left over from lunch. Bear always saves a few extra plates in case one of us shows up. You didn’t eat much at dinner.”

I joined her at the door. “How am I supposed to have an appetite with all the scheming going on in the house?”

“Don’t feel bad; they’re not even telling me what’s going on.” She opened the door, and the music volume seemed to turn up.

A warm sensation tickled my leg. When I bent forward and looked down, my face flushed from embarrassment.

Did I just pee?

Melody turned around and followed my gaze to the wet floor. “Oh my God. Oh my God! Your water just broke!”

“It can’t be. The baby must have stepped on my bladder.”

Her green eyes widened. “Have you felt any contractions?”

“Milly said they’re Braxton-Hicks.”

“You’re having a baby!”

I stepped back and looked at the puddle. “Shouldn’t it be more than that? Like a water balloon popping?”

Her hands trembled as she patted her pockets. “My phone’s in my purse. Stay here! Virgil!”

Melody sprinted down the short hall and disappeared out of sight.

This didn’t feel like labor. It had to be a false alarm. I stared at the water on the floor, but it wasn’t as much as I thought it would be. More trickled down my leg.

A man in flannel sauntered toward me and smiled at my belly. Then he glanced down. “ Holy shit. Is that what I think it is?” He turned on his heel and returned to the main room. “Calvin! You better get in there—you’ve got a leak!”

Now would be a great time for the ground to swallow me whole. “Why did I have to wear a dress?”

Catcher was still sitting at the end of the hall, watching all the commotion. But then he turned his head and sniffed in my direction. When he trotted up to me, he whined and bumped his nose against my belly.

“She’s in here!” The man returned, but when he moved toward me, Catcher lunged and threatened to bite his arm off.

The guy held up his hands and backed out of sight.

Calvin gripped his leather vest and stared at me from the end of the hallway. “You better lie down in one of those back rooms until the cavalry arrives. There’s a couch.” He gestured to the private room behind me.

Worried by everyone’s reactions, I walked to the door but discovered it locked.

“I’ll get the key,” he said.

Virgil skidded into view and assessed the situation. “Is Mel just messing with me?” Behind him, Melody was pacing with the phone to her ear.

“I think I’m having the baby.”

He noticed my hand gripping the door handle. “Not in there, you’re not!” Virgil rushed forward and slipped on the amniotic fluid. His back hit the floor with a sickening thud.

Catcher barked at him, and the pandemonium was scaring me.

“I got the key!” Calvin called out while holding his arm up like a man who had just found gold. “Call off your wolf.”

Virgil climbed to his feet. “You’re not having a baby in there.”

“I’m just going to lie down.”

“Sure, that’s how it all starts. The next thing you know, you’re biting on a wooden spoon and pushing out a tiny human.” He closed the distance between us and picked me up. When he did, I was certain I heard something in his back pop. A vein bulged in his forehead as he gave me a thorny look. “We’re not delivering a baby in a bar. Especially tonight.”

“What? Put me down!”

He turned and hurried down the hall. “Move out of the way!”

“Virgil!” Melody tried blocking him while talking on the phone. “He’s carrying her through the bar. What do we do?”

“I’m driving,” Virgil called out as he rounded a pool table.

“I’ll drive,” she insisted. “Everyone’s seen how you drive.”

“Fine. I’m sure she’d love nothing more than having me in the back seat with my head between her legs to catch the baby.”

“You’re drunk.”

“I’m depressed,” he grunted. “There’s a difference. I know my limit, and I haven’t crossed it.”

“Get out of the way!” Calvin shouted. “Make room, motherfuckers!”

Catcher zipped ahead of us and snarled at everyone in our path.

Meanwhile, Virgil was straining so much I thought he might give birth instead. “So glad I started lifting weights. So glad I started lifting.”

“Put me down! I can wait here until Milly comes.” I clutched his neck, afraid he would drop me.

“It’s a bar, Joy. You don’t want a baby coming into the world around these knuckleheads. Besides that, some of them might get attached. They just love babies.”

Virgil wasn’t making sense. None of this was making sense.

“I’ll call Milly,” Melody shouted before smacking into someone.

Several men blocked the door. Hamish—our surly neighbor with the ridiculously styled mustache—was dead center.

“You won’t find Milly at home,” he said, arms folded. His local accent and textured voice made him sound like the new sheriff in town. All he lacked was a gold star pinned to his chest.

Melody stared at her phone. “She’s not answering.”

A smile crawled up Hamish’s face. “That’s because she’s gone down to San Antonio. She visits her sister for her birthday every year. That’s why we don’t rely on her anymore.” He tipped his head to the side and stared at my belly. “We have midwives in my pack. I’m guessing by the panicked looks on your faces that you don’t have anything like that.” When he leaned in closer, Catcher growled. “I could use a pretty bitch in my pack. Word on the street is you don’t have a mate.”

“Back the hell up or else,” Virgil warned him.

Hamish arched an eyebrow at him. “If you want to swing at me, son, I’ll take it up later with the Council.”

Virgil arched back and tightened his grip. “Only chickenshits involve the Council.”

Hamish narrowed his eyes at him before directing his attention at me. “Do you really belong with these stooges? A single mother needs a strong pack. Come home with me and I’ve got experienced midwives who’ll hold your hand through the entire thing.” He wound a lock of my hair around his finger. “What if something goes wrong?”

“Don’t you say that to her!” Melody snapped.

“You need a protective mate,” he continued, “and I’ve got plenty of strong packmates to pick from. My new beta’s single, and I think you two already know each other. Would you like that?”

Melody scoffed. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

He turned a sharp eye toward her. “I would too if I were mated to that loser of yours.”

At the sound of laughter, Melody lunged, but one of Hamish’s men caught her around the waist.

Hamish walked behind me. “Last chance. I’ve got more wealth, more land, and a larger pack to protect you. Offers like these come once in a lifetime.”

I twisted my head around to see him. “Tell your men to get out of our way.”

He jerked his chin, signaling his packmates to move.

“Prick,” Virgil muttered while carrying me through the doorway.

Catcher was trotting too close in front, and Virgil tripped over him. The wolf yelped when we sailed forward. Virgil somehow did a midair spin right before crashing on top of Melody, who had lunged to grab me. We tumbled to the ground in a heap, Melody and Catcher cushioning the fall.

“Are you okay?” Virgil grunted.

I was lying belly up on top of them. “I think so.”

Virgil made a plaintive sound. “Something’s poking me in the ass.”

While crawling out from beneath us, Melody’s hair had come halfway out of her ponytail. She rubbed her face where a bottlecap had stuck to her cheek.

From the bottom of the pile, Catcher’s tail thumped. My shoe slipped off when I sat up and assessed the ludicrous scene. “Maybe I should try walking on my own two feet. It might be safer that way.”

Virgil grimaced as he pulled his arm out from beneath me and sat up. “Can you fit in the car?”

“She didn’t gain three hundred pounds since we got here,” Melody fired back.

I laughed at the four of us rolling around. Poor Catcher looked discombobulated after he wriggled free.

Once we untwisted ourselves, I glanced at the door. “I can’t believe Hamish had the gall to invite me into his pack. Can you imagine?”

Melody stood up. “He made Mercy an offer once, before she got together with Bear. Something tells me women aren’t eager to join his posse, and he’s getting desperate to keep the men from leaving.”

Another cramp hit me, and I cradled my belly. Catcher licked my face and neck before barking impatiently at Virgil.

Once it passed, I clutched Virgil’s arm while he helped me up. “I’m scared. I can’t do this without Milly.”

“We’ll find her,” Melody promised. “Don’t worry. Tak will fly her back home if he has to.”

Virgil snorted. “Good luck. Something tells me that woman looks forward to her vacations.” He put his arm around me. “Don’t worry, sugarplum. You’re in expert hands. Tak once pulled a foal out of a horse. He said it got stuck and he had to turn it around.”

Melody slapped the back of his head. “Don’t tell her stuff like that! Joy, don’t listen to him.” She flanked me from the other side as they walked me to the car. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ve seen this on TV lots of times. Just breathe. Don’t forget to breathe.”

“How do you forget to breathe?” Virgil asked as we crossed the parking lot. “What we need is hot water. Lots of hot water.”

While the two of them bantered, I dwelled on Hamish’s question. Could Salem handle a risky delivery? He used to work in emergency medicine, but he didn’t have experience with Shifters in labor. Was it a baby or a wolf that was coming out? What if it shifted during labor? Was it turned the right way? What if there were complications?

Atticus, please be okay. Please come home. I need you.